Frequently Asked Questions

What is LivingRoom?

LivingRoom is an iPhone/iPad screen monitoring app that takes periodic screenshots of the device while screen recording is active. All apps are blocked by default until the user starts the screen recorder. Screenshots are uploaded to a parent/accountability partner dashboard for review. LivingRoom also automatically blocks adult websites and includes on-device nudity detection.

How does LivingRoom work?

LivingRoom uses Apple's Screen Time and a content filter to block all apps on the monitored device until the user opens the LivingRoom app and taps "Record Screen & Access Internet." While recording, screenshots are captured approximately once per minute and uploaded to the parent dashboard. The first and last screenshots of each session are always captured. On-device nudity detection scans every 5 seconds and will shield the screen and disable internet access if nudity is detected.

What platforms does LivingRoom support?

LivingRoom currently works on iPhone and iPad only. There is no support for Mac, Windows, or Android at this time. For Mac monitoring, we recommend the Gertrude app.

Is LivingRoom available outside the United States?

LivingRoom is available in the EU and Germany as of late February 2026. Availability in other countries may vary. If your country is not supported, contact support.

How much does LivingRoom cost?

$15/month flat for the entire family. This covers unlimited children and unlimited devices. There is no per-child or per-device charge.

Is there an annual subscription option?

Yes. Contact support for available coupon codes.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. LivingRoom offers a 7-day free trial. No credit card is required to start the trial. If you do not subscribe after the trial, you will not be charged.

How do I cancel my subscription?

If you have subscribed, log on to admin.livingroomapp.com/settings, tap "Manage subscription," tap to cancel. Then uninstall the app. If you are within the free trial window, simply uninstall the LivingRoom app from the monitored device. Your trial or subscription will end automatically with no further charges. There is no long-term contract; the plan is month-to-month and you can cancel anytime.

I received a payment failed or billing email but I already cancelled. What happened?

This was a known bug that has been fixed. If you receive a billing email after cancellation, contact support to confirm your subscription is fully cancelled. You will not be charged.

How do I set up LivingRoom on a child's device?

1. Create a parent account at admin.livingroomapp.com. 2. Download the LivingRoom app from the App Store onto the child's device. 3. In the parent dashboard, go to Children and add a child to get a connection code. 4. Enter the connection code on the child's device in the LivingRoom app. The child's Apple account must be set to under 18 and be part of the parent's Apple Family Sharing group. Alternatively, you can use Supervised Mode.

What is Supervised Mode and when do I need it?

Supervised Mode is an alternative setup method that does not require Apple Family Sharing. It is especially useful for adult accountability setups (where the monitored person is over 18), parents with Android phones who cannot create an Apple Family, and situations where changing the Apple ID birthday is not desirable. Supervised Mode requires a Mac (macOS 15+) or Windows PC and a USB cable connected to the iPhone/iPad. You can also set up supervision through Tech Lockdown.

I'm getting an error: "A restriction is preventing the app from being installed" or "MDM device restriction."

This usually means another parental control app (such as Qustodio) has installed a device management profile that conflicts with LivingRoom. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for any existing profiles. LivingRoom is not compatible with Qustodio or other MDM-based parental control apps.

I'm getting an error: "Screen broadcast is not available when AirPlay, Restrictions, or screen mirroring is active."

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Screen Recording and make sure it is set to "Allow." This setting must be enabled for LivingRoom's screen recording to work.

I'm getting an "API fetch error" or "Failed to fetch profile" during Supervised Mode setup.

Try closing and reopening the setup tool. Make sure the phone is unlocked before tapping Next. Try a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only and don't support data transfer). If you're using Tech Lockdown, make sure "Use LivingRoom" is toggled on in the Config Generator.

The app keeps telling me to verify my email but I don't see any email.

Check your spam or promotions folder. Search for the subject line: "Action Required: Confirm your email." If you still can't find it, contact support to resend.

