Circle Parental Controls App App Negative ReviewsCircle Media Incorporated

Circle Parental Controls App Negative Reviews

4.2
4.2073 star

Total 96 Negative Reviews

Circle Parental Controls App App Complaints & User Negative Comments 2024

Circle Parental Controls App app received 96 complaints, negative comments and reviews by users. Have you ever had a bad experience using Circle Parental Controls App? Can you share your negative thoughts about circle parental controls app?

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Circle Parental Controls App for Negative User Reviews

BadVery bad app , I don’t recommend, it makes App Store and many apps stop working even if they are allowed. It keeps sending you notifications and is a very difficult app as it lags and stops working sometimes , even though you can do all that to your family you n simply go to settings and turn the VPN thing off , it will not let you download any app and causes all of your storage to be took up , it’s not a good app , please don’t get it..Version: 2.14.1

Nice in theory, doesn’t work in real life.I had high hopes for this device and app. After using the older version I upgraded to this newer one—big mistake. The vpn blocks all internet activity on the kids phones, so now I am paying for data they can’t use. My network has slowed down considerably. And the only way for anyone to play Minecraft or other server-type games is to turn the filter off completely. That defeats the purpose! The Kids can’t even play Pokémon Go on their phone because the VPN blocks It. After 30-minutes I pulled the VPN off one phone, so they could play. I don’t have 30-minutes to take it off and another 30 to put it back every time they want to do something. I’m out $300+ for a system that doesn’t work! The support site has a lot of holes in it. I’ve tried going there on several occasions and can’t find answers to my issues. But, the system does successfully route me to answers I don’t need. So, if you already know the answer to your question, you’ll find that info on their site in several places. I purchased a lifetime membership, too. If you are going to buy this, I recommend initially purchasing a month-to-month contract. That way if you find it doesn’t work you aren’t out a ton of money. Also, if you only want to control your home internet, I’d suggest finding the original circle from an older supplier or online site and use that. It is much, much better..Version: 2.23.0

Need a pinThought this was a great tool until our son figured out all he had to do was download the app himself and change the controls we have put in. I recommend the initial installer of the hardware be able to create a pin so that you have to enter the pin to make changes to the restrictions thereby eliminating this go around as he would need to the pin to be able to make the changes. Please make this change ASAP..Version: 2.14.1

To all parentsDon’t get this. You can’t say that you trust your kid and get this app it’s hypocritical. If you trust your kids to make the right decision then why track them. Setting more rules and restrictions will ruin your relationship with your kids. Putting up restrictions and too many boundaries only will challenge kids for the real world. If they get told no this or no that they will just stop asking do you want them to do that when they get a job someday? They need to learn right from wrong not be forced into it. It will help them make decisions for jobs or careers one day. This app doesn’t make you a better parent it just make you a more controlling one. This has ruined relationships with my parents and Is somewhat an invasion of the last bit of privacy I had. Putting up rules makes people want to break them. A little kid maybe it’s ok because they don’t know right from wrong as well as teens but this WILL eventually ruin relationships.Version: 2.12.0

Won’t fix family problemsWhile this might seem like the best app to get your kid off their tech and spend more time with family, it won’t. The only thing this app will do is make kids hate their parents even more. It tracks your location with a VPN and makes me feel insecure. Me and all of my friend who are limited by circle say it’s a torture method. You also have to pay 10 dollars a month which is a total sham. Circle also blocks Alexas which means kids can’t listen to music or anything on an Alexa. You can also just play offline games like Rocket League or something. I only get 2 hours a day and when I wake up I, somehow, am already down to 45 minutes. The device has to be plugged in to a router and, say you have 5G makes your Wi-Fi feel like you paid for 2G. You basically pay for worse internet with Circle. It honestly just ruins kids relationships with parents..Version: 2.31.1

BadI cannot believe my parents spent like 100 dollars on this peice of trash just for me to bypass it in like, a day. yikes..Version: 2.29.1

⚠️PARENTS⚠️Circle is a great device. Installing this for your kids, increases your chances of being thrown in a nursing home by approximately 200% ❤️.Version: 2.15.0

StupidThis app is the dumbest creation ever , yes I’m only 12 years old but I have an opinion on this. I used to be very comfortable with my family before this but now I’m not so much because my mom abuses her powers with this app. It is a waste of money and stupid because what are you going to do when I’m 18? Throw it away? My mom wasted $100 on this stupid circle box just so she could turn on and off my internet 😐. I used to talk to her a lot about my life but not anymore because I’m just asking for more internet so I can socialize with my friends because I can only text my friends because my mom homeschools me *shocker* and I can’t talk to any of my real friends in person so I FaceTime and text but I can’t do that with circle anymore. Don’t get this for your child, it is stupid and if you want your child to have a good relationship with you then stay away from this app.Version: 2.24.1

I hate itIt is stupid.Version: 2.31.1

I hate itThis app is horrible, I know I’m a kid and people probably won’t agree with me, but this app is horrible and ruins relationships between the parents and they’re children. my experience as someone who has their parents using it was back in January (during COVID) while I wasn’t doing good in school, so my dad decided to use circle, from 9 am to 11 pm we could only use our devices. After about 2-4 weeks of using it he realized we weren’t getting any better, so he turned it off at 3pm everyday, but if we did an assignment we would get another hour, but we can’t get anymore til 11pm, and for a while that still didn’t work, so he decided to turn off all our free hours, so we had to do all of them by assignments, and so all my friends who didn’t have apples, I had to talk to them on discord, and discord is the only way I can talk to them, and also even if I did have my hours, if I did something he does not like, he bans us from our hours for the whole day..Version: 2.21.0

Does not work as advertisedLet me preface my comments by saying that I have a background in IT. The bottom line with this App is that, when it works, it works well. However, when it doesn’t work (as advertised), it utterly fails and you waste time (daily) trying to get it to work. In a nutshell, I set restrictions on a child between 10p and 7a. Why, when both the control app and user app side say they have time left for the day and the access isn’t restricted, does it say that they can not connect to the internet, won’t allow email, and applications can not get past the firewall? On a daily basis, both of my iPads are dead in the water. I went so far as to remove ALL restrictions and it still takes 5-10 minutes for the controlled device to be “released” by the VPN. Flipping a switch and saving should be as instantaneous as turning on a light in a dark room. I’ve wasted enough time troubleshooting this application that I’m looking for a different solution..Version: 2.8.1

