Can I allow a specific app on the Essentials profile for my Kid-Safe device?

The Kid-Safe experience features three profiles:

Essentials (calls, texts, and built-in utility apps)
Explorer (all Essentials features, along with app stores, where all newly downloaded apps need to be approved on the Safe Surfer dashboard)
Empower (all Explorer features, but newly downloaded apps don't need to be approved)

To allow a specific app on the Essentials profile (for example, downloading a specific app via the Google Play Store), you will need the physical device with you, and you will need to go through the following steps.

Due to how the Kid-Safe technology works, a selection of apps are force blocked in the Essentials profile. If you would like to use these, you will need to use at least the Explorer profile. Most other apps still work in the Essentials profile.

IMPORTANT: Some apps might have web browser functionality inside, such as the normal version of the Facebook Messenger app (which has a built-in web browser; Messenger Kids isn't affected).

Allow a specific app for the Essentials profile

On the Safe Surfer dashboard, visit the Devices menu > click the More Info button on the applicable device listing.

Set the device to the Empower profile by clicking the Empower option.

Click the Confirm button.

Once the Empower profile has been applied to the device, you can open the Play Store app > create / sign in to a Google account for your child. You can then download the app(s) you would like to have on the device.
Once you have downloaded the app, back on the Safe Surfer dashboard, set the device back to the Essentials profile.

Click the Switch to Essentials button.

Once the Essentials profile has been applied to the device, click the App approval link.

Click the Allow button for the applicable app. This will take a short moment.

If you are prompted, unblock any categories that are affected by the app you approved.

Updated on: 22/10/2025

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