Google Family Link is Google's official app that lets parents supervise their children's Android devices. With Family Link you can manage screen time, approve apps and track your child's location. This detailed guide helps you set up Family Link the best way for your child's safety.

Family Link is a free app from Google designed specifically for parental supervision. The app works on Android phones and tablets and gives parents control over their children's digital lives. You can manage apps, set screen time, turn on content filters and see your child's location.

Family Link offers plenty of benefits for parents who want to keep their children safe online:

  • Free to use for all Android devices
  • Manage multiple children from one app
  • Approval required for app downloads
  • Detailed activity reports
  • Real-time location tracking
  • Lock the device remotely
  • Filters for Google Chrome and Google Search

Setting up Family Link requires action on both your phone and your child's device. We walk through the whole process.

Start by downloading the Google Family Link app on your own Android phone or iPhone. Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for 'Google Family Link for parents'. Install the app and open it. You'll be asked to sign in with your Google Account.

Step 2: Create a Google Account for your child

If your child is under 13, you can create a special Google Account for kids through Family Link. In the app, tap 'Get started' and follow the steps to create a new account. You enter your child's name, date of birth and an email address. This account is automatically linked to your family group.

Grab your child's Android device. If it's a new device, you can enter your child's Google Account during setup. On an existing device, go to Settings, then Google, and add your child's account. Family Link is activated automatically when a child account is added.

Step 4: Configure the basic settings

After linking, you're guided through the basic settings. You can immediately choose which apps are allowed, whether you want to approve new app downloads and whether you want to share location. Take your time to review each option carefully.

One of the most important features of Family Link is managing screen time. You can set daily limits and configure bedtimes.

Daily screen time limits

Open Family Link on your phone and select your child. Tap 'Screen time' and then 'Daily limit'. You can set a different limit for each day of the week. For example, 2 hours on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends. When the limit is reached, the device locks.

Setting bedtime

With the bedtime feature you can make sure your child's device locks automatically at sleep time. Go to 'Screen time' and tap 'Bedtime'. Set the start and end time for each day. During bedtime your child can't use the device, except for emergency calls.

Granting bonus time

Sometimes you want to give your child extra screen time, for example as a reward or during a long car ride. You can easily grant bonus time through the Family Link app. Tap your child, select 'Bonus time' and choose how many extra minutes you want to add.

Managing and approving apps

Family Link gives you full control over which apps your child can download and use.

Setting up app approval

By default you get a notification when your child wants to download an app from the Play Store. You can approve or deny the download directly from the notification or through the Family Link app. This prevents your child from installing inappropriate apps.

Age ratings for apps

You can also set an age filter for the Play Store. Go to 'Manage settings' and then 'Google Play settings'. Here you can choose the highest allowed age rating, such as 'Suitable for age 7' or 'Suitable for age 12'. Apps with a higher rating aren't shown to your child.

Viewing and blocking installed apps

Under 'Installed apps' you see all the apps on your child's device. You can decide per app whether it's allowed. If you block an app, it disappears from the home screen and your child can no longer open it. You can also set time limits for specific apps.

Content filters for Chrome and Google Search

Family Link also offers protection while browsing and searching the internet.

Google Chrome filters

Go to 'Manage settings' and select 'Filters on Google Chrome'. You have three options: allow all sites, try to block explicit sites, or only allow certain sites. For young children the last option is the safest. You can then add approved websites manually.

SafeSearch for Google

SafeSearch filters explicit results out of Google search. This feature is turned on by default for child accounts and can't be turned off by your child. You can check this under 'Filters on Google Search'.

Tracking location

With Family Link you can see where your child is, as long as the device is turned on and connected to the internet.

Turning on location sharing

Go to the map in Family Link and tap 'Set up location'. Follow the steps to turn on location sharing. You can now view your child's current location on the map in the app at any time.

Privacy and trust

Tracking your child can be a sensitive subject. Talk with your child about why you want to see their location and emphasize that it's about safety, not control. Older children can be more sensitive about this, so adjust your approach to their age.

Managing the device remotely

Family Link offers handy features to manage your child's device remotely.

Locking the device

With one tap you can lock your child's device instantly. This is handy at mealtimes, during homework or when screen time is used up but your child is still using the device. Open Family Link, select your child and tap 'Lock'.

Playing a sound

If your child has lost the device, you can play a sound remotely, even when the device is on silent. This only works if the device is turned on and connected to the internet.

Family Link is a tool, not a replacement for good communication with your child about online safety.

Be transparent

Explain to your child what Family Link does and why you use it. Children who understand that it's about their protection accept the restrictions better than children who feel they're being spied on.

Review regularly

Set aside time regularly to look at the screen time reports together and review the settings. Maybe your child can get more freedom as they grow older and handle the device responsibly.

Stay involved

Technical restrictions alone aren't enough. Talk with your child about what they come across online, which apps are popular at school and how to deal safely with strangers online. These conversations are at least as important as the settings in Family Link.

With Google Family Link you have a powerful and free tool to protect your child in the digital world. By choosing the right settings and keeping the conversation going, you help your child learn to use technology safely and responsibly.

Frequently asked questions

No, your child can't remove Family Link without your permission. If your child tries to remove the account, the device is temporarily locked and you receive a notification. The app is designed so that children can't bypass it.

Family Link as a parent app works on both Android and iPhone. So you can manage your child's Android device from your iPhone. However, you can't install Family Link on an iPhone used by your child. Family Link is only meant for managing Android devices.

Family Link is meant for children under 13. When your child turns 13, they get the option to stop supervision. Your child then has to choose this themselves. Until then, Family Link stays active, even after their 13th birthday.

Yes, you can add multiple children to your Family Link account. Each child has their own Google Account and you can configure different settings per child. In the app you can easily switch between your children's profiles.

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