iCloud, iTunes or the Family Orbit app? Which one is most effective way to monitor an iOS device?

Many parents want to monitor their child's iPhone activity. However, due to iOS's enhanced security, it’s not as easy to access as much data as you would on an Android device. Family Orbit is one of the few, if not the only, services that offer a combination of three different monitoring methods, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can also use these methods together at no additional cost.

iCloud-Based Monitoring

With Family Orbit’s iCloud Monitoring Service, you can retrieve phone data directly from the iCloud servers. This method uses the same technology as Find My iPhone, allowing you to access location history and more. You’ll need your child’s Apple ID and password to track their iPhone using this method.

Monitoring Features:

• Call History*
• Text Messages*
• Websites Visited
• Photos
• Location
• Contacts

*Note: Text messages are not monitored for iOS 12 and above. Please check this article for more details.

Pros:

• No app needs to be installed on the child’s phone.

Cons:

• Requires access to the Apple ID and password.
• Occasionally, you may need to provide the two-factor authentication (2FA) code from the device.
• Apple may send alerts to the associated email address linked with the Apple ID.

WiFi/iTunes-Based Monitoring

With Family Orbit’s iOS Extractor Desktop App for Windows and Mac, you can retrieve device logs directly from the iTunes backup. You simply configure iTunes to back up your child's iPhone to your computer. Once set up, iTunes will automatically back up the phone’s data over Wi-Fi. The Family Orbit desktop app monitors the computer for new backups and uploads the logs to your online account for easy access.

Monitoring Features:

• Call History
• Text Messages
• Websites Visited
• Photos / Videos
• Apps Installed
• WhatsApp
• KIK
• Viber
• Contacts
• Calendar

Pros:

• No Apple ID is required, so no need to worry about account locks.
• No app installation is needed on the child’s iPhone.
• Fast, on-demand log extraction.

Cons:

• Requires one-time installation of the desktop app on your computer and configuration of the device.
• GPS tracking is not available unless you install the app on the device or use iCloud.

Family Orbit App

The Family Orbit App can be downloaded directly to your child’s iPhone from the Apple App Store. This app is more than just a passive monitoring tool. It allows your child to stay connected with you by sending check-ins and messages.

Monitoring Features:

• Location
• Geofence Alerts
• Photos
• Contacts
• Calendar Events
• Mobile Data Usage
• WiFi Logs
• Battery and Device Status

In addition to monitoring, the app also allows you to:

• Share the location among family members.
• Receive check-ins or panic alerts from your child.

Pros:

• Easy to download and set up on your child’s iPhone.
• Parent app available for on-the-go monitoring.

Cons:

• Cannot monitor text messages or call history.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• iCloud Monitoring is great for tracking location and accessing other iCloud data without needing to install an app.
• WiFi/iTunes Monitoring provides a more comprehensive overview of your child’s phone activity, including call history, texts, and app usage.
• The Family Orbit App is ideal for active monitoring, such as receiving check-ins, location updates, and more.

Each method has its strengths, so choose the one that best meets your monitoring needs, or combine them for maximum coverage. Download the apps that suit your needs today!