OurPact Parental Controls and Safety Guide

OurPact official logo

OurPact parental controls help families manage access to apps, set screen time schedules and use supported location features. Some paid plans also provide screenshots of a child’s device. In particular, this guide explains the difference between the parent app, OurPact Jr. and the available pairing methods. The chosen installation method affects which controls work, even when you pay for the same subscription.

Table of contents

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

OurPact is a supervision service for parents and guardians. However, its app store age rating does not make every allowed app suitable for a child. Discuss the purpose and duration of monitoring with your child. Screenshots can capture sensitive conversations and information about other people. Therefore, use the least intrusive controls that meet your child’s needs. No monitoring service guarantees safety.

OurPact Setup and Restrictions

Choose the Parent Account and Pairing Method

The parent app manages rules. OurPact Jr. runs on the child device. Full Pair also uses OurPact Connect on a computer.

  • Create your parent account through official OurPact signup or its parent app. Use a private parent email account.
  • Check the child’s operating system, available computer and the official pairing requirements. Back up important device data before Full Pair.
  • Choose Quick Pair for limited iPhone or iPad management without a computer, or Full Pair for the wider supported control set.
  • Install OurPact Jr. on the child device and follow the relevant method below. Check the correct child profile in the parent app.

Why it matters: Quick Pair is not available for Android. Furthermore, paying for a plan does not add the missing Quick Pair web filter, full app rules, system restrictions or App Organizer.

Quick Pair an iPhone or iPad

Quick Pair uses a management profile and limits app blocking to apps rated 5 or above according to the provider.

  • In the parent app, choose Pair Device from the menu, My Family or the child profile. Select Quick Pair and note the current six digit code.
  • On the child device, download and open OurPact Jr. and enter the pairing code. If it expired, obtain a fresh code in the parent app.
  • Choose Download Profile, Allow and then Close.
  • Open Settings and Profile Downloaded. It may appear under More for Your iPhone.
  • Select Install through the profile confirmation screens, review remote management and choose Trust. Finish with the confirmation mark and Manage if requested.
  • Return to OurPact Jr. and confirm that its dashboard shows the correct child.

Why it matters: The newer Quick Pair documentation includes basic blocks, schedules, allowances, location and supported View monitoring. Some older View instructions still require computer pairing. Therefore, confirm View availability in your installed app before purchasing specifically for it.

Full Pair an iPhone or iPad

Full Pair uses a computer and cable. Its process differs by iOS version, and some versions involve erasing and restoring the device.

  • Back up the child device and check the official Full Pair instructions for its exact iOS version. Do not use another version’s process.
  • Download OurPact Connect from OurPact Connect on a Windows or Mac computer. For the documented iOS 26 Windows process, have iTunes installed and open.
  • Open Connect, choose Pair, select iOS and sign in. Connect the child device by cable, unlock it and accept Trust.
  • If the version specific wizard requires Find My to be turned off, follow its instructions and restore Find My after pairing.
  • Select the existing child profile or create one. Keep the cable connected through the restarts until Connect shows Success.
  • For the documented iOS 26 process, use Safari to open the final QR link, then install the management profile in Settings following Connect’s prompts.

Why it matters: Full Pair changes device management. OurPact’s documentation says the iOS 27 method erases and restores from an iCloud backup. Therefore, verify the actual device version and current backup before proceeding. Do not remove a school or employer profile to install OurPact.

Full Pair an Android Device

Android needs the computer based installation. Current instructions require removing signed in accounts temporarily and using USB debugging.

  • Check backup and account recovery access before starting. Download the current OurPact Connect from the official site.
  • Open Connect, choose Pair then Android and sign in. Do not connect the phone until the wizard requests it.
  • Follow the device specific prompts for developer options and USB Debugging. Accept the device prompt and connect by USB when requested.
  • If Connect lists signed in accounts, follow the official guide to remove those accounts from this device temporarily. Check synchronisation first and do not delete the online accounts.
  • Choose I’VE REMOVED THEM when ready. Assign the child profile, review the data agreement and complete pairing without disconnecting.
  • Wait for Success, then sign back into the child’s accounts. Confirm rules and device security settings before handing the device back.

Why it matters: Unsynchronised device data and missing account passwords can complicate setup. In addition, school or work accounts may prevent pairing. Ask support for help rather than removing organisational controls or using an unsupported legacy app.

