Android parental controls with Google Family Link

By Lewis C. Checked against Google's Family Link pages on 1 October 2026. We wrote this from the official guide and haven't yet checked every screen on our own device. Spot a menu that doesn't match? Tell us.

Quick answer

Install Google Family Link on your phone, make your child a Google account that you manage (for under-13s), and sign them in on their device. Then from your phone: approve every new app, set a daily limit and bedtime, filter websites in Chrome, and lock the device when it's time to stop.

Step 1: set up Family Link

Get the Family Link app on your phone. Create a Google account for your child through it (under-13s, or the relevant age in your country, need a parent-managed account), then sign your child in on their Android phone, tablet or Chromebook. No smartphone? You can set it up online at g.co/YourFamily.

Step 2: apps

  • Require approval for new apps from Google Play.
  • Block any app, or give one an individual time limit.
  • Give school apps unlimited time so homework doesn't run out the clock.

Step 3: screen time

  • In Family Link, pick your child, then Screen time, then Time limits, and turn on Daily limit. Set it day by day.
  • Set downtime for bedtime and school time for lessons.
  • Lock the device from your phone when time's up, or give bonus time for one day.
  • Time limits need Android 7 or newer. System apps can't be limited.

Step 4: websites and search

Turn on website restrictions in Chrome to block mature sites, and keep SafeSearch on. YouTube is separate: choose between YouTube Kids and a supervised account in our YouTube guide.

Step 5: location and the device

See your child's device on a map, get alerts when they arrive at or leave a place, ring the device and check its battery. You can also reset their password if they forget it.

Inside the apps

Family Link controls which apps open and for how long. Chat and spending inside games are set in the game. See our Roblox and Fortnite guides.

Questions parents ask

What is Google Family Link?

Google's free parental controls app for Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks. You install it on your own phone and use it to approve apps, set screen time, filter websites, see your child's location and manage their Google account.

How do I set a screen time limit on Android?

In Family Link, pick your child, go to Screen time, then Time limits, turn on Daily limit and set the hours for each day. You can also lock the device from your phone or give bonus time for one day.

Does Family Link work on Samsung tablets?

Family Link works on Android devices, and its time limits need Android 7 or newer. Check the tablet's Android version before you rely on it.

Where this comes from