Setting up Google Family Link gives you direct oversight of your child's digital habits, letting you manage app downloads, restrict mature content, and set screen time limits remotely. Whether you are creating a fresh account for a younger child or adding supervision to an existing profile, configuring the service requires access to both the parent's device and the child's device.
You can manage your child's supervised Android devices (running version 6.0 or higher) or Chromebooks using the official Google Family Link app. While parents can run the management app on an Android phone or an iPhone (iOS 16 or newer), a child's iPhone cannot be fully supervised with Family Link features like app blocking or screen time limits.
Preparing Devices and Accounts
Before touching any settings screens, make sure you have the necessary components ready to avoid configuration errors.
- A Personal Google Account: You must be 18 or older (or the legal age of consent in your country) and use your own standard adult Google account to act as the family manager.
- The Parent App: Install the official Google Family Link app from your phone's app store.
- The Child's Device: Keep your child's supported device nearby, turned on, and connected to a stable internet connection.
If your child is under 13 (or the applicable age limit in your region) and doesn't have an account yet, you will create a new Google account during the setup flow. If they already have an email address, you can link supervision directly to their existing login.
Step 1: Connecting Supervision on the Child's Device
The configuration path starts on the child's phone or tablet. You'll need your own parent password to verify your identity and authorize the link.
- On your child's Android device, open the system Settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap Google, then select All services (on older software versions, tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls directly).
- Select Parental controls and tap Let's do this.
- Designate the device as belonging to a Child or teen, then select your child's specific Google account.
- Enter your adult parent account credentials when prompted to confirm supervision, and have your child enter their password to complete the link.
Once the devices sync, open the Family Link app on your own phone. Tap Done to confirm the connection, and your child's profile will appear in your top-left menu.
Step 2: Configuring Core Safety and Screen Time Limits
With access established, you can tailor the boundaries to match your family's routine. Don't rely on default settings; adjust them immediately to protect your child from unwanted content.
Setting Daily Time Limits
You can cap total daily usage so devices lock automatically when time runs out.
- Open the Family Link app on your device and select your child's profile.
- Tap Screen time on the bottom menu, then select Time limits.
- Turn on Daily limit and open the Weekly schedule to assign hours for each day of the week.
Managing App Permissions
Some apps are essential for the device to function, but you can block distractions or require approval for new downloads.
- Under your child's profile, go to Screen time, then App limits.
- Review the list of installed apps. Tap any app to toggle between Allowed and Blocked.
- To control Google Play purchases, navigate to Controls, select Google Play, and set purchase approvals to All content.
Filtering Web and Search Content
You can reduce exposure to mature websites using Google's built-in filtering tools.
- Open Controls in your child's profile and tap Google Chrome and web.
- Choose Try to block explicit sites or restrict browsing exclusively to a manual list of Approved sites.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Parents often run into frustrating roadblocks because of simple oversights during the initial linking process.
- Mismatched Country Settings: Your adult account and your child's account must be set to the same country. If your Google Play regions differ, Family Link will refuse to complete the setup.
- Skipping Device Updates: If the child's device runs an outdated version of Android (below 6.0) or Chrome OS, parental control hooks won't initialize properly. Update the operating system before starting.
- Assuming Total Privacy Visibility: Family Link does not let you read private text messages or view encrypted chat app logs (such as WhatsApp). It manages device access, app permissions, and screen time—it isn't a surveillance tool for private conversations.
For more details on managing safety settings, consult the official Google For Families Support documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock my child's device if they get locked out?
Yes. If the device locks due to downtime or daily limits and you aren't nearby, you can unlock it using your parent account password directly on their screen. Alternatively, generate a temporary Parent Access Code from the settings menu inside your own Family Link app.
Does Google Family Link cost money?
No. Family Link is a completely free service provided by Google. You don't need a subscription to access core screen time management, location tracking, and app control features.
What happens when my child turns 13?
When your child reaches the age of 13 (or the digital age of consent in your region), Google gives them the option to manage their own account independently. If they choose to drop supervision, you will receive an email notification, and their devices will unlock automatically.
Can I manage my child's device from a computer?
Yes. If you don't have your phone handy, you can manage most parental controls and check device locations by visiting the web dashboard at familylink.google.com.