OurPact Safety Settings and Why They Matter

OurPact Temporary Blocks and Grants

Manual commands temporarily change access outside the usual schedule.

  • Open the child’s profile in the parent app.
  • Select Block or Grant under their profile image and choose the duration.
  • Use Cancel to end the command early or Add Time to extend it.
  • Prefer a timed command over Until I Say So and check the resulting access state.

Why it matters: A Grant can override a scheduled block or allow use without spending Allowance time. However, without Allowance, a timed Grant ending does not necessarily create a new block. Always Allowed apps remain exceptions.

OurPact Automated Block Schedules

Schedules define periods such as bedtime or study when access changes automatically.

  • Select the child and open the Schedule tile, or Rules then Schedule.
  • Choose the plus icon and enter a name, start time, end time and days.
  • Review Recurring Weekly. Turn it off for a single occurrence and choose Save.
  • With Premium+ App Permissions, use the pencil icon to review apps for that schedule. Uncheck an app you want excluded, then confirm with the check mark.

Why it matters: iOS devices need internet for schedules to activate. In contrast, Android can cache schedules. Allowance cannot be played during a block, but a manual Grant can override it. Also review the child profile’s time zone when travelling.

OurPact Individual App Rules

Full App Rules provides three different access states. Quick Pair does not provide the same full app control.

  • Select the child and open App Rules from the dashboard or Rules.
  • Choose Always Blocked, Always Allowed or Blocked by Schedule for each listed app.
  • Tap an unfamiliar app’s icon then Information to inspect its details.
  • With Premium+, open an app’s Permissions to exclude it from particular schedules if needed.

Why it matters: Always Allowed apps bypass block periods. In contrast, Always Blocked apps remain blocked during a Grant. Blocked by Schedule apps follow the access state and Allowance. Blocking a messaging app does not read its conversations.

OurPact Screen Time Allowance

Allowance is a timer the child starts and pauses. It does not automatically pause when the phone is put down.

  • Select the child and open Allowance from its tile or Rules.
  • Turn Allowance on and set a duration for each day of the week. Repeat for other child profiles.
  • On the child device, open OurPact Jr. and press Play to start allowed time.
  • Show the child how to reopen Jr. and select Pause when finished.
  • Use a timed Grant from the parent app if you intentionally want extra access outside the allowance.

Why it matters: Only apps set to Blocked by Schedule use Allowance. Furthermore, unused minutes do not roll over. The timer needs connectivity and can continue running unless the child pauses it. In addition, Grants can bypass the allowance.

OurPact Web Filter and Website Exceptions

The web filter is a Full Pair feature on paid plans. It restricts supported browsing rather than every item inside apps.

  • Select the child, open Rules then Restrictions.
  • Turn Block Adult Content on.
  • Open Always Blocked Websites or Always Allowed Websites, enter the website address and choose the plus icon or Done.
  • On Android, open OurPact Jr. on the child device and select ENABLE when asked to activate OurPact’s filtering VPN.
  • Test a harmless website exception and confirm the filter is active.

Why it matters: The website lists do not support individual page paths as a reliable way to block only one profile or post. iOS filtering also restricts Private Browsing. However, a VPN or permission conflict can affect filtering.

Review System Restrictions and Removal Alerts

Full Pair offers device restrictions that differ between Android and iOS.

  • Select the child and open Rules then Restrictions.
  • Review the device specific restriction switches shown for that child. Enable only those you understand and test their effect.
  • Review any new app or removal notification in the parent app and check the actual child device.
  • After an operating system update, confirm that the management profile and required permissions remain active.

Why it matters: Android has fewer device restriction options. Current OurPact information says locked profile removal protection applies only to iOS 18 and older. On iOS 26 and later a child can remove the profile, with parent alerts dependent on reporting. Do not describe every installation as tamperproof.

OurPact Family Locator and Place Alerts

Family Locator can show the phone’s position and alert on entering or leaving saved boundaries.

  • Select the child and open Locator from its tile or the bottom navigation. Turn Family Locator on.
  • On the child device, give OurPact Jr. continuous location permission, keep it running and check connectivity and battery.
  • In Locator, select the Place icon, enter the name and address and adjust the boundary circle.
  • Open Advanced, select the relevant child profiles and choose Entering and Leaving alerts as needed. Choose Save.
  • Manage saved places through the map settings and Places.

