FamilyAtlasLocation features were removed
Microsoft removed location sharing and driving features from Family Safety in 2024.
Microsoft Family Safety alternative
Location is gone. Rules still matter.
Microsoft Family Safety is free and works well on Windows, Xbox and Android. Many parents started looking elsewhere after Microsoft removed its location and driving features in 2024.
Checked September 26, 2026 · Written by FamilyAtlas, a competing product, not an independent review. FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet.
Why parents look beyond Microsoft Family Safety.
Web filtering only in Edge
Web filters, allowed-site lists and web activity apply in Microsoft Edge only.
iPhone is parent-only
Child controls run on Windows, Xbox and Android. The iPhone app is for parents.
Quick check: should you switch?
| Question | If yes | If no |
|---|---|---|
| Are Windows PCs and Xbox your children’s main devices? | Keep Family Safety. FamilyAtlas on Windows is Preview and it has no Xbox app. | FamilyAtlas covers the Android phone today. |
| Do you miss family location, check-ins or SOS? | FamilyAtlas has live location, history, check-ins and SOS on Android. | Family Safety’s limits may be all you need. |
| Is a free tool a must? | Keep Family Safety. FamilyAtlas is a paid plan. | Compare what you would add, not only the price. |
Stay with Microsoft Family Safety if…
- Your children mostly use Windows PCs and Xbox.
- Free matters most.
- You use the ‘only allowed websites’ mode in Edge. In FamilyAtlas it is Preview.
- You like the weekly activity email.
Consider FamilyAtlas if…
- You want family location, location history, check-ins and SOS on Android.
- You want web rules that are not tied to one browser.
- You want to pause or schedule the TV and console at home, including non-Xbox devices.
23 things FamilyAtlas offers today that Microsoft Family Safety’s documentation doesn’t list.
Each is Available in FamilyAtlas on at least one platform. 35 more are still Preview and are left out here. Missing documentation is not proof that Microsoft Family Safety lacks a feature.
- Focus / homework timeFamilyAtlas: Available on Android, HomeControl.
- Always-allowed / emergency appsFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Pause a device instantlyFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- YouTube Restricted ModeFamilyAtlas: Available on Android, HomeControl.
- YouTube watch activityFamilyAtlas: Available on Chrome ext..
- Content analysed on the device, not uploadedFamilyAtlas: Available on Chrome ext..
- Live family locationFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Location historyFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Low battery alertsFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Check-ins and pick-me-up requestsFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- SOS to familyFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- Family activity feedFamilyAtlas: Available on Android.
- See and identify every home deviceFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Pause any home deviceFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Pause home internet (kids / everyone)FamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Internet schedules for home devicesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Block services (YouTube, TikTok…) on TVs and consolesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Child's web rules follow them to home devicesFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Malware and phishing blocking for everyoneFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Network-wide ad and tracker blockingFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Country blockingFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- Encrypted upstream DNSFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
- New device alerts and approvalFamilyAtlas: Available on HomeControl.
Where Microsoft Family Safety is ahead: 2 capabilities.
Microsoft Family Safety’s official sources list these, while FamilyAtlas lacks them or has them only in Preview.
- Weekly family digestWeekly activity email to organizers Source ↗
- Only-approved-sites mode'Only use allowed websites' mode; Edge only Source ↗
See the full FamilyAtlas vs Microsoft Family Safety comparison →
What it costs.
| Microsoft Family Safety | Free; iOS app is parent-only. Location/drive features (formerly Microsoft 365 Family) removed 2024. Check official offer ↗ |
|---|---|
| FamilyAtlas | Family $9.99/month or $79.99/year. Family + Home, with HomeControl, $12.99/month or $119.99/year. Planned launch pricing; FamilyAtlas is not publicly available yet. HomeControl also needs a Brume 2 (about $80 on Amazon), bought separately. Pricing → |
If you switch from Microsoft Family Safety.
- You can keep Family Safety on Windows and Xbox and add FamilyAtlas for the Android phone.
- Write down your Android app limits and schedules before moving them.
- Set up location, check-ins and SOS, then show your child how they work.
- Tell your children which app now handles requests for more time on the phone.
FamilyAtlas is in early access. Check support for your child’s device before you plan a move.
Keep exploring.
The FamilyAtlas features behind this page: Family location sharing, SOS and family check-ins, Desktop parental controls, TV and console parental controls.
Other alternatives we cover: Firewalla alternative, Gryphon alternative, Life360 alternative, Kidslox alternative, AirDroid Parental Control alternative. See all alternatives →
Build a routine that fitsMore family time starts
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FamilyAtlas is coming soon. Join the email list and we’ll let you know when early access opens.