How to remove a device from Family Link
To remove a device from Google Family Link, open Family Link on the parent's device, select the child's account, tap Settings, scroll to the device you want to remove, and tap the three-dot menu next to it, then select Remove device. The child will no longer be supervised on that device once you confirm. If you're removing the device because the child is getting their own account or you're selling the device, you may also want to factory reset it afterward to clear all data.
The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're removing a phone, tablet, or Chromebook. The child won't receive a notification that the device was removed, but they will notice Family Link restrictions no longer apply to that device the next time they use it.
Key Takeaways
- You remove devices through the Family Link app on your own device, not on the child's device.
- After removal, the child can use the device without Family Link restrictions, so consider factory resetting it if you're giving it away or selling it.
- Removing a device does not delete the child's Google account — it only stops supervision on that specific device.
- If the child has a password on the device, they will still need it to unlock the device after Family Link is removed.
Step-by-step removal on Android or iOS
Open the Family Link app on your phone or tablet. Tap the child's name or profile picture at the top of the screen. Scroll down and find Settings, then tap it. You'll see a list of devices linked to that child's account — look for the one you want to remove.
Tap the three-dot menu (or the gear icon, depending on your device) next to the device name. Select Remove device from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you're sure — tap Remove again to confirm. That's it. The device is now disconnected from Family Link.
Removing a Chromebook from Family Link
If you're removing a Chromebook, the process is slightly different. Sign in to the child's Chromebook with their account, then go to Settings > Users and accounts > Remove this user. This removes the child's account from that Chromebook entirely. Alternatively, you can remove it from the parent's Family Link app the same way you would remove a phone or tablet.
If you want to keep the child's account on the Chromebook but just turn off Family Link supervision, sign in as the parent on that Chromebook, go to Settings > Users and accounts, find the child's account, and select Remove supervision. The child's account will stay on the device, but Family Link controls will no longer apply.
What happens after you remove a device
Once a device is removed, Family Link restrictions stop working immediately. The child can download apps without your approval, stay up past bedtime without screen time limits, and access any content that was previously blocked. If the device has a lock screen password, that password remains active — removal of Family Link doesn't change device security settings.
The child's Google account itself is not affected. They can still sign in with the same email and password, and any data stored in Google Drive, Gmail, or other Google services stays intact. Only the supervision connection between that device and your Family Link account is severed.
When to factory reset after removal
If you're giving the device to someone else or selling it, factory reset it after removing Family Link. A factory reset clears all apps, photos, messages, and personal data from the device. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On a Chromebook, sign out of all accounts, then go to Settings > Advanced > Reset settings > Powerwash.
Factory reset is optional if the child is simply moving to a device without Family Link supervision. It's necessary only if you want to remove all personal data before the device goes to someone else.
Removing a device if you've lost access to your parent account
If you can't sign into your parent account or no longer have access to the phone or email you used to set up Family Link, you have limited options. Google doesn't have a standard way to remove a device without access to the parent account. Your best option is to contact Google Support and explain the situation — they may be able to help you regain access to your account or remove the device remotely.
If the child is old enough, they can also remove Family Link themselves on some devices. On Android, they can go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Personal info and look for Family Link settings, though this only works if parental controls don't restrict access to settings. On a Chromebook, if the child has a separate account, they can sign in with that account instead and Family Link won't apply.
Removing a device vs. removing a child from Family Link
Removing a single device is different from removing a child's entire account from Family Link. When you remove a device, that child's account stays supervised on all their other devices. When you remove a child entirely from Family Link, all supervision stops across all their devices and the child's account becomes independent.
To remove a child entirely, open Family Link, tap the child's name, go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap Remove child. This is permanent — you'll need to set up Family Link again if you want to supervise that child in the future. Removing a single device is reversible; you can add the device back to Family Link later if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the child know I removed their device from Family Link?
The child won't get a notification, but they'll notice when they try to use the device and Family Link restrictions are gone. If they're expecting supervision to continue, they may ask why it stopped. There's no way to remove a device silently.
Can I remove a device if the child is using it right now?
Yes. Removing a device works instantly from your end, even if the child is actively using it. They may see a brief notification or the app may refresh, but they can keep using the device. Family Link restrictions will stop applying once the device syncs with Google's servers, usually within a few minutes.
What if I remove a device by mistake?
You can add it back to Family Link anytime. Open Family Link, tap the child's name, go to Settings, and tap Add device. The child will need to sign in with their Google account on that device, and Family Link will be active again within a few minutes.
Does removing a device delete the child's Google account?
No. Removing a device only stops supervision on that specific device. The child's Google account, email, and all data stay intact. If you want to delete the account entirely, that's a separate process in Google Account settings.
Can the child remove the device themselves?
Not usually. Family Link is designed so only the parent can remove devices. However, if parental controls don't restrict access to settings, a tech-savvy child might find workarounds like factory resetting the device or signing out of their account. For tighter control, use Family Link's app restrictions to block access to settings.