Why it matters: Both place alerts are initially enabled. Low Power Mode, an offline device or missing permission can prevent updates. Consequently, the phone’s location does not prove who is carrying it or whether they are safe.

Review Location History and Map Controls

Location History is enabled with Family Locator unless switched off.

  • Open Locator, choose its Settings icon and review Show Location History. Turn it off if it is not needed.
  • Tap the child’s profile picture on the dashboard and confirm their Time Zone.
  • Open the drawer at the bottom of the map to choose a date and inspect recorded stops.
  • Use Layers to show or hide saved places and Return to Center to refocus on the selected device.

Why it matters: The profile time zone affects history and schedules. Official pages disagree on the Premium history period, with the help article stating seven days and pricing stating fourteen. Therefore, confirm the current account limit with support. Premium+ advertises thirty days.

OurPact View Screenshots

View is a Premium+ feature. It can collect private information visible on screen, including information about other people.

  • Discuss screenshots with your child before enabling the feature. Check the installation supports View.
  • Select the child and open View from the tile or bottom navigation. Turn it on.
  • Open its Settings. Review Enable View and Periodic Views. Leave Periodic Views off if you only need manually requested screenshots.
  • If using periodic captures, select the interval. The documented default is five minutes.
  • On iOS, open OurPact Jr. and start Screen Broadcast when required. Review the gallery together where appropriate.

Why it matters: The provider describes an encrypted gallery and deletion after fourteen days. However, screenshots capture selected moments rather than everything. iOS broadcast permission affects access to Blocked by Schedule apps. An Offline label can mean broadcasting has stopped, rather than that the phone has no internet.

OurPact View Categories and Custom Keywords

Categories inspect text in screenshots after capture. They do not trigger a capture whenever a concerning word appears.

  • Open the View gallery and use its category filters to review flagged images.
  • Uncheck All Categories and Uncategorized when you want only flagged items.
  • Open Settings, then Custom Keywords to add relevant words. Confirm each with Enter or the plus icon.
  • Use Ignored Keywords for recurring innocent matches. To remove an entry, select its checkbox and the trash icon.

Why it matters: Text detection can miss images or misunderstand context. Therefore, custom keywords do not replace a conversation, app reporting or professional support when needed.

Use the iOS App Organizer

Full Pair can provide App Organizer to help restore the child’s preferred home screen arrangement.

  • On the child device, open OurPact Jr. and tap App Organizer.
  • Turn it on and arrange apps by dragging them. Drag one app over another to create a folder.
  • Select SAVE when finished.
  • To delete an app, turn App Organizer off first. Reenable it afterwards if you want the saved arrangement restored.

Why it matters: Apps cannot be deleted while App Organizer is enabled. In addition, new apps may appear at the end of the layout. This is a layout tool rather than a content safety filter.

Review OurPact App Removal and Contact Settings

Full Pair restrictions can limit device functions, while App Rules controls access to supported messaging and calling apps.

  • Open the child’s Rules, then Restrictions. Where the device offers it, review iOS restrictions and Disable App Removal.
  • Keep Disable App Removal enabled only if you intend to prevent app deletion. To remove an unwanted app yourself, temporarily turn that option off, delete the app and restore the intended rule.
  • Open App Rules to choose the appropriate rule for supported messaging apps, iMessage, SMS, FaceTime or Camera, where shown.
  • Review these exceptions alongside the schedule and Allowance. Test trusted contact routes before blocking communication apps.

Why it matters: App deletion restrictions are different from preventing removal of the management profile. Furthermore, a paid subscription does not create locked profile protection on newer iOS versions. Blocking a messaging app limits access rather than providing a complete conversation history.

OurPact Notifications and Device Status

Paid plans list new app alerts, and OurPact can warn when a device has not contacted its servers. When an alert arrives, open the child’s profile and review App Rules or the relevant device status. Also check the parent phone’s notification permission and the account email. The help pages do not document a universal switch for every alert, so ask support if an expected notification is missing. An alert reports an event after it occurs. It does not necessarily stop the installation or removal.

Remove OurPact Management and Old Devices

Remove management before relying on a device reset or assuming that deleting the parent app restores normal use.

