How to set up the BrightCanary Keyboard

To start monitoring your child’s activity across every app they use, you’ll need to install the BrightCanary Keyboard on their device. This secure keyboard helps you stay informed, and the one-time setup is easy.

You’ll need:

• Your iPhone with the BrightCanary app installed
• Your child’s iPhone or iPad

Follow the steps below for a quick walkthrough.

1. Link your devices

On your phone (parent's device):

1. Open the BrightCanary app
2. Tap “Begin Setup”
3. You’ll see a 6-digit code

On your child’s device:

1. Open the BrightCanary app
2. Tap “This is a child’s device”
3. Enter the 6-digit code from your phone
4. Tap “Next”

2. Enable the BrightCanary Keyboard

This is how BrightCanary monitors what your child types across apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord.

On your child’s device:

1. Tap “Open Settings” from inside the app
2. Tap Keyboards
3. Turn on BrightCanary Keyboard
4. Toggle “Allow Full Access” to ON

Can BrightCanary see my passwords or credit card info?

No. We designed the keyboard so that it cannot access password, credit card, URL, or email address fields.

Apple shows the same warning for all third-party keyboards, whether they have taken these precautions or not.

3. Set BrightCanary as the default keyboard

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards
2. Tap Edit in the top right corner
3. Delete the default keyboard and any other keyboards, except Emoji

4. Set up with Screen Time

Use Apple’s free tools to prevent your child from deleting the BrightCanary app.

1. On your child’s device, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
2. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
3. Tap Deleting Apps > Don’t Allow

🎉 That’s it! You’re all set. Once your child starts typing, you’ll see summaries and updates in your BrightCanary app.

Still need help? Tap the Support button in the app or email us at support@brightcanary.io. We’re here for you.