LINE Safety Settings

LINE safety settings help families review messages, calls, contacts and account access. LINE combines private and group chats with stickers and other services. Young people may encounter it through friends or relatives abroad. However, a contact name or encrypted chat does not prove that a conversation is safe.

This guide helps parents and eligible users review LINE privacy settings together. Also discuss purchases, public invitation codes and requests to move conversations elsewhere. Protective controls have limits, so combine them with regular conversations and a clear route to help.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

LINE’s common terms require prior parent or guardian consent for minors. Separately, its privacy policy says it does not knowingly collect children’s personal data under 16 in Europe and may deactivate affected accounts. Therefore, do not treat parental permission or an app store rating as permission to bypass those conditions.

For families in Ireland, treat LINE as unsuitable for a child under 16 unless LINE confirms the applicable account eligibility. App store content ratings and accounts used in other regions do not establish Irish eligibility. Also check separate conditions for public communities, payments and connected services.

An account verification code proves access to a sign in method rather than safe identity or maturity. Similarly, biometric device approval is not a guarantee about the person at the other end. Avoid public groups and unknown contacts when you cannot establish suitable protections.

For the applicable rules, read LY Corporation common terms.

For the applicable rules, read LY Corporation privacy policy.

LINE Safety Settings and Restrictions

LINE safety settings for unknown messages

Filtering reduces unwanted messages and invitations from people outside your friends. However, it does not filter harmful messages from friends.

• Open LINE on the main phone, then select Home and the Settings cog.
• Tap Privacy, then turn on Filter messages.
• On Windows or Mac, open the main menu’s Settings, then Settings and Basic.
• Under Privacy, enable Block messages from non-friends. Then review existing friends separately.

Why it matters: This does not establish that an existing friend is safe. Also review group membership and block unwanted accounts individually.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Manage LINE privacy settings for contact discovery

Phone number discovery and ID search are separate controls. In Ireland, phone number adding mainly concerns older accounts that retain a registered number.

• Open Home, then Settings and Friends on the main device.
• Turn off Allow others to add me, if the account offers it. Also review Auto-add friends before importing contacts.
• Return to Settings, open Profile and turn off Allow others to add me by ID.
• On Windows or Mac, review Settings, Settings, Basic and Privacy for the ID search control.

Why it matters: These changes do not remove existing contacts. Similarly, a shared QR code or public group can provide another route to the profile.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Replace a shared friend QR code

Regenerating the personal friend code deactivates the previous code and adding link. Therefore, use it after accidental public sharing.

• Outside Japan and Taiwan, open Home and tap Add friends.
• Select QR code, then My QR code and Regenerate.
• In Japan or Taiwan, use Chats, the top plus icon and My QR code instead.
• Share the replacement privately with a verified contact. Also remove old public posts containing the previous code.

Why it matters: Regeneration does not remove someone who already added the account. However, it reduces further use of the old invitation.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Block unwanted LINE contacts

Blocking stops messages and calls from that account. However, hiding or deleting a friend directly does not provide the same protection.

• On the main phone outside Japan and Taiwan, open Home, then Friends.
• Press and hold the unwanted person’s name, then select Block.
• For an account outside your friends, open its profile icon and select Block.
• To review blocked contacts, open Home, Settings, Friends and Blocked accounts. Keep unwanted accounts blocked.

Why it matters: Blocking cannot stop another account or remove screenshots. Also leave unsafe shared groups rather than relying on a direct chat block alone.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Report messages before clearing a chat

Reporting sends the selected message and surrounding context to LINE for review. Therefore, inspect the report prompt before sending.

• Open the chat and press and hold the problematic message. On Windows or Mac, right click it instead.
• Select Report, then choose the appropriate reason.
• Read the information about shared message context, then select Agree & send.
• Choose whether to block the sender. Also seek safeguarding support when threats or sexual pressure involve a child.

Why it matters: LINE says the sender does not receive a report notification. However, a platform report does not replace police assistance in urgent situations.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Account Privacy and Protective Controls

Check LINE privacy through Letter Sealing

Letter Sealing protects supported messages with encryption between participants. However, group calls, meetings, albums and notes have different protection.

• Open the intended conversation and tap its top menu icon.
• Select This chat is protected with Letter Sealing at the bottom.
• Compare the displayed key fingerprints with your contact through a trusted independent route or in person.
• Keep LINE updated on both devices. Also check the current feature exclusions before sharing sensitive content.

Why it matters: Current LINE guidance says Letter Sealing is enabled by default without a disable switch. Encryption cannot prevent copying by a recipient.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Review LINE safety settings for signed in devices

An old computer or tablet may retain account access. Therefore, inspect sessions even when the main phone remains in your possession.