Mary MontgomeryThe circle first generation app was wonderful. Lots of versatility and easy to control all of my kids’ devices. The new circle parental control is nothing but a problem. Let’s start first with the fact that none of my previous log in information works with the updated app. Second, my “circle family” equally does not import into the new app, forcing me to set everything up all over again as if this is a brand new service. Super frustrating and time consuming. Third, the VPN is a mess. It causes many other apps not to work, some of which are the main ones my kids use for school. It’s just a disaster. Fourth, Circle First Generation worked with chromebooks. This was a huge benefit because I could limit their screen time. The new Circle Parental Control app ONLY works on mobile devices and not Chromebooks, which is what every school kid in America is seemingly using right now. You took a really great app and made it virtually useless. Such a shame that the developers wrecked what was a really good app..Version: 2.15.1

Horrible deviceBuy this is if you want your children to hate you with a burning passion.Version: 2.31.1

Lost all premium features on Circle 1st GenerationI have paid annal premium for Circle on Netgear till June 2023 . Lost all premium features suddenly. No support from either Circle or Netgear. Very frustrating..Version: 2.31.1

It’s definitely effective, but is confusing to use.Disclaimer: I am the child this software is being used for, so I may be negatively biased. This Software is VERY effective when it comes to getting your children off their device, but it is REALLY hard to give rewarded screen time. When my parents attempt to give me more screen time for say... tiktok. My parents only allow me 30 mins for tiktok, and sometimes they reward me. The problem is that if I’m rewarded 30 minutes more for tiktok but my overall usage for the day has expired, I can’t use tiktok. My parents usually have to reward both 30 minutes for overall time usage AND tiktok. It would be so much easier and more effective if you just give them more time for tiktok..Version: 2.24.1

This app will not fix your family problemsMy parents forced me and all of my siblings to download this app so that they could limit our media time to no more than 3 hours of a day. This means no social media or shows. My parents seemed to think that if they limited the things we enjoyed and completely took them away every time we got upset or forgot to do our chores that we would become better kids. All this has done is cause more problems. Every day someone is frustrated over losing their privileges and I don’t think this has improved our relationship with our parents at all. In fact I hate them more than before. Parents using the app and making their kids hate them more isn’t the only problem I have with it though. The app also slows down internet considerably and recently when we got media time the apps that we were allowed to use, but are usually blocked only worked for short amounts of time before not working again. I’ve deleted the app and my parents did everything they could, but nothing will work and I’m afraid this app permanently messed up my phone. If you want to restrict your kids internet access I recommend other options..Version: 2.14.1

I cant delete itThis app sucks. It blocks your data and you cant even delete the app..Version: 2.22.0

Tried multiple times to get to support...I haven’t personally used the app yet since I just downloaded it. I just found out that my father has been using your software to control and view my mothers and my internet history behind our backs creating a very toxic home. When a domestic abuser has access to this information, and causes problems constantly over speculation; because they are so deranged with an ego out of this world this causes so many problems. I’ve tried multiple times to get to circles support to have a live chat with someone that could answer my questions, but everytime i was redirected to the faq page over and over again. So here I am leaving a review for a response. Will a VPN stop him from being able to see the device and history? How can we stop this madness that he is creating off of old history even if its the most basic info that is listed. Its toxic and needs to be stopped..Version: 2.14.1

NopeNot only that I don’t want to have screen time but this isn’t even a good app it works horribly and glitches tons so parents if you want to waste your money only for your kids to bypass this then go ahead and get this app..Version: 2.11.0

Warning for parent !!!I'm 11 now, and ease don't igorne me because I'm just a kid, and since I was findings an app for my parents to reduce my phone usage time, I have read some comment on the other app that had same abilities. First, I have read that many users got their wifi lower. Second, they don't manage your app, they just simply deleted it and then reinstall it after the giving block time, this can cause data lost for app that not connect to Icloud, especially for teenagers gamers, they can lot their process of gaming by this app Third, hackers, hackers is many, and this app use your location, not like google map timeline (the setting that track where you go) , they track your location and send to many people, a hacker can access it easily and track your location. Forth, they can easily access your data and take your personal data from your phone such as credit card number, an account password, personal photo, etc. Last, they might scam your money, so I did download it, after it, I try to click to parent section, they lead me to an unknown website and tell me to sign in, and give personal information. If you have an IOS device such as iPhone, iPod, or iPad, you should use screen time manager in family, made by Apple. I hope parents who read this can consider to use another app, or simply use apple screen time..Version: 2.18.0

Frustrating to use!I have been using the Circle app for 3 years. First, I used the Circle with Disney app. It worked well at first. Then it started glitching. It wasn’t stopping my son’s usage at the time I set. Then the app wasn’t responding to my touch on my phone. Eventually, I returned the Circle w/Disney and got a new one. Once again, the new one worked fine AT FIRST. Eventually the app was not responding at all. I have deleted and reinstalled the app about 10 times over the 3 years. Eventually it became more annoying to use than it was to monitor my kid’s usage, so I threw away the whole thing! Then, Circle came out with a new IMPROVED version. I figured I’d give it a try and give them my $100. Same as the previous version, it stopped correctly monitoring my kid’s devices correctly and the app is glitchy and keeps turning off while I’m trying to use it..Version: 2.23.0

Why can’t I block devices or approve them?I like that I can put filters and time limits on my internet, but why can’t I block devices and choose to accept devices into my circle? I can delete a device but as soon as it come back into range, it goes right back on. And if I don’t want someone on, why don’t I get the option to accept a device that wants to join? My mother in law hands out my password like it’s candy on Halloween. I’m not really in control of my internet without those features. Also, it decides when, and if, it works. I have a bedtime set at 8 pm and a wake time of 9 am, but I get up this morning and the time is all used up on my kids’ school computers. One of the kids decided to play games all night. Even though it was on bedtime. I’m paying to be able to control who, what, when and how my internet is used, but I’m still not in control..Version: 2.28.0

