A scheduled screen lock is a simple way to end screen time at bedtime without a nightly argument. In Lock My Devices you tap Select Date and Time, choose when the tablet should lock, and tap Save Lock Setting; at that moment the device switches to its normal lock screen, even if it’s offline.
It’s not a full parental-control suite, and this guide is honest about that. But as a clear, predictable “screens off” signal, it works well.
Why a fixed lock time helps
Children (and adults) find it easier to stop when the stop is automatic rather than negotiated. A fixed lock time:
- Removes the nightly debate. The tablet locks; nobody has to be the bad guy.
- Builds a wind-down window. Many families aim for screens off well before lights out, so reading, a bath or a chat can fill the gap.
- Protects focus time. A lock at the start of homework time marks a clear transition.
- Is predictable. Kids know exactly when it will happen, which reduces “just five more minutes”.
Talk about it first
A lock that arrives without warning feels like a punishment. Before you set it up:
- Agree on the time together. Older kids especially respond better to rules they helped make.
- Explain the why: sleep, energy for school, less late-night scrolling.
- Give a warning routine. For example, a 10-minute heads-up so they can save a game or finish a video.
- Agree on exceptions (weekends, holidays) in advance, so changes don’t feel arbitrary.
How to set up a scheduled lock
Do this on the child’s device, where Lock My Devices is installed:
- Install the app from Google Play (Android 7.0+), open it and verify with the device PIN or biometrics.
- Enter a user code on the User Code screen and tap Continue. Use your family code so you can also lock this device remotely. See our tips on choosing a strong user code.
- Tap “Grant Device Administrator Permission” and confirm. Without it, the app can’t lock the screen.
- Tap “Select Date and Time” and choose when the device should lock, e.g. tonight at 20:30.
- Tap “Save Lock Setting”.
At the chosen time the device locks itself. It uses an exact alarm on the device, so it works without an internet connection, and the setting survives a reboot.
Making it a daily routine
The scheduled lock covers one upcoming date and time; it doesn’t repeat by itself. For a nightly routine, set the next lock time again each day — for example, as part of the evening routine when you plug the tablet in to charge. It takes a few seconds.
Locking early or on the spot
Sometimes plans change: dinner is ready, or it’s an early night. If the child’s device uses your family code, you can:
- Tap Lock All Devices in the app on your own phone, or
- Open the lock page in any browser and enter the code.
Note that this locks every device saved with that code, your own phone included. If you’d rather lock only the kids’ devices, give them a separate code. Read more in the remote lock guide.
An important caveat: the PIN
Lock My Devices brings up Android’s standard lock screen. Whoever knows the device’s PIN, pattern or password can unlock it again. So:
- For younger children, consider keeping the tablet’s PIN yourself. The lock then truly means “screens off” until you unlock it.
- For older kids who know their own PIN, the lock is more of a firm reminder than a barrier. That’s often fine, and it builds self-regulation, but be clear about expectations.
There’s no remote unlock: you unlock on the device itself.
Combine it with Google Family Link
Lock My Devices does one thing: it locks the screen. It doesn’t filter websites, block individual apps, set daily time limits or show location. If you need those, Google Family Link is the natural companion:
| Need | Tool |
|---|---|
| Lock at a set time, even offline | Lock My Devices |
| Lock all family devices instantly | Lock My Devices |
| App approvals and content filters | Google Family Link |
| Daily usage limits and location | Google Family Link |
Many families use both: Family Link for the rules, Lock My Devices for a simple, reliable lock at bedtime or on demand.
Quick checklist
- Device has a screen lock set.
- Device Administrator Permission granted.
- Lock time agreed with your child.
- Select Date and Time → Save Lock Setting.
- Next lock time reset each day.
Want to see everything the app can do? Visit the features page or the FAQ.
Questions about this topic
Can I schedule my child's Android tablet to lock at bedtime?
Yes. In Lock My Devices, tap Select Date and Time, pick the moment you want, then tap Save Lock Setting. The device locks itself at that time, even without internet.
Does the scheduled lock repeat every day?
No, you set one upcoming lock time at a time. For a nightly routine, simply set the next lock time again each day.
Will the scheduled lock still work after the tablet restarts?
Yes. The scheduled lock is restored after a reboot, so switching the device off and on doesn't cancel it.
Is Lock My Devices a full parental control app?
No. It locks the screen and nothing more; it doesn't filter content, block apps or track location. For those, combine it with Google Family Link.