I set up Tech Lockdown supervision but LivingRoom won't reach the connection code step.

In Tech Lockdown, go to Config Generator > iOS > Apps tab and toggle on "Use LivingRoom." Sync the changes to the device, then reopen the LivingRoom app to enter the connection code.

How often are screenshots taken?

Screenshots are captured approximately once per minute while screen recording is active. The first and last screenshots of each recording session are always captured. On-device nudity detection scans more frequently (every 5 seconds).

How long are screenshots stored?

Screenshots are automatically deleted after 14 days.

Where are screenshots stored?

Screenshots are uploaded to secure cloud storage and are viewable through the parent dashboard at admin.livingroomapp.com. They are automatically deleted after 14 days.

Is there a parent app?

No. There is no dedicated parent/accountability partner app. Screenshots are viewed by logging into the web dashboard at admin.livingroomapp.com. You can add this to your home screen using Safari's "Add to Home Screen" feature for quick access.

Does LivingRoom send email notifications or alerts?

Not yet. Email notifications and alerts are the most popular feature request and are actively being worked on. Currently, accountability partners must log into the web dashboard to review screenshots.

Can the parent start screen recording remotely?

No. The person using the monitored device must open the LivingRoom app and start the recorder themselves.

What does the nudity detection feature do?

LivingRoom includes on-device AI nudity detection. When nudity is detected, the app shields the screen and disables internet access. The accountability partner is notified. Currently, detection focuses on full nudity. Bikini/lingerie detection is planned for the future.

Learn more about nudity detection →

Does LivingRoom allow me to block certain websites?

LivingRoom is a comprehensive screenshot monitoring app and also includes features for blocking inappropriate content. LivingRoom automatically blocks adult websites and automatically blocks nudity on the screen. We don't currently support website blocklists in our app, but we'll likely add support for them in the future. For now, we typically recommend using Screen Time's website blocklist if you want to prevent access to a specific website.

Learn more about nudity detection →

What are "Always Allowed" apps?

Always Allowed apps are apps that can be used without starting the screen recorder. These apps are not monitored by LivingRoom. This is useful for trusted apps like Calendar, Weather, Spotify, or Music.

How do I set up Always Allowed apps?

Apps must be added in two places: 1. The LivingRoom admin dashboard at admin.livingroomapp.com > Children > select child > Always Allowed Apps. 2. On the device in Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed. If you only add an app in one place, it will still be blocked. Both steps are required.

Why are my Always Allowed apps still being blocked?

Make sure the app is added in both the admin dashboard and the device's Screen Time Always Allowed list. If the issue persists, try restarting the device and starting/stopping the LivingRoom recorder for 30 seconds.

Are web browsers ever exempt from screen recording?

No. Web browsers (Safari, Chrome, etc.) always require screen recording by design. This is a security measure to prevent unmonitored web browsing, even if the browser app is added to Always Allowed.

Apple Music / Spotify won't play while screen recording is active.

This is due to DRM (copyright) protections enforced by Apple. Music apps cannot play audio during active screen recording. Workaround: Add Apple Music or Spotify to the Always Allowed list in Screen Time. The music will play normally, but the app won't be monitored while recording is off. Note: LivingRoom will still block images/artwork in music apps when not recording.

Screen recording stops when the screen locks.

Screen recording automatically stops when the iPhone screen turns off. To make it easy to get back to recording right after you unlock your phone, position the LivingRoom app icon on your home screen. Add trusted apps to Always Allowed to reduce the need for continuous recording.

Snapchat notifies other users that the screen is being recorded.

This is Snapchat's built-in behavior, not something caused by LivingRoom. Any screen recording on iOS triggers this notification in Snapchat. Workaround: Add Snapchat to Always Allowed to prevent the notification, but note that Snapchat will no longer be monitored.

Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps show black screenshots.

DRM-protected video content appears as black screenshots. This is normal and expected. Workaround: Add these streaming apps to the Always Allowed list to avoid capturing black screenshots.