No❤️If you want your kids/teens to hate you and doubt your trust in them and increase the chance of you going to a ✨nursing home✨buy this😃😃.Version: 2.15.0

The parental control app everThis will probably never get read by anyone but oh well This app actually makes your internet stupidly slow. It’s alright for playing online games (for nerd stats I get an average of 30 ping) but for downloading updates it’s unbearably slow. I have an ethernet cable for my PC but if I need to update a game I have to ask my parents to completely disable the app so it will download at the full capabilities the ethernet cable gives you. The mobile app is also super buggy and stopped working after a few months, so I don’t get bedtime warnings for 15 minute left warnings which can be a little inconvenient for when I’m trying to play games with my friends and I randomly stop moving and talking then disconnect (this happens on a pretty much daily basis) yeah it’s a great app but only if your kid actually has issues with screen time (like spending ~5 hours online for entertainment and not productivity purposes) and not for if they just casually use devices Random rants: Love how the photos show happy children on devices (these are misleading and do not reflect the feelings of a child when Circle silently disables all internet regardless of what they’re doing, and also do not reflect the feelings of a child while Circle is enabled) Also, fun fact, 4Chan is allowed starting at “teen” restriction level (for context 4Chan is a super creepy messaging site that no one should be on).Version: 2.31.1

Great if you want kids to hate you 🧍‍♀️As a 15 year old, i feel as though this is ridiculous, i shouldn’t be getting tracked on every single device i own, my wifi should not be turning off every single day. i beg you adults, do NOT get this for your children, as it makes them miserable. i already have depression, and talking to my friends at 2 in the morning was helping me. now i can’t even do that. so thank you to my “nice” parents who implemented this trash system in my household. it is also very easy to bypass, but i do not want to, as my dad can see when i turn it off, and then i will be grounded as a 15 year old in the middle of a pandemic. i stand alongside all the other teenagers that are suffering with me in this battle..Version: 2.27.0

Does not workCould no sign up after 10-15 attempts. Keeps freezing after name and email address..Version: 2.19.0

GarbageSpent $140 on this. It was never able to connect wired or wireless tried all the things. Best Buy won’t return it. Spent hours trying everything..Version: 2.26.0

SucksI’m 15 and I still have this it’s so stupid and useless for me I have tried to prove responsibility for 2 years now and my parents are just to stubbed to remove it. If any parents read this I highly suggest not to get this app it’s overpriced and just causes problems within your home..Version: 2.22.0

Who’s your CEO?The concept of the app is absolutely necessary but you’ve missed the mark by a long shot in your execution for the following reasons. 1. UX The user experience is absolutely atrocious from the moment you open the app and attempt to setup. It’s obvious that this app was not properly tested on the target user. 2. Too many features Keep all the features but put it in advance setting tap. SIMPLIFY the setup process. It should be no more than 3 steps. 3. Copy The way menus and settings are worded could be rewritten in a way that is more clear. 4. Build in guide Don’t send users to a long help site. Quick help instructions should be built in to app!.Version: 2.30.0

How to bypassIf you want to bypass just go in settings, search vpn , then tap the info button and click delete..Version: 2.24.1

InfuriatingWe got this for our child who has a difficult time waking up after we’ve gone to sleep to be on screens. Our kids have ample screen time, we use parental filters, and they have a lot of control over their usage. We educate them in safe internet skills. The purchase of this was strictly to eliminate the temptation for our child to wake during the night. The set-up is not user friendly and very convoluted. I set up focus times and bedtimes for different profiles and outside of those times (even if I turn off focus or bedtime) the internet is not accessible. It has been an absolute nightmare and interferes with business I need to take care of online. I have been using data instead, and then today— after having Circle installed for about a week—I uninstalled the app and disconnected the Circle hardware permanently. What a mess. We’ll be returning the hardware. I just want to turn the internet off during sleeping hours. It’s not really that difficult of a task..Version: 2.30.1

StopI hate this app so much it destroys trust between parents and their kids and you get no privacy whatsoever. and the worst thing is you know your parents would hate it too if they had it on their devices.Version: 2.29.1

Circle reviewSuch a bad device and invention does not work can’t Connect to wifi or my or my partners phone won’t let me control the kids devices do not buy.Version: 2.19.0

BruhReally bad u can just turn off the VPN in settings in general or just delete the app 😂😂😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😆😆😆🤣🤣🤣 like bruuuhh it’s 100 dollars not worth it seriously devs if you read this just know that I very am disappointed.Version: 2.19.0

Focus Time / Bedtime conflict a major painCircle is better than most alternatives, but the fact that the app refuses to allow you to schedule overlapping bedtimes and focus times EVEN THOUGH BEDTIME IS TURNED OFF is a major hassle. I have lost count of how many times I try to set a focus time, only to be told I can’t because it conflicts with a bedtime that isn’t active- or the other way around. And there is no way to just delete bedtime altogether. Customer service tried to help, which involved several paragraphs of instructions. After a ton of effort on both of our parts - including me deleting everyone’s account and all the saved focus time websites for homeschool and starting from scratch- the issue continues to be a problem. It’s clearly part of the app’s basic programming. After two years, there is no fix in sight. So if you have a complicated daily schedule that often changes, this might be more trouble than it’s worth..Version: 2.30.1

It’s okIt’s not great, of course I’m the kid in the situation so my opinions may differ from the parent. I understand this is helpful for kids who are on their phones to often. But it’s a little bit frustrating and slightly scary. It makes it so I can’t delete the app, (although I wouldn’t if I didn’t have my moms permission) the set-up is strange and frustrating. On several occasions it brings up a blue screen that says “cannot connect to circle” I’ve had to spam the “try again” button until it works. It’s not healthy to have endless time on the internet. But their are a few technical issues with this app. The bigger issue I have it that it doesn’t let me call people when my time limit is off. In an emergency, I wouldn’t be able to call the police. it completely defeats the purpose of getting a phone. It blocks communication, and can be down right scary sometimes. I give it 2 stars because some of the functionalities are good..Version: 2.20.1

