Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from Screen Time restrictions?
Screen Time can be bypassed by anyone with basic knowledge — a few minutes of Googling gets around it. Our solution uses Apple's enterprise-grade Supervised Mode with MDM, the same technology used by Fortune 500 companies. Restrictions cannot be removed by the user, even after a factory reset.
What happens if my phone is lost or stolen?
We can remotely lock or wipe your device instantly from our management console. Your data stays protected, and the device remains locked to our management system even if someone tries to reset it — it re-enrolls automatically.
Can I still use iMessage and make phone calls?
Absolutely. Phone calls, iMessage, FaceTime, contacts, calendar, camera, and approved apps all work normally. We only restrict access to browsers, unapproved apps, and content that compromises your standards.
What if I cancel my subscription?
Your phone continues working as-is. You keep all your apps and data. Management features like remote support, new app approvals, and security updates will be paused. We never lock or disable your phone.
Can a tech-savvy child bypass the supervision?
No. Supervised Mode operates below the user layer. There is no user setting, no password entry, no profile the user can remove that would turn it off. Even a factory reset re-enrolls the device in our MDM automatically.
What iPhone models are supported?
Every currently-supported iPhone — from iPhone SE to iPhone 16 Pro Max. We typically ship the latest model unless you request otherwise.
Does this work on iPad?
Yes. Our Family plan can include iPads alongside iPhones under the same managed account. Great for children's Shabbos-reading or educational setups.
What about Hebrew apps?
Fully supported. Your KolBo-bundled tools include full Hebrew UIs for siddur, tehillim, parsha, halacha yomit, and more. You can also request any Hebrew-language app (Kikar, Behadrei, etc.) for your whitelist.
Is there a free trial?
We offer a 14-day return window — if the phone doesn't fit your family, ship it back for a full refund, free return shipping included.
Can I use the phone internationally?
Yes. Supervised Mode and MDM work over any internet connection. Calling/texting internationally depends on your carrier plan, not us.
What's included besides the phone itself?
The full KolBo portfolio is pre-installed free with every plan: siddur with multiple nuschaot, zmanim for your exact location, 59,115-minyan finder, 768,916 shiurim library, 3,424-volume digital library, maaser calculator, yahrzeit tracker, meah brachot counter, and more. Worth $120/year separately — free with your subscription.
Who's behind this?
Lakewood, NJ based. Same team that builds KolBo. Call us directly: (718) 971-4311.
How long does it take to ship?
Essential and Premium plans ship within 1-2 business days of configuration. Family plans can take 2-3 business days when multiple devices are batched. Express shipping is available on request.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — to Israel, Canada, and the UK currently. Other international destinations on request. Some countries have carrier-specific configuration requirements we can handle.
Can I port my existing phone number?
Yes. Your carrier handles the port; we ship the phone with an SIM tray or eSIM ready. A welcome email walks through the 15-minute port process.
Can I use an existing iPhone I already own?
Possibly. Post-purchase enrollment requires a factory reset and physical access to a Mac running Apple Configurator. Existing-device enrollment is not supported on all plans — contact us to check eligibility.
What is Supervised Mode?
Supervised Mode is a distinct iPhone policy state unlocked by Apple's DEP (Device Enrollment Program). It enables enterprise-grade restrictions that the user cannot undo — like removing Safari, disabling the App Store, blocking VPN installation, and preventing configuration profile changes. It's the foundation of any enforceable "kosher phone" deployment.
What is DEP?
Apple's Device Enrollment Program. It binds an iPhone to an MDM operator at the factory. When we order iPhones through DEP, each device reaches out to Apple's DEP servers on first boot and enrolls in our MDM automatically — before the user sees the setup screen.
What does MDM stand for?
Mobile Device Management. It's Apple's enterprise protocol for configuring iPhones remotely. We use MDM to push app whitelists, enforce restrictions, and respond to app requests — all without physical access to your device.
Does Supervised Mode slow the phone down?
No. Supervised Mode is a policy layer, not an active background process. There is no measurable performance impact on the device.
What's the difference between Supervised Mode and a content filter?
A content filter intercepts traffic and blocks bad destinations — but leaves the browser, App Store, and VPN installation intact. Supervised Mode removes the bypass surfaces entirely. Nothing to filter, because there's nothing unauthorized to reach.
Can you read my iMessages?
No. Apple's MDM protocol does not expose message content. iMessage stays encrypted end-to-end in the device's Secure Enclave — not accessible to MDM operators.
Do you track my location?
No, not by default. We only engage location (via Apple's Find My) if you report the device lost and request tracking.
What data do you collect?
Enrollment status, iOS version, installed apps (because we pushed them), and compliance checks. We do not collect message content, call history, photos, email contents, or continuous location data.
How do I delete my account and data?
Email or call us. Within 24 hours we remove your device from our management console. Your phone continues to function as an unsupervised device after a factory reset.
