Ways to remotely lock/unlock Android TV?

by TurboFool

Looking for some creative solutions for being able to lock and unlock use of my NVidia SHIELD TV remotely. I don't want to shut it down completely (my SmartThings hub is run by it), so nothing in the realm of a remote power control, but something akin to parental controls such as Family Link that let me lock interaction.

Use case so that you understand context (please no parenting advice; like every parent and family, my situation has its own unique challenges): My 11-year-old son with severe ADHD gets home from school many hours before I do. I have the Switch, Xbox, and his computer on time limits that I unlock once he's done his homework and chores, but now once he gets home he's moved to simply turning on the TV for "just a few minutes" that will magically morph into hours, and before you know it I'm home and his homework and chores haven't even begun and he doesn't have enough time to complete them.

I would *love* to have a life where I or second parent who doesn't exist could be home to watch and manage this and assist him and ensure it all gets done, but I'd also love $32 million, a maid, a pony, and a Bugatti Chiron. I make do with the reality I have, which is one with a lot of checking my Arlo camera from work, calling him, and micro-managing from afar with virtual doors I can unlock for him as he earns them.

So does anyone have any either direct and easy solutions I've missed on my own, or creative workarounds I might not have thought of, to be able to achieve this?

Thanks!

EDIT: To be clear, I'm not currently aware of ANY way to lock the SHIELD TV, much less do so remotely. I need something that will let me, from offsite, render the SHIELD TV locally unusable without me unlocking it again remotely, all without killing its internet connection.

daherlihy

TeamViewer Host does the job easily for me, available from Aptoide

JimboLodisC

I'd be interested to see if there's a way to do it. I just don't think there's a lock/unlock feature at all in the OS though. Your best solutions will be to either restrict network access or power to the device, neither option being good for your Smartthings hub.

daherlihy

Install it in the TV box and your phone/tablet. Login to same account, and open a remote request to the TV box. There'll be a prompt then on the TV box if you want to allow the connection request all the time

daherlihy

You'll need to be at the TV locally first time round to test the connection and grant all future requests. After that, Bob's your aunty!

Slayerkodi

TeamViewer on Android TV cannot be controlled by using another Android device fyi, you can only view what's on the screen

pipsname

Does your router have controls to set time allotments for specific devices?

Max_Roc

I use chrome remote desktop for similar purposes on my pc. I'm wondering if chrome remote desktop will run on the Shield??

Ground-Rat

Sorry to hear the you are unable to find a solution.

You've set a pretty high hurdle, lock the Shield but still have it running stuff in the background.

I took a look at Google Family Link, but it looks like it pretty much locks the entire device down during non-use hours.

Have you considered a hardware solution where you use a smart switch on your TV. Of course you would have to put the switch and the TV's power plug in a box or container of some kind, to keep your son from manually activating or disconnecting the smart switch from the TV and then plugging it directly into the wall.

Just a thought, as this would give you control over the TV, which would leave the Shield up and running, which seems to result in you getting/having the control you want/need.

Best of luck!