How to remove a child from Family Link
You remove a child from Google Family Link by opening the Family Link app on your own device, finding the child's account in the list, and selecting the option to remove them. The process takes about two minutes. Once removed, the child's device is no longer monitored through Family Link — app restrictions lift, screen time limits disappear, and location tracking stops. The child keeps their Google account; you are only disconnecting the parental control link.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, or the web version. All three routes lead to the same result. You do not need the child's device in front of you, and the child does not have to approve the removal.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a child from Family Link takes about two minutes and can be done from your own device without the child present.
- The child's Google account remains active after removal; only the parental monitoring connection is severed.
- After removal, all app restrictions, screen time limits, and location tracking through Family Link stop working when ready.
- You can remove a child at any age, but if they are under 13 and you remove them, their account may revert to limited functionality depending on your country.
- If you forget your own account password, you cannot remove a child until you regain access to your parent account.
Remove a child using the Family Link app on Android
Open the Family Link app on your Android phone or tablet. You will see a list of all children linked to your account. Tap the child's name or profile picture to open their account details.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. You will see a button labeled "Remove account" or "Remove child" (the exact wording varies by app version). Tap it. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Remove" again to confirm. The child is now disconnected from Family Link.
The app will return you to the main Family Link screen, and that child's name will no longer appear in your list. If you have other children in Family Link, they will still be there.
Remove a child using the Family Link app on iPhone
Open the Family Link app on your iPhone. Tap the child's name or profile picture from the list of children. Scroll to the bottom of their account page.
Look for the option labeled "Remove account" or "Remove child." Tap it. Confirm the removal when prompted. The child is now removed from Family Link on your iPhone, and the monitoring connection is severed on their device as well.
Remove a child using the Family Link website
Go to families.google.com in a web browser and sign in with your parent account. You will see a list of all family members. Find the child you want to remove and click on their name.
On their account page, look for a menu icon (three dots) or a settings option. Click it and select "Remove account" or "Remove child." Confirm when prompted. The removal takes effect when ready across all devices.
What happens to the child's device after removal
Once you remove a child from Family Link, their device is no longer monitored. Any app restrictions you set through Family Link are lifted when ready — the child can read and open apps without approval. Screen time limits stop working, so bedtime schedules and daily limits no longer enforce. Location tracking through Family Link stops, though the child's device location may still be visible through other Google services if you are signed in to a shared family account.
The child's Google account itself is not deleted. They can still use Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, and other Google services. You are only removing the parental control layer, not the account.
If the child is under 13 and you remove them from Family Link, their account may automatically revert to a restricted state in some countries, depending on local laws. Check your region's rules if this applies to you.
When you might want to remove a child from Family Link
Parents typically remove children from Family Link when they reach an age where monitoring feels unnecessary — often in the mid-to-late teenage years. Some families remove a child when they move out or go to college. Others remove a child if the monitoring is causing conflict and they want to try a different approach to managing screen time and app use.
You might also remove a child temporarily if you are troubleshooting a technical problem with Family Link itself. Removing and re-adding the account sometimes fixes sync issues or bugs.
What to do if you cannot remove a child
If the "Remove account" button does not appear or is grayed out, the most common cause is that you are not signed in to the correct parent account. Family Link only shows children linked to the account you are currently using. If you have more than one Google account, make sure you are in the right one.
If you have forgotten your parent account password, you will need to reset it before you can remove a child. Go to accounts.google.com, click "Security" on the left, and follow the password reset steps. Once you regain access, you can remove the child through Family Link.
If the child's device is broken or lost and you cannot access it, you can still remove them from Family Link using the app or website on your own device. The removal does not require the child's device to be present or powered on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child see that I removed them from Family Link?
Not when ready through a notification. However, they will notice when app restrictions stop working and screen time limits disappear. If they check their device settings, they may see that Family Link is no longer active. It is usually better to tell them directly rather than let them discover it.
Can I add the child back to Family Link after removing them?
Yes. You can re-add them through the Family Link app or website using the same process you used to add them the first time. If the child is old enough to have their own Google account, they may need to approve the re-linking depending on their age and your device settings.
What if the child is under 13 and I remove them?
In most countries, removing a child under 13 from Family Link means their account loses parental oversight. Some regions have laws that require parental consent for accounts under a certain age, so the account may become restricted or require re-verification. Check your country's rules on child accounts.
Does removing a child from Family Link delete their Google account?
No. Removing them from Family Link only disconnects the parental monitoring. Their Google account, email, photos, and all other data remain intact. They can continue using Google services normally.
Can I remove a child if I do not have access to their device?
Yes. You can remove a child from Family Link using only your own device and your parent account. The child's device does not need to be present, powered on, or connected to the internet for the removal to work.