Children get their first phones and tablets at younger ages, and parents want to give them the benefits of the digital world while keeping them safe. Google Family Link is a free parental control app from Google designed for this: it helps parents manage a child’s Google Account, apps, screen time, content settings and location on supported devices.

In this guide we explain what Family Link is and what it does, how it works, which devices it supports, how to set it up, how to set screen time, bedtime and school time, how to block apps, manage permissions, restrict content, use SafeSearch and location features, what it shows and does not show to parents, age limits and how it differs from spyware. Features and availability change by country, device and software version, so follow the on-screen steps for your own device.

An app and set of tools that help parents manage the Google Accounts of children and teens, along with screen time, apps, content settings and location on supported devices.

What Is Family Link Used For?

It Helps Manage Screen Time

Set daily limits and schedules for the device.

It Manages App Use

See which apps are used, and approve, block or limit them.

It Controls Google Play Downloads and Purchases

Parents can approve or deny app downloads and purchases.

It Offers Age-Appropriate Content Settings

Filter content in Google Play, Chrome and Search.

It Shows the Child’s Device Location

If the feature is turned on, parents can see the device’s location.

It Manages Google Account Settings

Manage certain account and privacy settings for the child.

It Can Partly Manage Search and Messaging Settings

Some search and communication settings can be adjusted.

Screen time limits, bedtime and school time, app approval and blocking, content filters, location, activity reports and account management.

The parent uses the Family Link app on their phone to supervise the child’s account. The child’s supported device is linked to that account, and the parent’s settings are applied to the device and the account.

  • A Google Account for the parent and a supervised account for the child
  • A supported device for the child
  • The parent’s device with the Family Link app (Android or iPhone)
  • An internet connection for settings to sync

Supervision of the child’s device is fully supported on Android devices and on Chromebooks (ChromeOS 71 or later). Some functions are available for other platforms in limited ways.

A parent can manage Family Link from an iPhone, but a child’s iPhone cannot be put under full device supervision the way an Android device can.

A parent can manage some settings on the web. Full device supervision on the child’s side is supported on Chromebooks; standard Windows or macOS computers are not fully supervised.

Download the Family Link app and sign in with the parent’s Google Account.

Add the Child’s Profile

Follow the steps to add a child.

Create a New Child Account

If the child doesn’t have a Google Account, you can create one for them, with parental consent steps.

Add Supervision to an Existing Account

If the child already has an account, you can add supervision subject to age and country rules.

Sign In on the Child’s Android Device

Sign in with the child’s account on their device, following the on-screen setup. Depending on the Android version, parental controls may be enabled through system settings and Google services, so follow the instructions shown.

Set the First Supervision Settings

Choose initial screen time, app and content settings.

Set Time by App

Choose daily limits for individual apps.

Give Extra Time

Grant bonus time from the parent’s device when needed.

How to Set Bedtime and School Time

Bedtime

The device locks during sleeping hours.

School Time

The device is limited during school hours, with a schedule you choose.

Open the app’s settings in the child’s profile and block it, or require approval before it can be used or installed.

How to Manage App Permissions

Review permissions granted to apps, such as location, camera and microphone, and change them as needed.

How to Restrict Content in Google Play

Choose content ratings and approval settings for apps, games, movies and books.

How to Set Chrome Site Restrictions

Filter explicit sites or allow only approved ones.

How to Manage Google SafeSearch

Turn on SafeSearch to filter explicit results in Google Search.

Turn on location sharing to see the device on a map and, where available, get notifications for places.

Family Place and Location Notification

Set places such as home or school and receive notices, if the feature is available and enabled.

Screen time, app use, location (if enabled), settings and approvals.

It does not show the content of messages, passwords or private communications, and it does not stream the child’s screen live. A parent cannot remotely see what is on the child’s screen at that moment.

Rules differ by country and age of consent. Generally, parental supervision is designed for children under a certain age, and teens can choose to continue or stop supervision when they reach the age of consent for their country. Check the current rules for your country.

Combine settings with conversation. Agree on rules with the child, explain why they exist, set screen-free times (such as meals and sleep), and adjust limits as the child grows. See also what is a social platform to understand where children spend time.

Device-level screen time settings apply to one device. Family Link manages the child’s account and supported devices from the parent’s phone, including app approvals and purchases.

Family Link is transparent: the child is told about supervision, and the app does not secretly read messages or hide itself. Spyware is covert and invasive. Transparency builds trust and is better for the relationship.

  • Management from one panel
  • Remote control
  • Control of app spending
  • Age-appropriate content settings
  • Free to use

Costs can still arise from apps, subscriptions, mobile data and Google Play purchases.

Limits to Know

It does not replace conversation, supervision and teaching; children may find ways around restrictions; and some functions depend on device and software versions.

For Developers and Families

Digital products used by children are part of wider digital transformation; developers who build apps for families can read about Flutter and Progressive Web Apps, and about knowing your target audience when building for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

A parental control tool that helps manage children’s and teens’ Google Accounts, and their screen time, apps, content settings and location on supported devices.

Setting screen time, blocking apps, giving Google Play approval, filtering content, viewing location and managing some account settings.

The Family Link app is offered by Google as a family safety tool. The apps used, subscriptions, mobile data and Google Play purchases can cost extra.

Install Family Link on the parent’s phone, create an account for the child or add supervision to an existing account, and have the child sign in on a supported device with that account.

Does the child’s phone need an app installed?

Depending on the Android version and the device’s setup, parental supervision can be enabled through system settings and Google services. Follow the on-screen setup steps.

The parent can manage Family Link from an iPhone. But the child’s iPhone cannot be put under full device supervision like an Android device.

A parent can manage some settings on the web. Full device supervision on the child’s side is supported on Chromebooks; standard Windows or macOS computers cannot be fully supervised.

Yes. A child account can be used under supervision on supported Chromebooks with ChromeOS 71 and above.

No. A parent cannot remotely see what is on the child’s screen at that moment.