Google Family Link: Parental Controls

What is Family Link?

Google Family Link lets parents manage their child's Android device: screen time, installed apps, location, web content, and more. It works across phones, tablets, and Chromebooks. In February 2025, Family Link received a major redesign with a new interface, School Time mode, approved contacts, and Google Wallet for kids.

What's new in 2025–2026

The Family Link app was completely redesigned in February 2025. The new "Screen time" tab brings key stats and controls front and center. School Time automatically limits phone functionality during school hours. Parents can now add approved contacts and restrict calls and texts to those contacts only. Google Wallet for kids lets parents add a payment card for supervised in-store tap-to-pay with full transaction visibility. Sensitive content warnings in Google Messages are on by default for supervised accounts under 18.

Initial setup

1. Download Google Family Link on YOUR device (App Store or Play Store).
2. Create a Google account for your child (or link an existing one as a supervised account).
3. On your child's device, sign in with their Google account.
4. Accept the supervision prompt when the system asks.
5. Configure initial restrictions from your Family Link app.

Essential settings checklist

• Screen time: Set daily limits and bedtime schedules
• School Time: Limit phone functionality during school hours
• Apps: Approve or block apps before your child installs them
• Location: Turn on location sharing to see where your child is
• Google Chrome: Set up web content filters
• Google Play: Set age-based content restrictions
• YouTube: Link to YouTube Kids or set up supervised experience
• Approved Contacts: Control who your child can call and text

Warning signs to watch for

• Your child turns off location sharing frequently
• New apps appear that were not approved through Family Link
• Screen time limits are being bypassed