How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Family Orbit Desktop App?

The Family Orbit Desktop App allows you to monitor various activities on your child's iOS device by extracting data from local backups. These backups are created using iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS). Here’s how you can use this method to monitor your child’s iOS device.

Requirements:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

1. A Mac or Windows computer with the Family Orbit Desktop App installed.
   • Download here.
2. Your child’s iPhone or iPad with iTunes or Finder configured for local backups.
3. Family Orbit account to access the logs after extraction.
   • Sign Up here.
4. Wi-Fi network for syncing backups remotely.

Step 1: Download and Install the Family Orbit Desktop App

1. Go to the Family Orbit Download Page.
2. Download and install the appropriate version of the Family Orbit Desktop App for your system (Windows or macOS).

Step 2: Create a Local Backup Using iTunes (or Finder for macOS)

To monitor the device, you must create a local backup of your child’s iPhone using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS). You can set this backup process to happen automatically over Wi-Fi.

Steps to Configure Automatic and Remote Backup to iTunes:

Connect your child’s iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS).

• This step is only needed once to set up the configuration.

Click the device icon in the top-left corner of iTunes or on the sidebar in the Finder window.

Under the Backup section, select "This computer" and optionally check "Encrypt local backup" (You will need the password if you enable Encryption). 

In the Options section, enable both checkboxes:

• "Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected"
• "Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi"

Click Done to finish the setup.

Now, your child’s iPhone will automatically back up to iTunes/Finder whenever it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, and iTunes is running.

Step 3: Sync and Backup Using iTunes

Once the initial backup is done, the device will continue to back up automatically when it’s connected to Wi-Fi and your computer is running iTunes/Finder.

You can also initiate a manual backup at any time by selecting "Back Up Now" in iTunes or Finder.

• Note: Family Orbit Desktop App will periodically check for new backups and automatically upload them to your Family Orbit control panel.
• Manual Sync: You can also perform a manual sync within the Family Orbit Desktop App.

Step 4: Monitor the Data in the Family Orbit Dashboard

1. After the backups are created, the Family Orbit Desktop App will automatically upload the data to your secure Family Orbit account.
2. You can then view your child’s data, including:
   • Text Messages
   • iMessage
   • Call History
   • Photos / Videos
   • Apps Installed
   • WhatsApp, KIK, Contacts
   • Calendar
   • Website Visited

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

The Family Orbit app will automatically check for new backups and upload them, ensuring that you always have the latest data available. You can monitor your child’s activity directly from your Family Orbit control panel.

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

Setting up the Family Orbit Desktop App can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry! We offer FREE remote assistance to guide you through the entire process. Schedule an appointment with our support team here:

Schedule Remote Support