What Is Google Family Link?

Google Family Link is a free parental control service that lets you manage your child's Android device remotely. Features include: approving or blocking app downloads, setting daily screen time limits, remotely locking the device at bedtime, seeing the device's location, and viewing which apps the child uses most.

Requirements

  • Your phone: any smartphone (Android or iPhone) with the Family Link for Parents app
  • Child's device: Android phone or tablet
  • Child must have a Google account (Family Link can create one for under-13s) or an existing account
  • Both devices need internet connection during setup

Setting Up Family Link

  1. 1

    Install Family Link for Parents on your phone

    Download Google Family Link for Parents from the App Store or Play Store on your phone. Sign in with your Google account. Follow the setup prompts — you will need to create or link a Google account for your child.

  2. 2

    Create or use a Google account for your child

    In the parent app, tap Add Child. Enter your child's name and date of birth. Create a new Google account for them (you choose the email address and password) or link an existing account. For children under 13, a parent's approval is required to create the account.

  3. 3

    On the child's device: sign in with their Google account

    Sign into the child's Android device with their Google account. The device will detect it is supervised and prompt to install Family Link for Children — allow this.

  4. 4

    Complete setup on both devices

    Follow the on-screen steps on both devices. The parent app shows a code that the child's device needs to confirm the link. Once connected, the child's device shows a "Managed by Family Link" notice.

  5. 5

    Configure your settings

    In the Family Link for Parents app: set daily screen time limits, bedtime locks, app permissions (require approval for downloads), content filters for Google Search and Chrome, and enable location sharing.

App approvalWhen your child tries to download an app from the Play Store, you receive a notification on your phone to approve or decline. You can also browse the Play Store on behalf of your child and install apps directly from the parent app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Link supervision automatically transitions when a child turns 13 in Australia — they receive a notification that they can choose to manage their own Google account and remove parental supervision. Parents receive notice of this transition. Supervision can continue beyond 13 if both parent and child agree.
No — Family Link does not monitor calls, text messages, emails or the content of communications. It shows which apps are used and for how long, allows app management and screen time limits, and provides device location. It is a parental control tool, not a full monitoring/spyware tool.