Poorly Made n LimitingThe apps idea itself is very stupid due to other free versions existing and being much better than this, but other than that it also has massive issues, such as if you use the filter, the one thing i believe is good on this app, it limits bandwidth and slows down your internet by a large margin, this happens all the time with me, without the filter on my speed is around 400, the second it is turned on it drops to 40ish. Dont waste your money on this parents, not only are built in options easier, theyre better, and cheaper. And your kid will hate this more, and attempt to bypass this, in my case bypassing is very easy but it feels like bait for your kid, and they may feel the same. Such as the turning off the VPN. Its an obvious and easy thing to do but it notifies them instantly and will get the poor kid grounded. Its just bait to punish your kid. Do Not Buy It..Version: 2.31.1

Annoying and uselessIf you have an iPhone this app does exactly the same thing as the Screen Time feature, so why bother getting this? I also feel that you just shouldn’t allow access to the apps the child has spent too much time on, instead of just cutting out the internet. If you set bedtime, the wifi cuts out completely and the child won’t be able to use anything, even if it’s for something important. Some features are useful, like the focus time. But apart from that I feel this app could be a lot better..Version: 2.27.0

Not accurateI could talk abt how this app is garbage but it’s not even accurate, if i check snap for 2 seconds it automatically marks me down for 5 minutes. it is very annoying and i would be better if it was more accurate.Version: 2.25

Go Ahead Ruin Your Child’s RelationshipNot only does this app allow one to restrict social media or entertainment from their kids device but it also enables them to turn off their internet for days on end. They have access to all of the browsers searched and receive data on every app they open. This isn’t helping your kid it’s making them feel controlled. This isn’t an easy quick fix to getting you kid off the internet because it’s shows them that you have little to no trust and makes them feel like their every move is being watched. Parents can simply type in their child’s email and control their device for as long as they wish. Every little thing can be controlled, this isn’t beneficial it’s nonsense. Don’t jeopardize your kids relationship because you want them to spend less time on their phone, it’s not worth it..Version: 2.19.0

MisleadingApp requires a 15.99 mth sign up to access not listed accurately.Version: 2.19.0

Frustrated parentAs a parent trying to protect my children/family, this app falls short. After paying for the lifetime subscription and not getting sufficient support, I feel scammed. This app is pretty good at blocking content. Lots of content, even working from home or school e-learning; it all gets blocked. I have to assign many devices to “unmanaged” just to use them for basic e-mail or homework. From that standpoint I don’t get any value for the app for my most common devices. Then when I do get some control and the iOS app sends me a notification, I get no description of the trigger event from Circle. Did a child reach a time limit? Don’t know. Was some malicious content identified and stopped? Don’t know. Did a new device just join my network? I don’t know. The notifications are useless. When I’ve engaged support, if I can’t get back to them immediately, my ticket is closed without resolution. I’ve had multiple support attempts closed prematurely without any resolution. Parents considering spending money on this app, be cautious. Consider other options. Don’t take the dive on a lifetime subscription. Test the waters first. Learn from my mistake..Version: 2.26.0

Retirement home speedrunThis app will help you get either no contact with your kids or will get them to put you in the retirement hon when you need to eat mush at the age of 80 take my advice don’t buy.Version: 2.31.1

Note to childrenTo turn it of go to settings<genral<VPN and device management then press the i beside circle and then delete VPN.Version: 2.31.1

DisappointedWe had the Disney Circle first Gen to begin with about 3 years ago, it was great and we never had any issues. Earlier this year (January) we changed internet providers and the first gen didn’t work with that one so we got the newer version, the circle plus. Set up was just as easy and it worked well for maybe 3 days. I haven’t been able to get the app to work at all in months! I reached out to circle support and got advised to do a number of steps, which I did. It didn’t work. I’ve let it sit on the back burner for a few weeks and decided to give it a go again today, still nothing. I open the app and have 2 options “get started” or “log in to parent app”, type in my login info just to be taken back to the previous screen. Try clicking “log in” again, it doesn’t work. Won’t take me anywhere. I’m not sure what’s up or why it hasn’t worked in over 5 months. It’s doing it’s job, I do know that. But I’m not able to utilize the parent app like I’m supposed too. I’m very disappointed in this and feel like it was a waste of money..Version: 2.13.0

Not displaying usage correctlyNo longer displays the usage for the day. Constantly sits at 0 minutes. If I look at yesterday for example, this works correctly. Please fix it, it’s clearly a but as the visited history works perfectly..Version: 2.15.1

This app is not good for a child.Ok so yes I may be a 14 year old and I know you probably wont listen to this, but this app has done nothing. I had such a good relationship with my parents, and as I got older and older, I started getting a bit more private about my life. I would still talk to my parents but I wouldn’t tell them every single detail, I would just tell them to the level I was comfortable with. but since this app my privacy has been destroyed. it shows everything, even your search history and some red flag sites. not to mention the app barely even works when you try to give rewards you get a 1 in 3 chance of it actually working. this app is good for a punishment, but nothing else. since the app I feel like im not in control of anything anymore and its caused me to become severely depressed. my parents think its making me less dependent on the internet but its doing the opposite, because they treat it like a reward and any time I can talk to my friends, or look something up I am so grateful for, that ive stopped doing homework just cause my focus time ended..Version: 2.22.0

Not as user friendlyI am on my second circle and I found the 1st generation way more user friendly. I have had very frustrating moments with this new circle..Version: 2.14.1

