Android's built-in parental controls work through Google Family Link

Google Family Link is the official tool Android provides to monitor and restrict what happens on a child's device. It runs on the parent's phone (or computer) and connects to the child's Android device through a Google account. When set up correctly, Family Link lets you see app usage, set screen time limits, control which apps can be installed, and lock the device remotely.

The process requires two separate Google accounts: one for the parent and one for the child. If your child already has a Google account on their Android device, you can add parental supervision to it. If they don't have one yet, you'll create a supervised account during setup. Either way, the child's device must be Android 7.0 or newer.

Family Link is free and doesn't require a subscription. It's the most reliable option because Google built it into Android itself, so it integrates with system-level features like app installation and screen time tracking.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Family Link is the official parental control tool for Android and requires separate Google accounts for parent and child.
  • You set up Family Link on your own device first, then link it to your child's device through their Google account.
  • Family Link can limit screen time, block specific apps, prevent app installation, and show you which apps your child uses and when.
  • The child's device must run Android 7.0 or newer, and both devices need an active internet connection to sync restrictions.
  • If Family Link doesn't give you the control you need, third-party apps like Bark or Screen Time offer additional monitoring features.

Setting up Family Link on your own device

Start by downloading the Family Link app on your phone or tablet. Open Google Play Store, search for "Family Link," and install the official app made by Google. Open the app and sign in with your own Google account — the one you use for your email and other Google services.

Tap "get your free guide" and select "I'm a parent or guardian." The app will walk you through linking your child's device. At this stage, you're just setting up your side of the connection. Don't worry about the child's device yet — you'll handle that next.

The app will ask you to confirm your identity and may send a verification code to your phone number or email. This is a security step to make sure only you can create parental controls for your account. Complete this verification before moving forward.

Connecting your child's Android device to Family Link

On your child's Android device, go to Settings, then tap "Accounts" or "Users & accounts" (the exact name varies by phone model). Select "Add account" and choose Google. Sign in with the child's Google account — this can be a new account you create or an existing one.

After signing in, the child's device should automatically detect that parental controls are available. A notification will appear asking to set up Family Link. Tap it and follow the prompts. The device will ask for your parent account password to confirm the link. Enter your Google account password (not the child's) to complete the connection.

If no notification appears, open Family Link on your device and tap "Add child." Select "Set up device" and follow the on-screen steps. You'll get a code to enter on the child's device to complete the pairing. Both devices need to be connected to the internet during this process.

Controlling app access and installation

Once Family Link is active, open the app on your device and select your child's name. Tap "Apps" to see everything installed on their device. You'll see a list of all apps with a toggle next to each one — green means the app is allowed, gray means it's blocked.

To block an app, tap the toggle next to it. The app will disappear from the child's home screen and they won't be able to open it. They also won't be able to uninstall it themselves. To allow an app again, toggle it back on.

You can also prevent your child from installing new apps without your permission. In Family Link, go to "Settings" and turn on "Require approval for new apps." Now when your child tries to install anything from Google Play Store, a request will go to your phone. You can approve or deny it from there. This prevents them from downloading apps you haven't reviewed.

Setting screen time limits

Screen time limits tell the device to lock itself after a certain amount of daily use. Open Family Link, select your child's name, and tap "Screen time." You'll see a toggle to turn on daily limits. When you enable it, set how many hours and minutes per day the device can be used.

The timer resets at midnight each night. Once the child reaches their limit, the device locks and they can't use it until the next day. They can see how much time they have left in the device's notification area, so there are no surprises when the limit is reached.

You can also set "Bedtime" to lock the device during specific hours — for example, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. During bedtime, the device is completely locked and can only be unlocked by entering your parent password. This is useful for keeping devices out of bedrooms at night.

Monitoring app usage and activity

Family Link shows you which apps your child uses and how much time they spend in each one. Open the app, select your child's name, and tap "Activity." You'll see a breakdown of the last 7 days showing which apps were used, how long, and what time of day.

This data updates throughout the day, so you can check in regularly to see patterns. You might notice your child spends two hours on YouTube every afternoon, or that they're using a messaging app late at night. This information helps you decide which apps to restrict or which conversations to have about device use.

Family Link does not show you the content of messages, photos, or browsing history — it only tracks which apps are open and for how long. If you need to see actual message content or web history, you'll need a third-party monitoring app.

Troubleshooting common setup problems

If the child's device doesn't detect Family Link during setup, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the child's Google account is fully signed in. Restart both devices and try again. Sometimes the connection takes a few minutes to establish.

If you can't find the "Add account" option in Settings, your child's device may already have a Google account set up. Go to Settings, find "Accounts," and look for an existing Google account. You can add parental controls to that account instead of creating a new one.

If restrictions aren't working — for example, a blocked app is still visible — make sure Family Link is still active on both devices. Open Family Link on your phone and check that your child's device is listed and shows a green checkmark. If it shows a warning icon, the connection has been lost and you'll need to reconnect it.

If your child's device is running Android 6.0 or older, Family Link won't work. You'll need to either update the device to Android 7.0 or newer, or use a third-party parental control app instead.

When Family Link isn't enough

Family Link handles screen time, app blocking, and usage tracking, but it has limits. It doesn't monitor web browsing, show message content, track location, or filter specific websites. If you need those features, third-party apps like Bark, Screen Time, or OurPact add more detailed monitoring.

These apps typically cost between $10 and $20 per month and require installation on both the parent and child device. They work alongside Family Link — you can use both at the same time. For example, you might use Family Link to block apps and set screen time, then add Bark to monitor text messages and social media content.

Keep in mind that no parental control app is foolproof. A determined child can sometimes find workarounds, especially as they get older. Parental controls work best when combined with open conversations about why the limits exist and what you're trying to protect them from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child turn off Family Link?

No. Once you set up Family Link on their device, they cannot uninstall it, disable it, or remove their Google account without your parent password. They can see that Family Link is active in their Settings, but they can't turn it off themselves. If they try to remove their Google account, the system will ask for your password.

What happens if my child uses a different device?

Family Link only works on devices where you've set it up. If your child borrows a tablet or uses a computer, Family Link won't be active on those devices unless you set it up there too. You can add multiple devices to one child's account — just repeat the setup process on each device.

Can I see my child's location with Family Link?

Family Link does not include location tracking. It only monitors app usage and screen time. If you want to track your child's location, you'll need a separate app like Google Maps (if they share their location with you) or a dedicated family locator app like Life360.

What if my child forgets their password?

If they forget their Google account password, they can reset it on the device by tapping "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen. They'll need access to the recovery email or phone number associated with their account. As the parent, you can't reset their password directly through Family Link — Google handles password recovery separately.

Does Family Link work if there's no internet connection?

Family Link needs an internet connection to sync restrictions between devices. If the child's device is offline, existing restrictions (like app blocks and screen time limits) will stay in place, but new changes you make won't take effect until the device reconnects. Both devices should have internet access for Family Link to work properly.