Google Family Link is Google's parental control app for managing a child's Google account and supervised devices. It can help parents set screen time limits, manage apps, approve Google Play downloads and purchases, view location, and lock a device remotely.
This guide focuses on the Family Link app itself. For a broader Android parental controls overview, see Android Parental Controls.
Table of Contents
- What Is Google Family Link?
- Install Family Link
- What Family Link Can Do
- Initial Setup
- Set Screen Time
- Manage Apps and Google Play
- Use Location and Device Lock
- Important Limits to Understand
- Summary
What Is Google Family Link?
Google Family Link is a free parental control app from Google. It is designed to help parents supervise a child's Google account and set digital rules across supported devices.
It works best when the child uses Android or ChromeOS. Parents can manage settings from Android, iPhone, iPad, or the web depending on the feature.
Install Family Link
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-family-link/id1150085200
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink&hl=en_US
Install the app on the parent's device, then follow the setup flow for the child account and child device.
What Family Link Can Do
Manage Screen Time
You can set daily device limits and downtime schedules. This is useful for bedtime, school time, and predictable weekday routines.
Approve or Block Apps
Family Link can let you approve new app downloads, block apps, or set app-specific time limits. This is one of the most useful everyday controls.
Control Purchases and Downloads
You can require approval for Google Play purchases and downloads. This helps prevent surprise spending and age-inappropriate app installs.
Check Location
Family Link can show a supervised device's location when the device is online and location settings allow it.
Initial Setup
Parent Setup
Open Family Link, sign in with the parent's Google account, and choose whether to create a child account or supervise an existing one.
Keep your own account secure. If the parent account is compromised, the Family Link setup is compromised too.
Child Device Setup
On the child's Android device, sign in with the child account and complete the supervision prompts. Stay with the child during setup so permissions and restrictions are clear.
Set Screen Time
Set a Daily Limit
Choose the child profile, open screen time controls, and set a daily limit. Start with a realistic limit rather than an extreme one. Rules are easier to keep when they match real family routines.
Set Downtime
Downtime blocks most device use during scheduled hours. Use it for bedtime or homework periods.
Use Bonus Time
Bonus time is useful when you want to make a one-time exception without changing the normal schedule.
Manage Apps and Google Play
Limit App Use
App limits are better than blocking everything. You can keep useful apps available while limiting games, video, or social apps.
Set Purchase Approval
Turn on purchase approval so the child cannot buy paid apps, subscriptions, or in-app items without permission.
Set Content Restrictions
Use Google Play content restrictions for apps, games, movies, and books. These controls reduce exposure, but they do not replace checking the apps your child actually uses.
Use Location and Device Lock
Location and remote lock are helpful for safety and routine management. Use them transparently. Explain what you can see, when you will check it, and why.
For Android lock-screen basics, see How to Unlock Android Screen Lock.
Important Limits to Understand
Family Link is not a complete parenting system. It cannot replace conversations, house rules, or age-appropriate judgment. Some features depend on country, account age, device type, Android version, and Google service settings.
Also remember that older children may need more privacy and responsibility over time. Review the setup periodically instead of treating the first settings as permanent.
Summary
Google Family Link is the main app for supervising a child's Android or Google account. Use it to set screen time, manage apps, approve Google Play activity, check location, and lock a device when needed.
The best Family Link setup is simple: clear limits, clear reasons, and regular review as your child grows.