New Circle is horribleWe loved the original Circle with Circle Go. Since the upgrade to the new Circle device and VPN it’s been nothing but problems. I’ve spent hours on the phone with nice people at customer support with no solutions. How do I not like thee, let me count the ways: - teen can click “turn off VPN” in settings to remove her device from Circle with just a toggle switch. - teen says it’s not her - it just happens (hmmm) - days later Circle tells me teen’s phone hasn’t communicated in a while. (Old version immediately told us if devices left network) - teen unable to use certain sites that we allow because of glitches. Sites we allow - like Snapchat. Forced to set up VPN (which now allows or forces device to leave network, see above) - always have to enter my password after an app update but suddenly do not need password to open app (different passwords, of course. Memorized the app opening password and use thumb print but need to look up the program password) - while customer service is pleasant they can’t fix anything and when I’m told a more senior/experienced tech will contact me, they don’t. —-I’m so sad this new Circle is so bad. We loved the old version and they messed it up. I’d like my money back and I’ll find something else (which won’t be as good as the old Circle)..Version: 2.8.1

Useless app that my son bypassed easilyAfter I told my son I that I had implemented the parental controls he laughed at me and within five minutes he had bypassed the entire system and within the next hour he had complete control over everything (which he used to shut off my phone and computer’s WiFi). Completely useless and ineffectual..Version: 2.20.1

PleaseJust... I don’t know what to do anymore. I only get 30 minutes a day. Look, I learned my lesson, ok? Devs you did a really good job though..Version: 2.12.0

Awful (and how to bypass)Hi. This is coming from one of the teens that had the absolute unfortunate luck of getting this app on my phone. Not only was I VERY EASILY able to bypass it, and actually delete the app off of my phone, It was practically useless! It didn’t really affect my screen time, as I could just turn it off. So go into settings > general > VPN > circle > info > delete VPN. It may not be those exact words but I think its easy enough to do. My name on here is my snap, so feel free to add me. I wont be having any problems spending more than 60 minutes on it. I can’t believe my parents spent 100 or more bucks on this only for me to get around it 😂😂.Version: 2.5.0

Dear parents,Look, I know that I’m a teenager, and half of the adults looking at reviews won’t listen to this, but coming from a child, this app has done NOTHING but cause problems. I am a 16 year old girl who has had this app since I was 11. First off, it slows down your wifi significantly. It basically racks onto ur wifi and causes everything to load much slower and not as good of quality. Second, it has caused a lot of issues between me and my parents. I understand using this app for children. But if you’re considering using this on your teens, do not. I’ve felt like i have no trust between me and my parents anymore because they’re constantly pausing my wifi for something like not doing the dishes. Thinking that taking your kids phone and wifi away will solve the problem is WRONG. It makes kids feel like you as parents can’t figure out a way to tell us we were wrong face to face, and instead you revert to technology thinking that taking our phone will make us stop. I know this isn’t exactly the app developers problem, but if your an adult who actually cares about what your kids think, do NOT get this app. Please, trust your children enough to manage their phone on their own and if it gets bad then step in..Version: 2.12.0

Was Better BeforeI loved Circle with Disney. The interface and control points were better and more intuitive. There were some problems, but overall it was good. I think the engineers were not held back enough on this new version. Every time the iPhone is updated, I have to redo all the restrictions. So annoying. The VPN in Circle Go causes so many issues that my kids are constantly complaining about it stopping them from doing what I have allowed them to do. So, I have to keep allowing them to turn off VPN. It defeats the purpose. I don’t know whether the bandwidth through the VPN is too small or what, but it’s annoying. A word of advice to the developer, tweak don’t revamp. If you change too many things at once, you almost will screw it up. Just regulate the engineers more. They will over-complicate products and forget about the user experience. Anyway, while this is something that is still useable, I can no longer unreservedly recommend this product any longer..Version: 2.7.1

HORRIBLEIk it’s hard kids I want ta get rid of it to.Version: 2.15.0

Ruins relationships with your Family.I’ve been on circle for years and ever since we got it, it has caused problems for ny family. First, it makes the wifi SOO slow. Secondly, it so frustrating that parents can’t just trust their kids with their devices. Like being a strict parent doesn’t make you a good parent. Actually, you create horrible relationships with your kids. Your kids begin to dislike your and because of all these restrictions, your kids become more sneaky. Strict parents create liars. Why do parents feel the need to control things like this? It’s 2020z. Let your kid control themselves. They are never going to learn how to control them selves when they grow up because they have been so used to having something stop their device at a certain point. Horrible. Unless you want your family to explode every night, do not even think about purchasing circle..Version: 2.14.1

Hate this appThis ruined me and my relationship with my father. Recommend getting if you hate your children and wish to sever your relationship with them 🥰🥰.Version: 2.31.1

DONT GET THIS PLEASEOk so to start off I’m a child. 11. developers,I've talked to my parents so much about this so don’t give me your bot response. Ok, so the thing is, that if you’re a parent and your considering getting this app because your 6 year old is obsessed with Minecraft and you want them to be like one of those book worms when they grow up, don’t. Because if it’s only for like a year or 2 then that’s completely fine, but if you are planning to control your child with this app UNTIL THEY ARE 18, then don’t get it, because MY parents are planning to do that and it drives me insane. My parents have had this app since I was 9 years old. I got my first phone when I was 8. I got my moms old phone, iPhone XR. As a normal child that got her first phone, she will use it. And that’s exactly what I did. Everyday. On my phone. I downloaded musically when I was 6 on my moms phone and kept it on once I got the phone for granted. But, my parents started to realize that I am “ too obsessed “ and downloaded this app. Ever since, I have been diagnosed with anxiety since 10 years old, and I have trust issues. But what makes me the most mad is that not only is my dad a TECHNICAL GENIUS BUT I also has kept it on until now. He has found a way for it to work with it turned off, and to give him a notification when i delete it. So please circle developers, DELETE THE APP OUT OF MY IPAD AND MY PHONE FOR THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.Version: 2.31.1

Give this app a bad review and one star please 🤗🥺🙏🏻✨Get this app a one star or I will come and find you and continuously slap you until you wake up from sleeping then when you wake up I will kick you hard in the head a lot of time knocked out so you better do what I say I’m coming for you :) 🔪✨also I am a kid so don’t come for me!🥺🍀I believe that this app is teaching us kids that when there parents turns off their wifi it’s kinda teaching to beg for there parents to turn there wifi on basically begging.😪 Another reason why you should not get this app for your kid and rate it a one star☝🏻is because it makes us kids extremely sad basically if your kid is calling someone or playing watching YouTube/Netflix/Hulu/Disney+ when there WiFi gets turned off, it make us sad that are WiFi just got turned off. Us kids being sad all the time is not good for are mental health. So that was all my reasons why you should not get this app for your kid/kidS! *also it cost money~ 💵* Love, Isabella (´ε`)♡ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°).Version: 2.20.1

