This article explains how a VPN can be used to bypass this tracker and other ways through which you can bypass Qustodio.
Can a VPN Bypass Qustodio
Using a VPN is one of the best ways to get around the blocks set up by Qustodio. By routing your internet traffic through one of its secure servers, a VPN will mask your IP address and make it appear like you are in a different location. This way, it will also let you get around this tracker. When you are connected to a VPN service like NordVPN or Surfshark VPN and connect to a server in a different location, Qustodio will be prevented from tracking your online activity. This means your child will also be able to access the web using a VPN’s IP address and bypass all the restrictions you set through Qustodio.
When you set parental controls on your child’s device using Qustodio, they will not be able to access VPN websites as this software blocks those websites. So your child will not be able to visit a VPN service’s website and install the VPN software. But if they happen to set up a VPN on their device on which you can set parental controls using Qustodio, they will be able to access blocked websites and the entire internet without restrictions.
If you are looking forward to setting parental controls on your child’s device, the first thing you need to do is to check whether a VPN is already installed on their device. If you are subscribed to a VPN, it is important to make sure that you have not accidentally installed the VPN software on your child’s device and that they do not have the login credentials.
If at all your child manages to get his/her hands on a VPN service, this is how they will install the VPN software on their device and access blocked websites by bypassing Qustodio’s restrictions.
- To get started, they will need to be subscribed to a VPN service.
- The next step is installing the VPN app on their device and logging in.
- Once they sign in, they will be able to see the server list. Once they click on a server from the list and connect to it, they are all set to get around all restrictions and access blocked websites.
Will My Child Be Able to Turn Off Qustodio
Yes, you or your child can turn off Qustodio on any device. However, login credentials for Qustodio are required to disable it. If your child gets his/her hands on the login credentials, they can disable parental controls in a breeze. Another way to disable it is through the Task Manager.
Here are the steps involved.
- Go to the Task Manager by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL.
- Find the file named qengine, under background processes.
- Once you find it, right-click it and select Open Services.
- Find the same file, qengine in a new window and click on Properties.
- You will see a drop-down menu beside Startup time. Use is to change it to Manual from Automatic.
- Hit Apply to save the changes that were just made.
- Finally, right-click qengine once more and hit Stop to turn off Qustodio.
- Head to the Start menu and type in gpedit.msc and press the top result to access the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Select User or Computer Configuration, based on your preferences and head to Administrative Templates.
- Then go to System > CTRL + ALT + DEL Options. Now, double-click on Remove Task Manager on the right to disable the Task Manager.
Does Qustodio Track All Browsers
The following are the browsers Qustodio can track.
- Mac – Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- Windows – Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- iOS – Chrome and Safari
- Android – Chrome and Firefox
- Kindle – Amazon Silk
Can I Hide Qustodio on My Child’s Device?
Though Qustodio recommends discussing with your child why this software is installed on their device, it is possible to make this software invisible so that your child cannot see it. There is an option in the dashboard to hide the Qustodio button.
- Use your email and other login credentials to get into the parent’s dashboard on Qustodio.
- On the left side of the screen, click on Devices and select the device on which you wish to hide Qustodio.
- Turn on the Hide Qustodio button to make it invisible on your child’s device.
What Online Activities Does Qustodio Track
Using Qustodio, as a parent, you can keep track of the websites your child visits but may not be able to see what they do on those websites. On platforms like TikTok, you can use Qustodio to see how much time they have spent on the app but cannot see the videos they watched. Likewise, on Reddit, you may be able to know that your child is on that platform but will not be able to see if they have made comments and the threads they read. Similarly, you can use the parental control software to know when your child uses Facebook but cannot see their messages or posts. However, you can see what your child has searched for and watched on YouTube as there is a dedicated feature for this platform.