Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about what FamHound does, what it doesn’t, and the law. Can’t find yours? Email support@gurubox.ai.
The basics
Is FamHound a hidden spy app?
No. FamHound is designed to be seen. The app stays visible on the phone, shows a status line whenever it is recording, explains exactly what it collects, and lets the phone pause syncing. If you want something your child cannot detect, FamHound is the wrong product.
What does FamHound record on an Android phone?
Depending on what you switch on during setup: location history, app usage and screen time, a timeline of device activity, and optional photo and document backup. The child’s phone has a page that lists exactly which of these are on.
Which phones does FamHound support?
Android phones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Nokia. iPhone is not supported.
Do I need physical access to the phone?
Yes. FamHound is installed and set up on the phone itself, and we recommend doing it with your child. There is no remote install.
Consent and the law
Can I use FamHound on my partner’s or another adult’s phone?
Only with that adult’s clear, ongoing agreement, and only if they install it themselves or watch you do it. Installing monitoring software on another adult’s phone without consent is illegal in the US, UK and EU and breaks our terms.
Is it legal to monitor my child’s phone?
In the US, UK and EU, parents can generally supervise a phone they provide to their minor child. Laws differ on recording communications and on older teens, so check local rules. FamHound avoids the riskiest areas by not reading message content or recording calls. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does my teenager have to agree?
Legally it depends on age and country. Practically, monitoring works far better with agreement. FamHound is designed to be set up together, and the teen can always see what is recorded.
Why does the phone show when it is being recorded?
Because covert monitoring damages trust, and in many places it is also against the law. Visible monitoring gives you the safety information you need while keeping the conversation with your child open.
Using FamHound
Why did recording stop on my child’s phone?
Usually because of a battery saver closing background apps, location being turned off, or the phone being offline. FamHound shows which one on both phones. Our Samsung guide covers the most common fix.
What happens when syncing is paused?
Recording stops, existing records are kept, and the parent view shows “Paused” with the time it started. When syncing resumes, the gap is shown in the timeline.
Can FamHound read WhatsApp or text messages?
No. FamHound does not read the content of messages or chats in any app. It records location, app usage time, device activity and optional backups.
How do I remove FamHound?
Enter the PIN on the child’s phone, open Settings and choose “Stop and remove”, or uninstall it like any app. The parent account is notified.
Account and data
Where is my family’s data stored and for how long?
Records are encrypted in transit and at rest. Backups are kept for 30 days, and you can delete records or your account at any time. See the privacy policy for details.
How do I contact support?
Email support@gurubox.ai. We reply within two working days, usually sooner.
Set it up together in about ten minutes.
Install FamHound on your child’s Android phone with them in the room. They see what it records, and so do you.