• On the main device, open Home, Settings and Account.
• Tap Devices and inspect device names and session information.
• Select Log out beside any unfamiliar or unused device. Alternatively, review Log out from all services.
• If access looks suspicious, change the account password and protect its linked sign in account as well.

Why it matters: Closing a computer window does not necessarily end the session. Also check that shared computers no longer show conversations.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Restrict additional device logins

The main device controls whether other devices may log in. However, disabling extra access can also interrupt a computer you deliberately use.

• Open Home, then Settings and Account on the main device.
• Turn off Allow login when additional device access is unnecessary.
• If you keep additional devices, review Log in with password and consider disabling password login in favour of supported biometrics or QR authentication.
• Approve only a login or verification code you initiated. Never scan a login QR code supplied by a stranger.

Why it matters: A login approval can give another device access. Therefore, treat QR authentication and verification codes as account security decisions.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Review LINE account protection and recovery

Recovery details help you retain access when changing phones. Similarly, an insecure linked Apple or Google account can weaken the wider setup.

• On the main device, open Home, Settings and Account.
• Open Email address where offered and verify an address you control using the confirmation sent there.
• Select Password, complete the device authentication prompt and enter a unique password twice. Save the change.
• Review the linked Apple or Google account separately, including its recovery methods and additional authentication.

Why it matters: Never send a password or verification code to someone claiming to help. Also use official recovery rather than paid account recovery strangers.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Use LINE privacy settings for app locking

An app lock reduces casual access on an unlocked phone. However, it is separate from the account password and is not a parent dashboard.

• Open Home, then Settings and Privacy.
• Turn on Passcode lock and enter the chosen code twice.
• Review Use Face ID to unlock or Use biometrics to unlock, if offered.
• Keep the code safe and protect the phone’s own screen lock. Also review backup arrangements before relying on recovery.

Why it matters: A forgotten app code can require reinstallation and loss of unbacked chat history. Therefore, do not confuse this lock with a recoverable account password.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Improve LINE account protection through connected apps

LINE Login can authorise other apps and websites. Therefore, check these connections independently of logged in devices.

• Open Home, Settings and Account on the main device.
• Select Authorized apps, then open the service you want to inspect.
• Tap View permissions and review the access it requests.
• For an unused service, select Deauthorize and OK. Also review that service’s own stored data separately.

Why it matters: Removing authorisation stops that connection but does not necessarily delete data already held elsewhere. Avoid authorising unfamiliar games or AI services.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Review backup coverage before changing phones

Standard Backup saves text chats to iCloud Drive on iOS or Google Drive on Android. However, it does not preserve every attachment.

• Confirm that the intended cloud account has space and that you control its recovery methods.
• Open Home, Settings and Chat history backup under Backup and transfer.
• Select Back up now. If prompted, use Create backup PIN and back up chat history first.
• Check the completion information. Also review Back up how often if you want scheduled backups.

Why it matters: Standard Backup supports transfers within the same operating system and saves text only. Paid Premium Backup is limited to supported regions, rather than a universal Irish option.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Keep message previews private

Notifications can expose text without opening LINE. Similarly, quiet alerts can reduce interruptions without stopping access to chats.

• Open Home, Settings and Notifications.
• Review the message preview or display controls offered by your device. Disable previews when private content could appear on a locked screen.
• Open the phone’s notification settings separately and review LINE’s lock screen visibility.
• Check the locked screen after changing the setting. Also agree quieter times for homework and sleep.

Why it matters: Muting does not block a sender or enforce a bedtime. Device notification labels differ, so check the actual result rather than assuming one universal label.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Use device restrictions alongside LINE safety settings

Device supervision can limit access to an app. However, it does not automatically approve LINE friends or reveal every private conversation.

• For a supervised Android child, open the parent’s Family Link app and select the child.
• Tap Screen time, Time limits and App limits, then select LINE.
• Choose Set limit, enter the hours and minutes and select Done. Review unlimited time exceptions separately.
• On iPhone or iPad, use the child’s Screen Time controls through Family. Also check app access, purchases and the parent passcode.

Why it matters: Family Link device limits require a supported supervised Android device or Chromebook. A parent using an iPhone does not make a child’s iPhone device supervised by Family Link.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

Understand account deletion and continuing charges

Removing the app does not close the LINE account. Therefore, review subscriptions, payments and necessary records before account deletion.

• Read LINE’s deletion warnings and separately cancel any applicable premium membership or payment service.
• On the main device, open Home, Settings and Account.
• Select Delete account at the bottom, then Next.
• Only after reviewing the permanent effects, follow Delete account and Delete if you intend to close it.