The red recording indicator cannot be hidden.

The red dot/bar indicating screen recording is an Apple requirement and cannot be turned off or hidden by any app.

Screen recording stops frequently with a message about HDCP.

There is a known issue with screen recording on iOS 18. Fix: Upgrade to iOS 26 or later, which resolves this issue.

Screen recording stops frequently with a message about sensitive content.

This may be a false-positive based on your home screen background. Try changing your device background wallpaper image.

How do I uninstall LivingRoom from a device?

1. Open the LivingRoom app on the device and tap "Need Assistance" (or "Need Help"). 2. Go to Settings > Screen Time and toggle off LivingRoom. 3. Delete the LivingRoom app normally. If the device was set up with Supervised Mode, you may also need to remove the supervision profile. Use the un-supervise tool or contact support for help.

Learn more about uninstalling →

How do I remove Supervised Mode?

If supervised via Tech Lockdown, go to techlockdown.com > Config Generator > iOS > Uninstall. If supervised via LivingRoom's own tool, use the un-supervise tool (available on admin.livingroomapp.com/settings). Your admin password is required.

Learn more about uninstalling →

How do I delete my account?

Contact support@livingroomapp.com. Admin will delete your account and confirm. No charges will apply after account deletion.

Can LivingRoom be used for adult accountability (e.g., replacing Covenant Eyes)?

Yes. Adult accountability is one of the most common use cases. The accountability partner creates the "parent" account, and the adult who wants to be monitored is set up as the "child." Setup is done via Supervised Mode — no need to change the Apple ID birthday or join an Apple Family group.

How does LivingRoom compare to Covenant Eyes on iPhone?

Covenant Eyes on iOS only monitors Safari. LivingRoom monitors all apps through full-screen recording and screenshot capture. LivingRoom also blocks adult websites and includes on-device nudity detection.

Learn more about nudity detection →

How do I prevent the monitored adult from bypassing LivingRoom?

Use Supervised Mode to set up LivingRoom for an adult. Have the accountability partner set and hold the Screen Time passcode. Change the LivingRoom account email to the accountability partner's email so the monitored person cannot reset the password. Contact support to change the account email.

Can I change the admin account email to my accountability partner?

Yes. Contact support with the new email address and they will update it for you.

Is LivingRoom compatible with other parental control apps?

Qustodio: NOT compatible. Qustodio installs a device management profile that prevents LivingRoom from being installed. Covenant Eyes: Compatible. LivingRoom uses a different technology (screen recording vs. DNS/VPN). Tech Lockdown: Compatible and integrated. Use the Config Generator to enable LivingRoom.

Is LivingRoom compatible with Microsoft InTune (enterprise MDM)?

Yes, but requires specific configuration. The device must be supervised, and LivingRoom (com.screenshotaccountability) must be set as the content filter in the InTune configuration profile. Contact support for the specific settings.

Can I use LivingRoom if I (the parent) have an Android phone?

Yes. The parent dashboard is a website (admin.livingroomapp.com), not an app, so it works on any device with a web browser. For device setup, use Supervised Mode with a Windows PC (or borrow a Mac).

How do I monitor the Messages (iMessage/SMS) app?

Remove Messages from the Always Allowed list in Screen Time. This will require screen recording to use Messages, allowing LivingRoom to capture screenshots of conversations. However, this means message notifications will not appear when the screen is off or recording is not active.

Can I get message notifications AND monitor Messages?

This is a tradeoff. If Messages is in Always Allowed, you get notifications but Messages is not monitored. If Messages is NOT in Always Allowed, it is monitored but you won't get notifications. Even when Messages is Always Allowed, LivingRoom still restricts it to text/image/video-file messaging only (web features like GIFs, browser links, YouTube, or plugins are blocked when not recording).

Screenshots are not appearing on the dashboard.