GarbageIf you want your teens to feel unsafe whenever they are around you and end up in a nursing home then get this. I’m 16 I don’t need my parents monitoring me and limiting my screen time to 1 hour a day. I can do it myself..Version: 2.28.0

Comment le désactiverQuelqu’un a installer cette application et contrôle mon téléphone contre mon concentement est ce que vous pouvez me dire comment le désactiver? Svp.Version: 2.12.0

BAD APP!Hi, My Name Is John I am 13 years old. My parents are very chill people they would always trust me with my internet. I then got older, and older and I would always listen to my parents, but they thought for some reason I was ignoring them. They kept complaining saying that I was “Using To Much Video Games” I rarely play video games now at age 13 it just is boring. I use social media and that’s also a hassle with my parents I try to explain how there’s a pandemic going on and I can’t go out and see them and they insist I should do other things, but there’s nothing I can do. The app is hard to manage if your a Parent It works very poorly and it slows down the internet. I have had it for 2 and a half years now and it is awful. I love socializing with people in person, but I can’t do anything right now with a pandemic going on and my parents can’t realize that. My point is that you shouldn’t get this app it will ruin a trust with family and will mess up your internet. The managers are bots and do nothing, but tell you to email them. Thanks for taking this in a 13 year-old’s perspective.Version: 2.19.0

Now requires expensive subscriptionDisappointed that many of the reasons why The Circle was good now require a very expensive subscription. Going to ditch the Circle and use ISP solution which is offered for free. Goodbye Circle, my kids resented you and now I do too..Version: 1.1.0

Plz shut it downThis app has taken away the only thing that I use as an escape from the world. Believe it or not idc but it’s the only thing that brings me happiness now a days. I beg you please shut it down..Version: 2.24.1

UselessAbsolutely useless.Version: 2.31.1

Question 🙋‍♀️So, is it possible that the creators of this can somehow make the internet not SO SLOW? But it’s DESTROYING my relationship with my family!!!! I’m miserable, 😭 it limits EVERYTHING I do! Like I have a best friend I’ve had since kindergarten, my parents limit it to 17 MINUTES at calls! (I’m 17, and they don’t appear to trust me anymore when I became a teenager!) I CANT WAIT to move out!!!!! Also, kids reading this, I advise you to like this one review called “To kids having a mental breakdown” it’s something like that, anyway, I understand that you want to keep people’s children safe! But is this how we plan to do so? Taking away their internet? We are modern kids! It’s in our blood! You plan to keep your children safe by taking something precious to them away? Their are other ways! just teach us to stay safe! Not to just not let them do certain things! Anyway, have a nice day 🖤.Version: 2.20.1

Great System but needs theseI really like your system but it has one problem when bedtime is set and say the time of bedtime is 11:30 pm and you set a reward it still shows that your bedtime is 11:30 pm but it also shows under rewards that bedtime has been removed for the night it is confusing and when that time comes around 11:30 pm it blocks it won’t give the reward I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or it is just a glitch please help of fix thanks Also another thing! I kind of fell like it slows down the internet a little bit because before we got the circle our internet speeds were 300 MB’s to 400 MB’s and now it is only 100 MB’s to 200 MB’s that’s when you do a speed test and I’ve done a speed test on different apps and websites and it’s the same when you use a wired connection. And our internet will just turn off out of no ware and we turned off the circle for a whole week and none of that happens and we’ve even gone as far as getting a new router. Thank you we really love your system!.Version: 2.20.1

I’m a child, but hear me out.Hi. My name is Socks and I’m 17. My carers have been trying to remove this, but it won’t let them, and consequently it’s crashing all of our devices and making them damn near impossible to use..Version: 2.19.0

If you want your kids too hate you then go aheadWe put this on our kids devices and they got very upset and instead of any positive things coming from this our kids ended up getting very upset and violent with us the same thing happened with all of our friends who tried this.Version: 2.22.0

Team up to fight circleOk, first of all we all know how horrible Circle is.My parents were strict to begin with, but as soon as they downloaded circleNone of my siblings or I trusted them anymore. I’m petrified to do things on my iPad even things that I’m allowed to do, thinking that my parents will get angry. Every kid whose parent has download in circle knows the pain of the thousands of parents who’ve done this to their children. But I’m tired of suffering in silence together, we can do this. By writing horrible reviews and filing at least 10 complaints, we can bring down circle together. We have to team up to fight circle stand together side-by-side and gain control of our lives again!!!!.Version: 2.24.1

Couple of problemsI believe multiple people have this first reason, but for some reason Xbox live is counted as online games, so if it is left running (ex: I leave it on for something to update faster) it will eat up my video game time. The second problem I have with this app is the Dashboard. It may load once, but if I close out the app and try to re-open it again, the dashboard will not work. After clicking the dashboard button again, waiting, clicking, waiting, it never works. I don’t know how to fix this problem either. Circle help center doesn’t really have a solution to this. If I go into system, it will say that the internet is reachable, but local infinitely says checking. Please fix this, it is very tedious and frustrating to have to wait for my turn to view how much time I have left in a certain area to “recharge”.Version: 2.31.1

Circle (and why you shouldn’t get it)I am 15 years old. My mother got this in April. Our relationship has gone down from there. We have been having almost daily arguments about restrictions, and have had screaming matches at least twice a week. This app (and the accompanying physical block) have done nothing good for our family. It slows down the WiFi considerably (because it checks all incoming and outgoing network traffic.) and prevents us from learning on our classes because of this. It kicks me and my brother off of our online classes whenever our mother changes restrictions (which is often) and catches many websites that we need to use for school in its filters. This is the literal worst option you could ever get for restricting your children. If you’re reading this, it is most likely on the App Store. Use Apple’s built in restrictions. Please, I am begging you, don’t download this app..Version: 2.15.0

