Where to find parental controls on Android
Android has a built-in parental control system called Family Link, which Google manages directly through your Google account. You set it up on your own device first, then link it to a child's device or account. The controls live in your phone's Settings app under Google, not in a separate program you read.
If you do not have a Google account yet, you will need one — it takes two minutes to create at google.com. Once you are signed in on your phone, open Settings, scroll down to find Google, tap it, then look for Family Link. On some Android phones the path is slightly different (Settings > Accounts > Google > Family Link), but the name stays the same.
You can also manage Family Link from a web browser at families.google.com, which is useful if you want to check or change settings without picking up your phone. The web version shows the same controls as the app.
Key Takeaways
- Family Link is Google's built-in parental control system, found in Settings under Google, and works on any Android phone or tablet linked to a Google account.
- You create a parent account first, then add your child's account or device to it — the child does not set this up themselves.
- You can set screen time limits, block specific apps, see what apps are installed, and require approval before the child downloads anything new.
- Location tracking shows where the device is, but only if the child's device has location services turned on and Family Link permission to access it.
- Changes you make take effect when ready on the child's device if it is connected to the internet.
Setting up a parent account and adding your child
Start by making sure you are signed into your own Google account on your phone. Open Settings, find Google, and tap Family Link. You will see an option to set up Family Link as a parent — tap it. Google will ask you to confirm your identity and may send a verification code to your email or phone number.
Once your parent account is ready, you add your child's account. You can either add an existing Google account (if your child already has one) or create a new account for them. If you create a new account, Google will ask for their birth date and email address. The email does not have to be a Gmail address — it can be any email you control.
After the account is created or selected, Google will send a link to the child's device. The child taps the link, signs in with their new account, and Family Link activates on their phone. If you are setting up a device that does not have an account yet, you can add the child's account during the initial phone setup, and Family Link will turn on automatically.
Controlling which apps your child can use
Once Family Link is active on your child's device, open Family Link on your own phone or go to families.google.com. You will see your child's name and device listed. Tap or click on the child's name to see their device details.
Look for the Apps section. Here you can see every app installed on the child's device. Next to each app, you can toggle it on or off — if you turn it off, the app will not open when the child tries to use it. The app stays installed, but it becomes unusable until you turn it back on.
You can also set approval requirements for new downloads. If you turn on "Approve new apps," the child will see a request screen when they try to read anything from Google Play. The request goes to your phone, and you can approve or deny it. This prevents surprise downloads and gives you a chance to check what they want before they get it.
Setting daily screen time limits
In the same child profile in Family Link, find the Screen time section. Here you can set a daily limit — for example, one hour per day, or three hours on weekends. When the child reaches that limit, their device locks and they cannot use it until the next day resets the counter.
You can also set bedtime hours. If you set bedtime from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., the device will lock during those hours every night. The child can still make emergency calls, but they cannot open apps or use the internet. This is useful for keeping screens out of bedrooms at night.
Screen time limits count all activity on the device — apps, games, web browsing, everything. The timer does not pause if the child is using an educational app or watching a video for homework. If you need to give them extra time on a specific day, you can manually extend the limit from your phone or the web version.
Tracking your child's location
Family Link can show you where your child's device is on a map. Open your child's profile in Family Link and look for Location. You will see a map with a pin marking the device's current location.
Location tracking only works if two things are true: the child's device has location services turned on in Settings, and the child's device has given Family Link permission to access location. If location is not showing, check the child's Settings > Location and make sure it is enabled. Then go back to Family Link on your phone and check that location permission is granted.
The location updates every few minutes when the device is in use and connected to the internet. If the device is off or has no signal, the map will show the last known location. Location tracking is not real-time GPS — it is based on the device's connection to cell towers and Wi-Fi networks, so the accuracy is usually within a few blocks in a city and wider in rural areas.
Viewing activity and managing Google Play purchases
Family Link shows you what your child has been doing on their device. In your child's profile, look for Activity. This section shows which apps they used, how long they spent in each one, and when they used them. The data updates throughout the day.
You can also see and manage purchases made through Google Play. If you set up a payment method on the child's account, they can buy apps, games, or in-app items. In the Purchases section, you can see what they bought and refund purchases if needed. You can also remove the payment method entirely so they cannot spend money without your permission.
Activity reports do not show what the child did inside each app — for example, you can see they used YouTube for 30 minutes, but not which videos they watched. If you need more detailed monitoring of content, you may need to use additional tools or check in with your child directly.
Troubleshooting common setup problems
If Family Link is not showing up in Settings, make sure you are signed into a Google account. Family Link only works with Google accounts — if you are using a Samsung account or another type of account, you will not see it. Sign out and sign back in with a Google account, and Family Link should appear.
If you added your child's account but Family Link is not activating on their device, check that both devices are connected to the internet. Family Link needs an internet connection to sync. Also make sure the child's device is running Android 7.0 or newer — very old phones may not support Family Link.
If location is not updating, the most common cause is that location services are off on the child's device. Go to Settings > Location on their phone and turn it on. Then go back to Family Link on your phone, find Location, and make sure it says "On." If it says "Off," tap it and grant permission.
If the child's device is not responding to screen time limits or app blocks, restart both devices. Turn off the child's phone completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your phone. After both devices restart, the changes should take effect within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child turn off Family Link?
No. Family Link is managed from your account, not theirs. They cannot uninstall it, disable it, or remove themselves from it. The only way to turn off Family Link is for you to remove their account from your parent profile in Family Link settings.
What happens when my child turns 18?
Google automatically converts the account to a regular account when the child reaches 18. Family Link stops working, and they gain full control of their device and account. You can set a reminder in Family Link so you do not forget this is coming.
Can I use Family Link on an iPhone?
Family Link works on Android devices only. If your child has an iPhone, you will need to use Apple's built-in parental controls, called Screen Time, which are found in Settings > Screen Time. The controls are similar but managed differently.
Does Family Link work if my child is on a different Wi-Fi network than me?
Yes. Family Link works over the internet, so it does not matter where the devices are. As long as both devices have an internet connection, you can see activity, set limits, and manage apps from anywhere.
Can I see text messages or call logs with Family Link?
No. Family Link shows app usage, screen time, location, and purchases, but it does not show text messages, call history, or the content of any communications. If you need to monitor those, you will need a different tool or a direct conversation with your child.