What you need to know about removing Family Link
Google Family Link is a parental control system that a parent or guardian sets up on your device. If you are a child or teenager whose parent added Family Link to your account, you cannot remove it yourself — only the parent who set it up can turn it off. This is intentional: Family Link is designed so that young people cannot bypass the controls without the parent's knowledge.
The only way to stop using Family Link is to ask the parent or guardian who created it to remove it from the Family Link app on their own device. If that parent no longer has access to their device, or if the account was set up by someone who is no longer your guardian, there are a few other paths forward, but they require proof of your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Only the parent or guardian who set up Family Link can remove it — you cannot do it from your own device no matter what steps you follow.
- The parent removes it through the Family Link app on their phone or computer, not through your device.
- If the parent who set it up is no longer your guardian, you may be able to request removal through Google's support process, but you will need documentation.
- Trying to work around Family Link by factory-resetting your device, changing passwords, or removing your Google account will not remove the parental controls and may cause other problems.
- If you are 18 or older, you have options to regain control of your account that do not require the original parent's permission.
Ask the parent who set up Family Link to remove it
Start here. The parent or guardian who created the Family Link account can remove it in about two minutes. They open the Family Link app on their own phone or computer, find your account in the list of children, and select the option to remove you from Family Link. After they do this, the controls disappear from your device within a few hours.
If you are unsure whether your parent will agree, frame the conversation around what you need the freedom to do — read a specific app, change your screen time limits, or manage your own settings. Many parents are willing to remove Family Link once a child reaches a certain age or demonstrates responsibility. This is a conversation worth having directly rather than trying to work around the system.
What happens if the parent no longer has their device
If the parent who set up Family Link lost their phone, switched to a new device without the Family Link app, or no longer has access to the account they used to create it, they can still remove Family Link — but it takes longer. They can sign into the Family Link website on any computer, find your account, and remove you from there. The website is at families.google.com.
If your parent does not remember the password to the account they used to set up Family Link, they can reset it using the recovery email or phone number attached to that account. Once they regain access, they can remove you through the website. This process usually takes a few hours to a day.
If the person who set up Family Link is no longer your guardian
If your parents have separated, you have moved to a different guardian, or the person who set up Family Link is no longer involved in your care, you may be able to request removal through Google's support process. You will need to contact Google and explain your situation — that the account holder no longer has guardianship over you and you need the controls removed.
Google will ask for documentation of your current guardianship or custody arrangement. This might be a custody order, a letter from your school, or another official document showing who your current guardian is. The process can take one to two weeks. Start by visiting the Google Account Help page and selecting the option to contact support about Family Link removal.
If you are 18 or older
Once you turn 18, you have the right to take control of your own Google Account, even if Family Link is still attached to it. You can change your password, update your recovery information, and remove the account from Family Link yourself through your account settings. The parent's ability to control your account ends when you reach the age of majority in your location, usually 18.
To do this, go to myaccount.google.com, select "Security" from the left menu, and look for the Family Link section. You should see an option to remove yourself from Family Link. If you do not see this option, it may mean your account is still registered as a child account in Google's system — in that case, you can request to upgrade it to a standard adult account through Google Support, and you will need to verify your age.
Why removing Family Link yourself does not work
You might have read that factory-resetting your device, removing your Google Account, or changing your password will remove Family Link. None of these work. Family Link is tied to your Google Account itself, not to your device or your password. If you factory-reset your phone, Family Link will still be there when you sign back in. If you remove your Google Account from your device, you cannot use most Google services, and Family Link remains active on the account.
Trying these workarounds can also create real problems: you might lock yourself out of your email, lose access to photos or documents, or trigger alerts that notify your parent that something unusual happened. The only reliable way to remove Family Link is to have the person who set it up do it, or to reach the age where you can take control yourself.
What to do if your parent refuses to remove Family Link
If you are a teenager and your parent refuses to remove Family Link even though you feel you are ready for more independence, this is a conversation about trust and responsibility, not a technical problem. Consider proposing a compromise: removing some restrictions while keeping others, or setting a specific age or date when it will be removed. Many parents are more willing to adjust controls gradually than to remove them all at once.
If you believe the controls are being used to monitor you in a way that feels unsafe or invasive, or if you are in a situation where you need privacy for your safety, talk to a trusted adult outside your home — a school counselor, relative, or friend's parent. They can help you think through the situation and may be able to help you talk to your parent or find other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove Family Link if I know my parent's password?
No. Even if you have your parent's password, you should not use it to access their account or the Family Link app. Family Link is designed so that only the account holder can make changes. If you use their password without permission, you risk damaging trust and may face consequences. The right approach is to ask your parent directly.
What if I forgot which Google Account has Family Link on mine?
Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your account. Select "Security" from the left menu and scroll down to find "Your devices." You should see which devices have Family Link active. The parent's email address may also be listed. If you still cannot find it, contact Google Support and explain that you need to know which account is managing your Family Link.
Does removing Family Link delete my Google Account?
No. Removing Family Link straightforward turns off the parental controls. Your Google Account, email, photos, and all your data stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is that you regain the ability to read apps, adjust screen time, and manage your own settings.
Can a school or other adult remove Family Link from my account?
No. Only the parent or guardian who set it up, Google Support in specific circumstances, or you (once you turn 18) can remove it. A school, counselor, or other adult cannot remove it, though they can help you talk to your parent about it or help you contact Google Support if your situation qualifies.
What if my parent set up Family Link but I do not know their email address?
Ask your parent directly for their email address, or check any emails you received when Family Link was first set up — Google usually sends a notification to the child's account. If you truly cannot find it, you can contact Google Support and explain that you need help identifying the managing account so you can request removal through the proper process.