Lol there are so many ways you can get around this(I’m 14) -MAC spoofing (look it up) -VPN -Network switch (look it up) -there’s a thing called rat trap that is way better than this and can straight up just block this thing (look up rat trap network security) -water and circle home plus don’t go together, unplug the thing and dab the metal part of the cable in water (just a tiny bit) and then plug it back in ^^^if ur parents replace it cuz of what u did, find a way to gain admin on the circle home plus device ASAP like right when you see the box Circle devs, in the unlikely chance your reading this... I hope you take these off the shelves, they clearly don’t work and when they do, they do way more harm than good. Trust between parents and kids can’t exist under this thing For other kids reading this, 2 of these might not work because circle has cracked down on VPNs and MAC spoofing. Keep in mind whenever you unplug circle your parents get notified, if something happens to circle your parents will get notified... I seriously recommend just talking to them if you have a good solid relationship with them, if not then go ahead I’m glad I could’ve passed on this knowledge... peace ✌️ PS. Please don’t give me that dumb bot response, this is clearly not worthy of that.Version: 2.20.1

Let’s not 😘Let’s gay playful together ok😍.Version: 2.23.0

Great when it’s online.We have had circle since Gen 1. It is generally very good in time and content control. However ever since we switched to the new circle and new app, there are a lot more manual monitoring each day on my part. We do not use VPN as it does slow down devices and Apple can do a lot of the work on the go. The new Circle unit turns off by itself very frequently ever since we got it. Not just the box itself, the notifications function in circle app turns off by itself every single day. The app is only installed on my phone and no one can open it except me. I have called support, all they told me to do is to restart app, box internet at the same time. I have done everything include re- pair circle with app, restart all equipment at same and issue it fixed. This is a BUG need to be fixed. I need to see notification if the system goes offline..Version: 2.15.1

Life ruinerThis app is absolute torture. It destroys your happiness. As a teenager, I believe that I should be allowed to at least be able to watch some decent, funny videos on YouTube. But no, my whole life, my parents have blocked all websites related to entertainment and videos. Meanwhile every single kid at school watches YouTube or goes on TikTok and things like that. Everybody at school talks about things online; they all say “new words” that we’re made up online. So when a kid like me goes to school and doesn’t know what anybody is saying, I feel like trash. You would think his wouldn’t be such a huge problem, but it is. Since I never know what anyone is saying, I just don’t say much at all because I am afraid I will say something dumb and get laughed at or something. I have speaking problems because I was always to scared to say anything. I hardly have any friends because people consider me quiet/boring. This app has caused more pain and suffering than you could ever imagine. Just for watching some funny videos on Youtube, I get punished. This app causes overprotective *crazy parents* to get out of control and become 1000 times more annoying. Unless you want your kids to hate you, DONT GET THIS APP. Not getting this app = No depression, speaking problems, or lack of friends and happiness Circle🥊😡🤬😡😡😡😭😭🤬🤬😵.Version: 2.31.1

Hello fellow children with strict asian parentsTitle.Version: 2.15.1

Bad for limitsMy parents got the first gen about 3-4 years ago and at first since I didn’t play much games it didn’t bother me much but nowadays my parents got the second gen I play more video games because it’s my only way of contact with my friends and my parents have made it so I can only play if I get a reward so sometimes I do that but usually I can only get more time when my friends are offline and can’t play so now I’m losing friends because I can’t play anymore and even when I do get time it just kicks me off in the middle of a match and I can still hear my friends talking and they don’t even acknowledge that I’m gone and these are friends I’ve known for seven years just fading away because of the fact that I can’t play. And on top of all this it just randomly turns off my WiFi so I can’t do school work my parents also set a bedtime of 4pm so if I’m working I can’t complete and turn in my assignments. And that is why this product is good in theory but ends up ruining your childhood by imposing limits that have no way of being overcome.Version: 2.19.0

Not compatible with modemWe had a circle first generation that was amazing and we then upgraded to the newest model. It worked for a year and then as soon as it was time to pay for a monthly subscription, we paid and could never get it working again. The customer support told us it wasn’t compatible with our modem but it was the same modem we had been using for a year. Don’t waste your money..Version: 2.31.0

Do not recommendAbsolute garbage. My son bypassed it within the first 12 hours. You cannot tell which device belongs to who or look at the history for each device individually. The controls don’t work reliably it’s an absolute joke and waste of money and time. Not to mention it’s so hard to set up on your kids device that you pretty much need to be a tech wizard to figure the thing out..Version: 2.20.1

PrivacyYou can see everything that people are doing on you wifi that’s practically hacking.Version: 2.11.0

Do NOT give your teenager this app!!I’m 17 years old and it’s so frustrating to be in school and, not be able to look something up or, do something your teacher told you to do because your parents put school time on and your internet DOESNT WORK!! I always had trust issues with my parents; I’ve never really told them anything I do really and this app has just made everything worse... I feel like i’m being micromanaged by them and I’m almost an adult. I understand that parents don’t want their kids getting addicted to technology but this is NOT a good way to stop that. We grew up in the era that has all this and it’s not going away. It’s frustrating when I only have 15 minutes on all my social media apps and I won’t even be on my phone and my time limit ends. What’s going to happen when i graduate this year and go off to college? Are they just going to keep micromanaging me with this app while I’m an adult and trying to have fun? I know you think that from a teens perspective you think we’re just being dramatic but, what if we put this app on your phones... how frustrating would that be? This app doesn’t solve the technology problems and your children’s addiction to their phones, it just makes them not want to trust you and keep things from you. So please if your thinking about getting this app for hour kid(s), re-think that option..Version: 2.15.0

Disappointing😔😔😔This app is leaving stress for a lot of kids and teens. It is very difficult for me to not be stressed. I hope you can understand. ~thanks~.Version: 2.23.0

