How to Set Up and Manage Your Parent's Phone Remotely

Your parent's phone rings and they have accidentally turned it to silent. Or they have installed something that looks like a scam. Or they cannot figure out why their texts are not sending. You are two hours away and cannot just pop over to fix it.

Remote access to their phone changes everything. With the right setup, you can see their screen, adjust settings, install or remove apps, and troubleshoot problems — all from your own phone or laptop. You can also block scam calls, set up automatic updates, and manage their contacts without needing to visit in person.

This guide walks you through setting this up on both iPhone and Android, step by step.

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Before You Start: Have the Conversation

Remote access means you can see and control your parent's phone. Be upfront about this. Most parents are relieved — it means you can fix things quickly without them having to describe what they are seeing on screen. But they should know it is set up and understand what you can and cannot see.

A good framing: "I want to set up something so when you call me with a phone problem, I can actually fix it for you from my house, the same way a repairman can fix your TV remotely."

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Option 1: Apple Screen Time (iPhone to iPhone)

If both you and your parent have iPhones, Apple's built-in Screen Time with Family Sharing is the simplest option. You do not need to install any third-party app.

What you can do with Screen Time

• See how much time they spend on each app
• Set app limits (useful if an app is confusing them)
• Approve or block app downloads
• Block specific websites
• Turn on communication limits

What you cannot do

• See their screen in real time
• Control their phone remotely
• This is a management tool, not a full remote control

How to set it up

On your parent's iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Screen Time
3. Tap Set Up Screen Time for Family
4. Follow the prompts to add your Apple ID as the family organizer

On your iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Screen Time
2. Tap your parent's name under Family
3. You can now see their usage and adjust settings remotely

For a full guide to getting the iPhone ready for an elderly parent, see our article on setting up an iPhone for an elderly parent.

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Option 2: Google Family Link (Android)

Google Family Link was designed for parenting but works well for managing an elderly parent's Android phone. It gives you real-time control over apps, content, and device settings.

What you can do with Family Link

• Approve or block app downloads from the Play Store
• See which apps they have installed
• Remotely lock the device
• View their location
• Get weekly activity reports

What you cannot do

• See their screen in real time or control the phone like a cursor

How to set it up

Note: Family Link is designed for accounts designated as "child" accounts. You will need to create a Google account for your parent and set it up as supervised, or use a workaround for adult accounts. Alternatively, use one of the remote desktop tools below for full control.

On your parent's Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Search for Google Family Link
3. Download and open it
4. Choose For my child and follow the setup steps
5. Sign in with a Google account for your parent

On your phone:

1. Download Family Link from the App Store or Play Store
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Your parent's device will appear in the dashboard

For full Android setup from scratch, see our how to set up a new Android phone guide.

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Option 3: TeamViewer QuickSupport (Best for Real-Time Help)

TeamViewer is the most powerful remote access tool for caregiving. It lets you see your parent's screen live and control it with your mouse or finger — exactly like sitting next to them. It works on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac.

Cost: Free for personal/non-commercial use

How to set it up on Android

On your parent's Android phone:

1. Open the Play Store
2. Search for TeamViewer QuickSupport
3. Install it and open it
4. A 9-digit ID number will appear on screen

On your device:

1. Open TeamViewer (download from teamviewer.com or your app store)
2. Enter your parent's 9-digit ID
3. Tap Remote Control
4. Your parent's screen appears on yours — you can now control it

On your parent's iPhone:

1. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport from the App Store
2. Open it — their ID number appears
3. Note: Due to Apple's restrictions, screen control is limited on iPhone. You can see the screen if your parent shares it, but full control requires a workaround using iOS screen sharing through FaceTime

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Option 4: AnyDesk

AnyDesk is an alternative to TeamViewer with a slightly simpler interface. Many caregivers find it easier to set up with a non-technical parent.

Cost: Free for personal use

On your parent's phone:

1. Install AnyDesk from the Play Store or App Store
2. Open it — a 9-digit address appears at the top

On your device:

1. Install AnyDesk
2. Enter your parent's address
3. Your parent will see a permission request — have them tap Accept
4. You now see and can control their screen

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Option 5: Chrome Remote Desktop (For Their Computer)

If your parent uses a Windows or Mac computer and has Google Chrome installed, Chrome Remote Desktop is the simplest way to access their computer remotely.

Cost: Free

On your parent's computer:

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Go to remotedesktop.google.com
3. Click Set up remote access
4. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension when prompted
5. Choose a name for the computer (e.g., "Mom's Laptop")
6. Set a PIN (you will need this to connect)

On your device:

1. Go to remotedesktop.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account (same one used during setup)
3. Click on their computer name
4. Enter the PIN
5. You now see and control their full desktop

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What to Do Once You Have Remote Access

Now that you can get in, here is what to set up proactively:

Block scam calls

• Android: Install Call Blocker or enable Google's spam filter in the Phone app (Settings → Caller ID & Spam → Filter spam calls)
• iPhone: Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers

Before doing this, make sure your parent knows not all unknown numbers are scams — some are doctors' offices calling from unfamiliar numbers. Use our scam checker tool to verify suspicious numbers.

Set up automatic updates

• Android: Play Store → tap your profile → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps
• iPhone: Settings → App Store → App Updates (toggle on)

Manage contacts

• Add important numbers: their doctor, pharmacy, emergency contacts, and family members with photos attached so they can call by picture
• Remove confusing apps they never use

Set up simplified home screen

• Android: Many phones have a "Simple Mode" or "Easy Mode" (Settings → Display → Easy Mode)
• iPhone: Use Guided Access or just remove all apps from the home screen except the ones they actually use

For a full walkthrough of setting up a new iPhone for a senior, see our guide on how to set up a new iPhone.

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Privacy and Trust

Remote access gives you a lot of power. Use it responsibly:

• Only connect to their device with their knowledge and permission
• Tell them before you start a remote session, not after
• Do not read through their messages or photos unless they specifically ask for help with something
• Disconnect as soon as the problem is fixed

The goal is to help — not to monitor. Keep that boundary clear and your parent will be more willing to let you help in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up remote access on my parent's phone without them knowing?

We strongly advise against this. Even with the best intentions, setting up hidden remote access without consent is a breach of privacy and trust. Most seniors are happy to allow remote access when it is explained as a way to get faster tech help. Frame it as a convenience — not as oversight — and most parents will welcome it.

What is the best remote access app for an elderly parent's Android phone?

TeamViewer QuickSupport is the most capable option, giving you full screen viewing and control. AnyDesk is slightly easier to set up for non-technical users. For app management without full screen access, Google Family Link is a good built-in option.

Does remote access work when my parent is not home?

TeamViewer and AnyDesk work anywhere your parent has a mobile data or WiFi connection. Chrome Remote Desktop requires their computer to be on and connected to the internet. Family Link works as long as their Android phone is on.

How do I stop my parent from accidentally installing scam apps?

On Android, use Google Family Link to require your approval before any app is downloaded from the Play Store. On iPhone, turn off the ability to download apps in Screen Time settings, or require a password for every purchase. You can also use our scam checker tool to quickly verify whether an app or website is legitimate before your parent uses it.