Parental Control App - OurPact Reviews

Messaging bug makes it not quite functional for Tweens.

Imagine Peds

The app does what it describes, but there a couple of important set backs that make it less than ideal for tweens. The first issue we ran into was that the scheduled limits are implemented via a standalone app called Ourpact Jr which is installed on the child’s phone. The app essentially is a pause/play controller for the allotted time for the day. I like how it forces a little more mindfulness in phone usage upon the child... however it’s not without it’s difficulties in certain situations. For instance, it takes a decent amount of time (sometimes 20-30 seconds) to pause or start back up screen time. For a tween just wanting to check their text messages real quick in between class, this can be frustrating, and wasteful. You could just add some extra screen time to their account for time wasted starting and stopping everything. However, another issue is that if it’s time to put the phone away quickly... we learned that the it will not complete the pause procedure if you hit pause and then quickly hit the sleep/wake button to put your phone away. The deal breaker is a bug with the app when limiting messages. The reason I switched to Ourpact is because it included messages in it’s controls. The problem is, all messages that are sent while Ourpact is paused will NEVER be received. Customer support said some users eventually received their messages, but usually via text vs iMessage. My first assumption (I have not been able to test this) is that the user has another device, like an iPad or Desktop, and IF it is on at the time the message is sent, it will receive it, and sync with the users other devices when Ourpact is un-paused. My daughter does not have another device, so with ALL of our testing... messages sent to her while paused just disappear into oblivion and they are NEVER received. I can appreciate how difficult it must be to pull off the amount of control these engineers are allowing with this app. It still is beyond me that Apple has not made this an easy, Apple-like integration for parents natively in the IOS. Restriction settings in the IOS is a joke. So, I applaud Ourpact’s efforts, other apps like Kidslox still says Message/Text control is not possible on the iPhone. This could be because of the message annihilation bug. Still, I can’t recommend the app if limiting the amount of time your child can spend texting is important unless you don’t care about not knowing if they received that important text message you sent about a change in after school pickup. And they don’t care about the latest gossip in that group chat that was started while their phone was paused.

Time allowance doesn’t work

19852005

I pay 1.99 to have unlimited blocks/grants. When I allow a time frame grant, it will not automatically reblock. When this is fixed it would be a 5 Star.

App scrambling makes this a nightmare

Momokat

I liked this app a lot until I tested out the block option and upon unblocking, all the apps on my daughter’s phone, which had been meticulously and thoughtfully organized, were scrambled. There’s no acceptable workaround so I’ve canceled my subscription and will look for an alternative. But for the scrambling issue, I would give this app 4 or 5 stars.

Love it but...

Lotussooz

I love everything about this system, however, for some reason I can not get the allowances to work. Even when he wakes up and it’s been off, it says he’s out of time. So I don’t even use that function, I wish that part worked right. I don’t know if it’s because his iPad is only a 2 and can’t get the newest iOS update. Either way I’m super happy with this app overall.

App doesn’t deliver, either does customer service

NFT2334

The app doesn’t actually do what it says it does. It does not limit access. While in “block until i say mode” my son was both able to text and add games. I contacted support was given unclear information. I requested screen shots and was told “sorry you are unhappy”. I highly recommend life 360 and ables built in parent restrictions. I still can’t figure out what this app actually does. And the customer service is not helpful at all.

Kids deleted on second day

Opet6

Subscription required or all you can do is set a bedtime. My 11 and 13 year old boys deleted it from their phones in less than 48 hours. Completely worthless for us.

App is awesome!!!

5starssssssssss

The free part of the app is awesome. It actually is set up to turn off all apps at 8pm - 6 am on school nights. I didn’t tell my son and he came to me and said his phone quit working.... lol. So I know it works!!!! All the apps disappear. You can pay a monthly subscription for more features but I don’t need those for now!

???????

Mkamee

I LOVE THIS APP!!! I’ve tried other parental control apps, but this one is the best! It’s simple to use. It helped me take back control! It is changing my children's attitudes and respect towards myself and my husband. Thank you so much for this!!

Can easily be disabled by child

zydac

While the idea of Ourpact is good and the interface is well designed the app fails miserably because a child can easily figure out how to disable it by unpairing in the settings. Also when you block the child's device, it scrambles the location of apps. In addition Premium installation tuned into a major PIA! I don't know if there is a program out there that is better, but certainly this one is a major fail.

Fantastic

Jorja13

Wonderful app that has helped me from having to worry about my child spending endless hours on his phone doing who knows what, either when I am not aware or when he is away from home. It’s nice to have that peace of mind!

Parental Control App - OurPact Reviews – Page 61