Make sure screen recording is actively running on the device (look for the red recording indicator). The device must be used for at least 1 minute before screenshots appear. If using Tech Lockdown, make sure Cloudflare One is Always Allowed in Screen Time and on admin.livingroomapp.com. Check if another filtering tool is blocking LivingRoom's domains. Allowlist these domains: livingroomapp.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com, livingroomapp.com, api.livingroomapp.com. Try logging out and back in to the admin dashboard. If using cellular data, try switching to Wi-Fi (or vice versa).

Screenshots show "reviewed and deleted" but I didn't delete them.

This was a bug related to spotty network connections causing failed screenshot uploads that appear as deletions. No data is actually lost. The bug has been fixed.

The app says my child is over 18 but they are not.

The child's Apple ID birthday may be set incorrectly. Go to Apple's account settings to update the birthday. See Apple's support page for instructions on changing the birthday on a child's account.

I see a "box with question mark" in some screenshots.

This typically means a website blocker or DNS filter is interfering with screenshot uploads. Allowlist the LivingRoom domains: livingroomapp.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com, livingroomapp.com, api.livingroomapp.com.

My child's phone is locked/all apps are blocked after installing LivingRoom.

This is expected behavior. LivingRoom blocks all apps by default until the user opens the LivingRoom app and taps "Record Screen & Access Internet." Add trusted apps to the Always Allowed list to let them work without recording.

Can't install or uninstall the app because parent iCloud authorization fails.

Sometimes a reboot will fix this. Also, some routers or parental controls block the Apple web endpoints, so the advice is to move to a cellular network or a friend's WiFi.

I'm constantly getting notifications that LivingRoom is blocking something.

Your device is constantly talking to the internet, even when apps are in the background. When something is blocked, notifications facilitate opening the LivingRoom app to start recording. If you've already got the hang of that and have LivingRoom on your home screen, you probably don't need notifications anymore. Go to Settings > Notifications > LivingRoom and turn them off.

Can my child bypass LivingRoom by restarting the phone?

No. LivingRoom has been specifically tested against phone restarts. The content filter and Screen Time restrictions persist through restarts.

Can my child disable LivingRoom through Screen Time settings?

LivingRoom blocks in two layers: Screen Time and an internet-blocking content filter. Even if Screen Time is toggled off, apps still cannot access the internet without screen recording. For the strongest protection for children, use an Apple Family child account. For adults, set a PIN in Settings > Screen Time > Screen Time Passcode, so Screen Time cannot be disabled.

Can my child delete the LivingRoom app?

If set up with Apple Family Sharing, the child cannot delete the app without the parent's iCloud password. With Supervised Mode, app deletion is completely prevented.

How do I change the email address on my account?

Contact support with your current email and the new email address. Account email changes are done manually by the support team.

Can multiple parents or accountability partners access the same account?

Currently, there is only one login per account. As a workaround, share the login credentials with additional parents or partners.

How do I add another device to an existing child?

In the admin dashboard, go to Children, click on the child's settings, and select "Add a Device" to get a new connection code.

How do I remove a child or device from my account?

Login to admin.livingroomapp.com/children. Tap Settings for the desired child. Tap the trash can on your child's device(s). Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete child. WARNING: This completely removes monitoring. You will not be able to see any screenshots unless you delete the LivingRoom app from that device and install it again, linking it to the new child.

Are LivingRoom and Tech Lockdown the same thing?

No. They are separate products with separate subscriptions. Tech Lockdown is a DNS filtering and device management service. LivingRoom is a screen monitoring app. They can work together but are independent. If you only need screen monitoring, you can use LivingRoom alone with its built-in Supervised Mode setup (no Tech Lockdown subscription required).

I already have Tech Lockdown. Do I also need to pay for LivingRoom?

Yes, they are billed separately. However, if you signed up for Tech Lockdown solely to use LivingRoom's supervised mode, you may not need Tech Lockdown anymore — LivingRoom now supports its own supervised mode setup. Contact support for migration help.