  • For computer paired iOS management, open OurPact Connect, connect the child device by USB, choose Remove and the device type, then complete the removal prompts.
  • In the parent app, open the menu and My Family. Select an unused device, choose the trash icon and confirm deletion from the account.
  • Check the child device has normal app access and no unwanted management profile remains.
  • Use the official platform specific removal help if you have a different pairing method or an Android device.

Why it matters: Deleting an account listing and uninstalling device management are different actions. Therefore, check both before selling or passing on a phone. A device that is offline may not receive a removal command immediately.

Remove OurPact from an Android Device

Use your parent credentials to remove management from a supported Android child device.

  • On the child device, open OurPact Jr., its three dots menu and Parent Access.
  • Sign in with your parent account and choose Remove Management.
  • Choose Remove all management if you want to uninstall Jr. Then choose Remove Management and Yes, Remove to confirm.
  • Use Unpair Device instead only if you intend to reconnect management later. Check normal device access after removal.

Why it matters: Unpairing and fully removing management have different purposes. Therefore, choose deliberately and also remove the unused device listing from My Family. Neither action cancels a paid subscription.

OurPact Privacy and Account Deletion

Keep the parent login private and avoid sharing gallery screenshots. Review whether continuous history or repeated captures are still necessary. OurPact’s privacy help says families can request deletion of their account and data. Use OurPact’s official support contact to request closure and obtain confirmation of the data covered and any retention exceptions. First remove device management while you still have account access. Separately cancel renewal with the original billing provider. Uninstalling the parent app alone does neither job.

How to Use OurPact Safely

First, agree what you will monitor before switching it on. Then explain which limits apply and how your child can ask for help. Also agree when you will review the rules together. For example, schoolwork, accessibility tools and contact with trusted adults may need exceptions. Finally, test these together before relying on a block.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

However, controls cannot identify every scam, harmful conversation or unsafe person. For example, a permitted app can contain grooming, bullying, sexual pressure or misleading AI responses. Therefore, set privacy, contact and purchase controls inside each app as well. An alert is a reason to check calmly with your child. It is not proof that they have done something wrong.

If something worrying happens, help your child block and report the account through the relevant app. Also keep useful usernames, links and dates. However, do not forward sexual images of a child. In an emergency involving immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. For other concerns, seek appropriate safeguarding support. CODA education does not replace an emergency response.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

OurPact manages supported iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets. It is not a child Windows or Mac protection service, even though Connect uses a computer for installation. The parent app is listed in the Irish App Store. Check the current Jr. requirements and exact device before choosing a plan. Quick Pair omits important Full Pair features. The latest pairing and older View articles differ, so confirm the intended screenshot setup with support.

Subscriptions, Renewal and Cancellation

The website displays Premium at $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually, and Premium+ at $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. Both advertise twenty child devices. These USD website prices differ from Irish App Store offers. Check the euro total, renewal date and trial conditions at purchase. Premium+ adds View and its related content detection. Cancel direct subscriptions through OurPact account settings or official support. For Apple or Google purchases, manage renewal in that store. Keep confirmation and do not assume uninstalling ends payment.

Safety Checklist

  • Confirm the correct child profile and every device they use.
  • Check permissions and protection status after software updates.
  • Test a harmless blocked site, an app limit and the bedtime rule together.
  • Keep trusted contact and accessibility tools available.
  • Review reports calmly and reduce unnecessary monitoring as independence grows.
  • Record the full subscription cost, renewal date and cancellation route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OurPact let me read every message?

No. View captures selected screenshots. App blocking controls access rather than providing a complete message history.

Can I set it up without a computer?

Quick Pair supports limited iPhone and iPad management. Android and the wider Full Pair control set need the relevant computer setup.

Can a child remove it?

This depends on installation and operating system. Current documentation limits locked profile removal protection to older iOS versions. Removal alerts are not the same as preventing removal.

Related CODA Guides

References

The instructions draw on the official help pages below. However, features and menu labels can change after app updates. These are researched guides, rather than claims of hands on product testing.

Official OurPact References 1 to 7

Further OurPact References 8 to 14

Additional OurPact References 15 to 21

More OurPact References 22 to 23

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    Last updated: 16 October 2026