Support
We're here to help you set up Roost and keep it working.
Email us
Tell us your phone model, and your child's, and what you see on screen. We read every message.
Your subscription
Roost Premium is billed by your app store. Manage or cancel it in Google Play or the App Store.
Your data
Read what Roost collects in the Privacy Policy, or delete your account and everything stored for your family.
If a child is in danger, call your local emergency number. Roost isn't an emergency service, and SOS alerts go to you, not to the emergency services.
Worried about self-harm or suicide? In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). In the UK, call Samaritans free on 116 123, or a child can call Childline on 0800 1111.
Getting started
How do I link my child's phone?
- On your phone, open Roost, create your account and add your child.
- On your child's phone, install Roost and choose This is my child's phone.
- Enter the six-character code shown on your phone, then tap Link to parent.
- Follow the steps on your child's phone to allow what Roost needs. Each one says what it's for.
Which phones does Roost work on?
Roost is on Android first, for parents and children. An iPhone app for parents is coming soon. For your child, Android is needed for message alerts, screen-time reports, the web filter and uninstall protection, because Apple doesn't allow apps to do these on iPhone.
Why does my child's phone show a permanent notice?
On purpose. Roost is built to be seen, not hidden: the notice tells your child that Roost is on, and See what is collected on their phone lists everything it shares.
Why does Android say a VPN is on?
That's Roost's internet filter. It runs on your child's phone and checks website names there; their browsing doesn't pass through our servers. See Internet filter.
Fixing problems
My child's phone has stopped reporting
- Check the phone is switched on, charged and online.
- Open Roost on the child's phone. It shows what's missing, such as a permission that was turned off, and how to fix it.
- On some phones, battery saving closes apps in the background. In the phone's settings, set Roost's battery use to Unrestricted or No restrictions, and allow it to start on its own (some makers call this “Autostart”).
- If Roost can't connect for a while, it shows a notice on the child's phone asking them to open it.
Alerts aren't arriving on my phone
- Make sure notifications for Roost are allowed in your phone's settings.
- Remove battery restrictions for Roost on your phone too.
- Open Roost: alerts are always listed in the app, even if a notification was missed.
I forgot my password
On the sign-in screen, tap Forgot your password? and we'll email you a link to set a new one.
How do I remove Roost from my child's phone?
If uninstall protection is on, turn it off first: open the phone's Settings, search for Device admin apps, choose Roost and turn it off. You'll be told when this happens unless your child entered your device code. Then uninstall Roost like any other app.
I changed phones or reinstalled. How do I get Premium back?
Sign in with the same account and tap Restore purchases on the Premium screen. Use the same Google Play or Apple account you subscribed with.
Still stuck?
Email us at support@roostfamily.online with your phone model and a short description, or a screenshot, of what you see.