SkieCan I use an old phone or tablet for my child?
Yes, if it runs Android 12 or newer and has Google Play services. An old device is often a good first one for a child. It will be reset once during setup, so save photos and contacts first, and remove any Google account before the reset. Skie does not need new hardware.
Many parents hand down a spare phone or tablet, and it is a sensible plan. A child's first device does not have to be new, and a device you have already paid for costs you nothing more. Skie is software only and works with the device you own.
Check three things. First, the Android version: Settings, About phone, Android version, and it should say 12 or higher. Second, Google Play services: if the device has the Play Store, it almost certainly has them. Third, condition: the battery should last a school day and the screen should not be badly cracked.
Then prepare. Back up photos, contacts and anything you need. Remove every Google account from the device in Settings, because a reset device can ask for the old account afterwards. Reset the device, and stop at the first setup screen, so that Skie can take ownership during setup.
If a device is much older than Android 12, it cannot be managed with Skie. That is a limit of Android, and Skie does not add support for old versions.
Tablets from a few years ago are often a good fit for a child who reads, draws and watches approved videos. A Wi-Fi-only tablet works for most features.
If it is a model Skie has not seen before, a one-time model review is part of setup.