Why it matters: Deletion cannot guarantee removal of copies held by recipients. Also keep payment confirmations and do not delete the account merely to silence notifications.

Also read official LINE guidance for this control.

How to Use LINE Safely

Review LINE safety settings before adding contacts. For example, verify a family member through a number you already trust. Keep invitation links private and check group members before sharing a photograph or location.

Use the phone’s app permissions to restrict unnecessary camera, microphone, contacts, photos and location access. Also review permissions again after installing a connected service. A saved location message remains sensitive even after permission is removed.

Agree purchases in advance, including Coins, stickers, games and subscriptions. However, app store purchase approval may not cover an external LINE store or separate payment service. Review the billing provider and cancellation route before paying.

AI services and public communities have separate audiences and data practices. Therefore, do not paste private chats, school information or account codes into a bot. A public channel is not equivalent to a private conversation.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

A familiar photograph, voice or name cannot prove who is contacting you. For example, copied profiles and stolen accounts can impersonate friends. Verify urgent requests through an established separate contact route.

• Pause when someone demands secrecy, money, private images or an authentication code. Instead, speak to a trusted adult before responding.
• Use a nonidentifying avatar and keep school details, home addresses and daily routines out of profiles. Also ask permission before sharing another person’s photograph.
• Respond calmly when a child asks for help. However, do not promise that blocking will prevent contact through another account or service.
• Keep lawful usernames, dates and relevant message details where safe. Never download, copy or forward sexual images involving children as evidence.

Irish support and reporting

In immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Contact An Garda Síochána about threats, private abuse or child safeguarding concerns. Also contact your bank promptly if money or payment details are involved.

Irish Internet Hotline accepts reports within its illegal online content remit. For further routes, use Useful Links and Supports. CODA’s contact form does not provide emergency reporting.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

These instructions prioritise the main phone account. However, iPad, Android secondary devices, Windows and Mac have different menus and available controls. Japan and Taiwan also use different navigation for some friend and QR features.

Outside Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, phone number adding generally requires an older account created before version 13.11.0 with a registered number. Therefore, an Irish account may not show the same discovery options.

Ordinary privacy and blocking controls do not require a premium subscription. However, Premium Backup, sticker plans, payments and public community services vary by country. Also use current official help when a menu differs rather than changing the account’s country or age.

LINE Safety Settings Checklist

• Confirm age eligibility and regional account conditions before setup. Also distinguish the app store rating from the service rules.
• Enable message filtering and restrict available phone number and ID discovery.
• Regenerate a publicly shared QR code, then inspect existing contacts and groups.
• Check Letter Sealing for sensitive chats and understand excluded features.
• Review signed in devices, additional logins, passwords and connected apps.
• Protect notification previews and cloud backups. Also agree app access and spending limits.
• Practise blocking and reporting. Finally, choose a trusted adult to contact if something feels wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do LINE safety settings give parents a full chat dashboard?

No. These account controls do not create an enforced parent view of every conversation. However, supported device supervision can manage app access. Review contacts and concerns together without promising automatic monitoring.

Is every LINE feature protected by Letter Sealing?

No. Current guidance excludes group calls, meetings, albums and notes from Letter Sealing. Also check software limitations for media and files. A recipient can still copy a supported encrypted message.

Does deleting a friend block their messages?

No. Directly deleting or hiding a friend does not stop their messages and calls. Therefore, use Block for unwanted contact and report concerning messages separately.

Can LINE privacy settings prevent every scam?

No. A copied or stolen account may look familiar. Therefore, verify requests independently and never provide passwords, login codes or payment details under pressure.

Related CODA Guides

To review LINE safety settings alongside other services, explore Messaging Apps Safety Settings. Also use Resources for Parents and Video Guides for practical family guidance.

References

Account rules and settings sources

LY Corporation common terms. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

LY Corporation privacy policy. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

LINE safety settings for unknown messages. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Manage LINE privacy settings for contact discovery. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Block unwanted LINE contacts. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Report messages before clearing a chat. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Further protective controls and support

Check LINE privacy through Letter Sealing. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Review LINE safety settings for signed in devices. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Restrict additional device logins. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Review LINE account protection and recovery. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Use LINE privacy settings for app locking. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Improve LINE account protection through connected apps. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Further protective controls and support

Review backup coverage before changing phones. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Keep message previews private. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Use device restrictions alongside LINE safety settings. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Understand account deletion and continuing charges. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

Irish Internet Hotline reporting scope. Explains the relevant account rule, protective control or support route.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our work combines practical settings guidance with online behaviour and emerging risk awareness. We help families discuss protective choices and understand their limits.

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Last updated: 14 October 2026