Android has a built-in parental control system called Google Family Link

Google Family Link is Google's tool for managing what children can see and do on Android phones and tablets. It runs on the parent's device and the child's device at the same time, letting you set screen time limits, block apps, see location, and restrict content by age rating. You control it from your own phone rather than logging into a website.

The system works best when the child's device is set up as a supervised account from the start, but you can add Family Link to an existing device if needed. The child will see that parental controls are active, and they cannot remove them without your PIN.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Family Link is the main parental control system for Android and works across phones, tablets, and Chromebooks from the same Google account.
  • You need a Google account for yourself and either a new supervised account or an existing child account on the child's device to set it up.
  • The Family Link app on your phone lets you set screen time limits, block specific apps, filter Google Play Store content, and see your child's location.
  • Once set up, your child cannot uninstall Family Link or change settings without your PIN, though they can see the app is running.
  • If you forget your PIN, you must verify your identity through Google to reset it — there is no backup code or recovery method.

What you need before you start

You will need a Google account for yourself and a Google account for your child. If the child's device is new, you can create a supervised child account during setup. If the device already exists, the child's account must be a regular Google account — you cannot add Family Link to a guest account or a work account.

Both devices need to be connected to the internet and have location services turned on if you want to see where your child is. The child's device must be running Android 7.0 or higher. You will also need to set a PIN that only you know — write it down somewhere safe, because Google cannot recover it if you forget it.

How to set up Family Link on a new device

When you turn on a new Android phone or tablet for your child, the setup screen will ask whose device this is. Tap It's for my child. You will then sign in with your own Google account, and Google will create a supervised child account. This account is linked to your Family Link app automatically.

After setup finishes, install the Family Link app on your own phone from the Google Play Store. Open it, sign in with your Google account, and you will see your child's device listed. Tap it to open the controls panel. Set your PIN when prompted — this is the password that protects all your parental settings.

How to add Family Link to an existing device

If your child already has a device with a regular Google account, open Settings on that device and go to Apps & notifications or Apps (the exact name varies by Android version). Tap See all apps or App permissions, then search for Family Link. If it is not installed, go to the Google Play Store, search for "Family Link", and tap Install.

Once Family Link is installed, open it on the child's device and tap Set up Family Link. You will be asked to sign in with the child's Google account. The app will then ask you to sign in with your parent account. After you do, you will set your PIN. The child's device will restart, and Family Link will be active.

If the child's account is already linked to another parent account, you will need to remove that link first. The current parent must open Family Link on their phone, go to the child's account, tap the menu icon, and select Remove account. After that, you can set up the account under your own Family Link.

What you can control with Family Link

Screen time limits: Set how many hours per day the device can be used. When the limit is reached, the device locks until the next day. You can set different limits for different days of the week, and you can extend the limit remotely if needed.

App blocking: See all installed apps and block any of them. Blocked apps will not open, and the child cannot uninstall them. You can block apps individually or by category — for example, you can block all games or all social media apps at once.

Content filtering: Set the Google Play Store to show only apps and games rated for your child's age. You can also block specific apps from being installed even if they are in the allowed age range.

Location tracking: See where your child's device is on a map. This works only if location services are turned on and the device has an internet connection. The location updates every few minutes.

Bedtime mode: Set a time when the device automatically locks each night. The device unlocks at a time you choose the next morning.

How to change or reset your PIN

If you remember your PIN and want to change it, open Family Link on your phone, tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap Settings. Go to Parental controls and tap Change PIN. Enter your current PIN, then enter and confirm your new PIN.

If you forget your PIN, open Family Link and tap Forgot PIN? on the sign-in screen. Google will ask you to verify your identity by signing in to your Google account and answering security questions. After verification, you can set a new PIN. This process can take several minutes.

Common problems and how to fix them

Family Link will not install: Make sure the child's device is running Android 7.0 or higher. Go to Settings, tap About phone, and check the Android version. If it is older, the device cannot use Family Link. Also check that you have enough storage space — go to Settings and tap Storage to see how much free space is available.

You cannot see the child's location: Location services must be turned on. On the child's device, go to Settings, tap Location, and make sure it is toggled on. Also check that Family Link has permission to access location — go to Settings, tap Apps & notifications, find Family Link, tap Permissions, and make sure Location is allowed.

Screen time limits are not working: Make sure the child's device has the correct date and time. Go to Settings, tap Date & time, and toggle on Automatic date & time. Also restart the child's device and your phone to refresh the connection.

The child's account is not showing up in Family Link: Sign out of Family Link on your phone and sign back in. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the Family Link app. Make sure you are signing in with the same Google account you used to set up the child's device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child remove Family Link?

No. Family Link cannot be uninstalled without your PIN, and the child cannot change parental control settings. However, they can see that Family Link is installed and running on their device. If they know your PIN, they can change the settings, so keep your PIN private.

What happens if my child reaches their screen time limit?

The device locks completely until the next day or until you extend the limit from your phone. They can still make emergency calls, but they cannot use any apps. You can extend the limit remotely by opening Family Link, tapping the child's device, and adjusting the screen time.

Does Family Link work on tablets?

Yes. Family Link works on Android phones and tablets running Android 7.0 or higher. It also works on Chromebooks if you set up a supervised child account on Chrome OS.

Can I see what my child is doing in real time?

Family Link shows you which apps are installed and which ones are blocked, and it shows you screen time usage by app. It does not show you what they are typing, what they are looking at, or their browsing history. For that level of monitoring, you would need a separate monitoring app.

What if I have multiple children?

You can manage up to 30 child accounts in one Family Link. Each child has their own device or account, and you can set different rules for each one. Open Family Link, tap the menu icon, and tap Add child to set up another account.