Set up Google Family Link to manage app downloads, set screen time limits, track location, remotely lock devices, and supervise your child's Android or Google account activity.
Google Family Link is a free parental supervision tool that gives parents control over their child's Android device and Google account. It covers app approval, screen time, location tracking, and more — making it one of the most comprehensive parental control solutions for Android users.
The Google Family Link parent app is available for iPhone and iPad, so you can manage your child's Android device or Google account from your own Apple device.
| Situation | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Child under 13 | Google account must be created through Family Link |
| Child 13–17 | Child must accept a supervision invitation; they can decline it |
| Child turns 13 | Account transitions to supervised teen account |
Teens 13+ can decline an invitation to start supervision on an existing account. Since early 2026, however, supervised teens under 18 need parental approval to stop supervision — they can no longer end it on their own at 13. Family Link works best alongside open conversations about why supervision is in place.
Download the Google Family Link app (for parents) on your iPhone or Android phone.
For children under 13: Open Family Link → Create account for your child. You'll create their Gmail address and set a password.
For teens 13–17: Open Family Link → Add child → Enter your teen's Gmail address. They'll receive an invitation on their device to accept supervision.
On your child's Android device, sign in with the newly created Google account. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete Family Link setup.
Once linked, the Family Link parent app will prompt you to configure basic settings. Complete this during initial setup.
When "Require approval" is enabled, your child sees a "Request" button instead of "Install" in the Play Store. You receive a notification to approve or deny.
In Family Link: Controls → Google Play → Approve or block apps. Toggle "Require approval" ON.
Choose the maximum app rating your child can browse and request:
In the Apps section, you can see all installed apps and block specific ones — even previously approved apps can be blocked later.
Before your child starts asking to install things, proactively approve the apps you know they'll want (YouTube Kids, educational apps, games you're comfortable with). This reduces friction.
See every app on your child's device. Review this list periodically for anything unexpected.
Set total daily device usage time. When the limit is reached:
Recommended starting limits:
Set limits for individual apps. Perfect for games, YouTube, or social apps while leaving educational apps unlimited.
Set a schedule for when the device is locked:
The same Schedules menu also offers "School time," which limits the device to apps you allow during school hours.
Set a device bedtime 30–60 minutes before your child's actual bedtime. Blue light disrupts sleep, and a wind-down period without screens helps children sleep better.
See your child's current location on a map in real time (when their device is on and connected).
Family Link shows only your child's current location — it doesn't keep a viewable history in the parent app. Detailed route history lives in Google Maps Timeline, which is stored on your child's account and device.
Location accuracy depends on:
The device must have data access for location to update.
Location tracking tells you where the device is, not necessarily your child. Don't rely on it as a substitute for communication and trust. Use it as a safety net, not surveillance.
Tap "Lock" to immediately lock your child's device from anywhere. The device screen goes dark and requires PIN entry to unlock.
Use cases:
From the same menu, tap "Unlock" to restore access. The device unlocks when your child enters their PIN.
In the Device menu, you can sign your child out of their Google account on the device — useful if the device is lost or stolen.
Enable SafeSearch to filter explicit content from Google search results. This applies to all searches done while signed into the managed account.
Options:
For younger children, "Only allow certain sites" gives you complete control over web browsing.
Add URLs of sites you want to block:
For managed accounts under 13, YouTube can be restricted to YouTube Kids or supervised mode.
Family Link sends a weekly email summarizing:
See real-time app usage, website history in Chrome, and searches performed.
Require parent approval for all purchases including:
You can optionally set a monthly spending limit on the Play Store.
Family Link supports multiple child accounts. Each child has their own settings, limits, and activity reports. Manage them all from the same parent app.
Google Family Link is now set up and configured. With app approval, screen time limits, and location enabled, you have meaningful oversight of your child's Android experience. Remember to revisit settings as your child grows.