It sucksThis ruins my life.Version: 2.22.0

CirclePoop.Version: 2.15.0

It’s okI am a child. So I may have a biased opinion. So take this how you please. First of it slows the WiFi down. I mean like to a halt so much so that our 4g WiFi that we used to use befor we got 5g and circle on it was better. I does monitor your child’s activity witch is actually helpful because when I am doing school work I can get distracted and this helps stop it allowing me to finish it faster. It also doesn’t block sites witch is great because my school has one that does and it’s sometimes hard to access the sites that I need to do work. The good thing is that it’s effective enough but doesn’t block all your sites. The one problem is that it monitors everything that is sent through your WiFi witch might allow the company that owns it to date mine you (I did my research) and some hacker steal that info or a hacker just skips the middle man and takes it right from you. Honestly I would like it much more if it didn’t slow down the WiFi. But if you don’t want your identity stolen the I would suggest not doing any of these things that monitor your WiFi. Also realize that they might not be data mining you but it is definitely a possibility and me personally is not willing to take that risk but it’s not up to me. All I am saying is be wary of this and any other device that monitors your WiFi especially if it’s owned by a company like Disney (I wouldn’t put it past then to steal your data) any ways hope you have a great day :).Version: 2.17.0

TerribleVery bad do not get.Version: 2.15.0

Gayer than lil nasMega gay.Version: 2.27.0

Awful Demon Machine (DO NOT BUY!!!)This machine has torn our family apart. Not only has it turned out kids against us it has also started out mutual hatred for each other. My kids now doubt that we love them and are pulling stunts to see if we actually care about them. This machine was the reason all of this started. My oldest daughter has now moved out one year ahead of when was planned because she “wants to live somewhere where she is loved and not stalked by a ‘demon machine’ that is ruined her life.” My youngest son has now started living with the neighbours who’s dog is extremely dangerous. But he says he would rather live with the fear of death then this demon machine. Honestly I wish I had never bought this machine for many reasons but there were also some unsettling things I did not need to know about my son witch I discovered for his search history. The most tragic thing about this machine was when it electrocuted our dog in a result of leaving him dead with no more fur. So I strongly suggest you do not buy this machine unless you want children that despise you and a dead dog..Version: 2.8.2

I’m sorry teensThis app is okay for those under 13 but for this 13 or over, i’m sorry... apps like these don’t do what they think they do, parents. they actually limit your kids from being independent and instead just make them feel trapped and violated. just because you don’t trust your teen, doesn’t mean you have to put this mistrust on them. i unfortunately have been unlucky enough to get this app and i’m sorry. this is probably being tracked right now but it is valid to be angry and is invalid to download this app as a parent. privacy is important and crucial for independence.Version: 2.20.1

RubbishThis app ruined me😐.Version: 2.31.1

No. Just no.Disclaimer: I’m a 14 yr old that was in a good state with my mom before this. I understand that most of you are gonna ignore me because I’m a kid, but most of the people reading this understand nothing about being a teenager today. I’ve had this for about 2 months and its hell. I don’t tell my mom lots about my personal life. I’ll tell her things when it benefits me, example: I like a girl and I need advice. But now I always feel like someone is watching over me. The sense of freedom I had when I got this phone for christmas 3 yrs ago, out the window just like that. It slows down my wifi, which makes my $2000 computer useless. And so now, the money I was making from streaming games is gone because I can’t stream anymore. I’m also a very private person in real life. 70% of my friends are friends I made online playing video games on my free time, and now, in the middle of a global pandemic, where my mom doesn’t even let me go outside, I feel more lonely than ever. Get this if you have real problems, but if its because you have a kid like me that gets decent grades but not amazing, and forgets to do chores sometimes (I have ADHD so I kinda have an excuse), then don’t get this, just gonna make things worse. P.S. Circle Devs, I talked to my parents about this, if your gonna respond, don’t give me your bot response..Version: 2.15.0

DO NOT GET THIS APPHi everyone if your reading this and think about getting this app don’t get it and read why ok so the reason why you should not get this app it’s very bad and here’s why it’s bad let me get to the point my mom has this app and my friend ✨Ella✨has it to right right so you might be think whatever this is coming from kids well guess what kids I more smarter and wise we go to school and learn thing so there smart and I feel like people should learn WHAT SMART KIDS HAVE TO SAY cough cough us cough cough so my mom controls me with this app this app just gets me mad 😡 for example if I do something wrong oh ima turn off you internet so basically your taking advantage of this app between your kid and if you get this app that means you don’t trust them so you and your kid might have trust issues and I get that your kid does something wrong 😑 put why do you have to turn off the internet atleast make them do the dishes or something that does not go with internet because we are in a hard time staying home so we play with iPads phone and other stuff does not mean you have to take it away from us please give it a 1 star ⭐️ because it bad if you want to ruin your kids life then get it but just remember how they will feel and out yourself in there shoes.Version: 2.20.1

Terrible appSince i have started using this app i have noticed my phone and other devices connected have become really slow and glitchy and nearly impossible to use! Do better!.Version: 2.27.0

Attention. Problématique.Oui l’application permet de belles fonctionnalités. Mais NON elle ne permet pas un contrôle aussi exceptionnel qu’elle le prétend. En fait, un ado moyennement débrouillard trouvera aisément comment le contourner. Et en le contournant, il appliquera des solutions informatiques qui peuvent mettre à risque votre réseau internet! On appelle ça créer un problème en tentant d’en régler un autre!.Version: 2.31.1

I really like CircleI have had Circle and Mycircle for a year and have been happy. When the kids are at home you can parent, but this gives you a hand When kids are outside the home. It will analyze and block inappropriate sites, but also block apps on demand that you deem bad for your children like Snapchat or Fortnite. Because you can set phone bed times, getting the kids to sleep ample amounts on school nights has been much more manageable So why not 5 stars? The only major problem was one time the system had a glitch and the all devices had to get the app reloaded. The phones went unprotected for an unknown time without any notification, but with help from support we got that squared arround and I am happy again. Now, every so often I will use my parent app to turn off the internet from devises to make sure I am getting ample complaints. That confirm the system is doing its job..Version: 2.5.1


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