How to remove a child from Family Link
You can remove a child from Google Family Link through the Family Link app on your own device or through your child's device settings. The process takes a few minutes and does not delete the child's Google account — it only stops parental supervision. After removal, the child can use their account freely without restrictions, and you will no longer see their activity or be able to manage their device settings.
The method you use depends on whether you want to remove the child from your own Family Link app or whether the child is removing themselves from their device. Both routes work, though the outcome is the same: the parent-child link is severed.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a child from Family Link stops parental controls but keeps the child's Google account active and unchanged.
- Parents can remove a child through the Family Link app on their phone by selecting the child and choosing the remove option.
- Children aged 13 and older can remove themselves from Family Link through their device settings without parental permission.
- After removal, the child's device will no longer show app restrictions, screen time limits, or location sharing to the parent.
- Removing a child from Family Link is different from deleting their Google account, which is a separate process that requires different steps.
Removing a child through the parent's Family Link app
Open the Family Link app on your phone and select the child you want to remove. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then scroll down and tap "Remove child." You will see a confirmation message asking if you are sure — tap "Remove" again to confirm. The child will be removed from your Family Link account immediately.
After you remove the child, you will no longer see their account in the Family Link app. The child's device will still work normally, but parental controls will turn off. If the child is signed into their Google account on their device, they will keep access to Gmail, YouTube, Google Play, and other Google services without restrictions.
Removing yourself from Family Link on your child's device
If your child is 13 or older, they can remove the parental link themselves without asking permission. On their Android device, they open Settings, tap "Apps & notifications," then "See all apps," and find "Family Link." They tap "Uninstall" or "Disable" depending on their device model. On an iPhone or iPad, they open Settings, tap "Screen Time," then "Family Sharing," and select their name and choose "Remove from Family Sharing."
Once the child removes Family Link from their device, the parental controls stop working immediately. You will still see the child listed in your Family Link app, but you will not be able to view their location, set app limits, or manage their device settings. The child's account remains active and unchanged.
What happens after you remove a child from Family Link
The child's Google account continues to work normally. They can download apps from Google Play without approval, use YouTube without restrictions, and access their email and other Google services. Any data stored in their Google account — photos, documents, contacts — stays in place.
The child's device will no longer show notifications about screen time limits or app restrictions. Location sharing stops, so you will not be able to see where the child is. If the child had a supervised Google account (one created through Family Link), they can now change their own password and account settings without parental approval.
Removing a child versus deleting their account
Removing a child from Family Link and deleting their Google account are two different actions. Removing the child stops parental supervision but keeps the account active. Deleting the account removes all data associated with it, including email, photos, and app data, and cannot be undone.
If you want to delete the child's Google account entirely, you must do that through Google Account settings on a computer, not through Family Link. The child's account will be scheduled for deletion, and Google will send a confirmation email. The account will be permanently deleted after 30 days unless you cancel the deletion during that window.
If you cannot remove a child from Family Link
If the remove option does not appear in your Family Link app, check that you are signed into the correct Google account — the one that set up Family Link. Some devices require you to be connected to the internet to complete the removal. Try closing the Family Link app completely and opening it again.
If the child is under 13 and you are the parent, you should always be able to remove them from Family Link. If the option is still missing, sign out of the Family Link app, wait a few minutes, and sign back in. If the problem continues, you can contact Google Support through the Family Link app by tapping the menu icon and selecting "Help & feedback."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the child know when I remove them from Family Link?
The child will notice that parental controls are no longer active on their device — app limits will disappear, and they will be able to download apps freely. They will not receive a notification that you removed them, but they may see that Family Link is no longer installed or active on their device.
Can I remove a child from Family Link if they are under 13?
Yes. As the parent, you can remove a child of any age from Family Link through the Family Link app. Children under 13 cannot remove themselves because their account is supervised. Only the parent can initiate the removal.
What if my child removed themselves from Family Link without asking?
If your child is 13 or older, they have the right to remove themselves. You can set up Family Link again if you want, but they can remove it again. If your child is under 13, they should not be able to uninstall Family Link without your permission — if they did, check your device settings or contact Google Support.
Does removing a child from Family Link delete their apps?
No. All apps on the child's device stay in place. Removing Family Link only stops the parental controls that limit which apps they can use or how long they can use them. The child will have access to all installed apps after removal.
Can I re-add a child to Family Link after removing them?
Yes, you can set up Family Link again for the same child. However, if the child is 13 or older, they can remove themselves again at any time. You will need to go through the Family Link setup process, which involves sending an invitation to the child's device.