Is this HIPAA-compliant?
For healthcare practices, we provide HIPAA-aligned configurations and BAAs on request. Our MDM management itself does not handle PHI; it manages device policy. See /institutions/healthcare for details.
What happens if your company shuts down?
We would transition customers to either self-managed MDM (handing over our management certificate) or release devices to unsupervised state (allowing full iPhone use). You would never be left with a locked or unusable device.
How quickly can you add a new app to my whitelist?
Essential plan: 24 hours. Premium and Family plans: same business day. Most approvals are near-instant — we text you the moment it's pushed.
What apps do you not approve?
Browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.), social media apps (Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat, Facebook), App Store itself, sideloading tools, VPN apps that enable content bypass. Everything else is case-by-case.
Can I request an app that's not in the App Store?
Rare. Most apps requested are App Store apps. Enterprise apps distributed by organizations (like yeshivos or frum tech platforms) can be approved through our MDM on a case-by-case basis.
What if I need a new app urgently — like on Shabbos eve?
Call us. Our on-call line handles urgent app requests outside business hours. Banking app update before Shabbos? We push it live before licht benschen.
Can my spouse and I have different app whitelists on a Family plan?
Yes. Family plans support per-device policy. A bochur's whitelist can be tighter than his father's, both on the same account.
What's the monthly management fee?
Essential: $29/month. Premium: $49/month. Family: custom based on device count — typically $19-35/device.
What's the difference between Essential and Premium?
Essential has standard 24-hour app request turnaround and standard support. Premium has same-day app request turnaround, priority phone support, and concierge onboarding.
Do you offer annual billing?
Yes — annual plans save 2 months (pay for 10, get 12). Available on Essential and Premium plans.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit card, debit card, ACH bank transfer. Annual plans can be paid by check. Bulk/fleet plans can be invoiced net-30.
Is there a setup fee?
No. The upfront charge covers the iPhone itself. No separate setup or configuration fees.
Can I change plans later?
Yes. Upgrade takes effect immediately; downgrades at the next billing cycle.
Does this work with my employer's MDM?
No. Apple only allows one supervisor per device. If your employer requires their own MDM, that device cannot also be our supervised device. We can offer a second device for personal use.
Can I use the phone on airplane mode?
Yes — airplane mode, focus mode, Shabbos mode (silent + no notifications) all work normally. MDM check-ins resume when connectivity returns.
What happens during iOS updates?
We test new iOS versions on internal devices before approving them for customer rollout. If an iOS update breaks our MDM policies, we hold the update for your device until we've patched it.
Can I install a new iCloud Apple ID on this phone?
Yes. Your Apple ID is yours — you can sign in and out freely. Supervised Mode doesn't touch your iCloud credentials.
Does the camera work normally?
Yes. Photos, video, portrait, panorama, every native camera feature. Photos save to your iCloud (your account, your photos).
We're going to Eretz Yisroel for the year — can the phone come with us?
Absolutely. Supervised iPhones work on Israeli carriers (Cellcom, Pelephone, Partner, HOT Mobile) without reconfiguration. The KolBo zmanim and siddur apps auto-detect your Jerusalem location.
My child already has a phone — can I "convert" it to a Kosher iPhone?
Convert: we can factory-reset and enroll the existing device in our MDM. Requires physical access to the device and some technical back-and-forth. Call us and we'll guide you through whether it's worth it vs. buying a new supervised device.
Can I gift a Kosher iPhone?
Yes. Contact us for gift orders — we ship with a note from you and handle setup privately with the recipient.
Will Find My work on a Kosher iPhone?
Yes. Find My uses your Apple ID, not our MDM. You can locate your phone via iCloud.com or another Apple device.
Does Apple Pay work?
Yes. Apple Pay is a native feature on every Kosher iPhone and works normally.
Can I use AirPods and other Apple accessories?
Yes. Bluetooth accessories pair normally. AirPods, Apple Watch, external keyboards — all supported.
What if I need to recover a password for an approved app?
Password reset flows that email or SMS work normally. We don't intercept or restrict account recovery.
Can I use 2FA (two-factor authentication)?
Yes. SMS 2FA, authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator), email 2FA — all supported. Security 2FA apps are approved by default on the whitelist.
Does the phone support Siri?
Yes. Siri works normally. Supervised Mode doesn't affect voice assistants.
Can I request that Siri be disabled?
Yes — if you prefer, we can disable Siri on your device as part of the whitelist configuration.
What if the phone arrives damaged?
Contact us immediately. We'll ship a replacement same-day and cover return shipping on the damaged device.
Is there a warranty?
Apple's standard hardware warranty applies (1 year). AppleCare+ is available as an upgrade. Our management service has no time-based warranty — it runs as long as your subscription.
What's your response time for support?
Essential plan: typically within hours during business hours. Premium and Family: same business hour. Lost/stolen device emergencies: 24/7 line, minutes to response.