Google Family Link Parental Controls and Safety Guide

Google Family Link logo

Google Family Link parental controls help parents supervise a child’s Google Account and compatible Android devices or Chromebooks. Children use these devices for schoolwork, games, videos and messaging. This guide explains setup, time rules, filters, purchases and privacy. However, the controls do not cover every app, account or conversation.

Table of contents

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Use your child’s accurate date of birth. Google’s minimum age for managing a personal account independently varies by country. In Ireland it is 16, while the default in many other countries is 13. Younger children need the supported parent consent and supervision process. These account rules are separate from an app’s age rating or suitability. Never use an adult birthday to bypass protections.

The parent needs their own eligible Google Account and must meet Google’s adult and family requirements. A school managed Google Workspace account follows its administrator’s rules. Family Link does not turn a child’s iPhone, iPad, Windows computer or Mac into a supervised Android device. A parent can use a supported iPhone to manage supported child devices.

Google Family Link Setup and Restrictions

Create a separate account for your child. Explain the consent screens and what you will be able to manage.

  • Install the official Google Family Link app on your own supported phone and sign in with your adult account.
  • Open the child selector and choose Add child, then follow the account creation prompts.
  • On the child’s Android setup, the alternative route is Create account, or More options, then For my child. Enter the real birthday.
  • Complete the parent consent process and sign the child into the supported device with that child account.

Why it matters: An accurate age enables the appropriate account protections. Also, Google may ask the parent to verify consent. Read what data a requested verification method uses before proceeding.

Add Supervision to an Existing Account

Adding supervision needs the child’s involvement. First, review the warning screens and save important data.

  • On the child’s Android device, open Settings, then Google and All services.
  • Under Kids & Family, select Parental controls, then Let’s do this.
  • Choose the child’s account and follow the parent and child consent prompts.
  • On a Chromebook, use Settings, Accounts, Parental Controls, then Set up.

Why it matters: Existing account changes can affect YouTube content and purchases. In addition, do not confirm a deletion warning without reviewing what will be lost. School managed accounts need separate administrator guidance.

Daily limits apply separately to each supported device. Two hours on each of two devices can mean four hours altogether.

  • In Google Family Link, select your child and open Screen time.
  • Choose Time limits, then turn on Daily limit.
  • Open Weekly schedule, choose a day and set the duration.
  • Use Apply to all days of week only if suitable, then select Done.

Why it matters: A schedule makes the rule predictable. Furthermore, check every device rather than assuming one shared allowance.

Lock a Device or Give Temporary Bonus Time

A temporary change is useful when schoolwork or a family activity needs a different rule.

  • Open your child’s Screen time page.
  • Under the correct device name, select Lock or Unlock.
  • To extend today’s allowance, select Bonus time, choose the amount and select Done.
  • If the device is offline, use the parent access code option shown by Family Link rather than sharing your adult password.

Why it matters: Bonus time does not rewrite the usual schedule. Moreover, incoming calls and emergency calling can remain possible on supported phones. A locked device is not a complete communications shutdown.

App allowances help distinguish games from useful tools. Some system apps cannot be limited.

  • Select your child, then Screen time, Time limits and App limits.
  • Choose an app, select Set limit, enter the time and select Done.
  • For an essential app, choose Unlimited time instead and select Done.
  • For unlimited apps during a manual lock, review Controls, Signed-in devices, the device, Lock screen settings, then Unlimited time apps.

Why it matters: Unlimited apps do not count towards the daily limit, but their availability during locks depends on the lock settings. Also, app limits need supported Android or ChromeOS versions.

Block or Restore an App

Blocking an installed app differs from rejecting its next purchase.

  • Open Screen time, Time limits, then App limits.
  • Select the app and change its Allowed control to Blocked.
  • Select Done. To restore access, return to the same app and change the blocked setting.

Why it matters: A change can take several minutes and needs the device to reconnect. In addition, some essential system apps cannot be blocked. Review other accounts and devices separately.

Schedules restrict supported devices during selected hours. Keep important contact available.

  • Select your child and open Screen time, then Schedules.
  • Turn on Downtime or School time and open Weekly schedule.
  • Choose the days, set Start time and End time, then select Done.
  • Use Allowed Apps and Select Apps to review exceptions.
  • For a school break, open School time, Weekly schedule, the day, then Break. Set its times and select Done.

Why it matters: Check both the schedule and its allowed apps. Furthermore, calls or texts can remain possible. A break is an exception to the school schedule rather than a general content filter.

Require Google Play Purchase Approval

Approval covers eligible Google Play purchases and downloads. It does not cover every payment on the phone.

  • Select your child and open Controls, then Google Play.
  • Choose Purchases & download approvals, then Require approval for.
  • Select All content for the broadest available approval requirement. Review the other options before choosing a narrower rule.
  • Check pending requests through the Notifications bell and review each app before approving it.

Why it matters: Previously approved content and other exceptions can behave differently. Moreover, website payments, another store and other billing systems need separate controls.

Google Family Link: Choose Play Content Ratings

Store filters help limit eligible content by its rating. Ratings do not establish that every interaction inside an app is safe.

  • Open your child’s Controls, then Google Play.
  • Select each available content type and choose the suitable rating or filter.
  • Review apps that are already installed and block unsuitable apps separately.

Why it matters: Changing a rating does not automatically remove every existing app. Also, direct links and search results can expose information about content outside the selected rating.

Google Family Link Safety Settings

Restrict Websites in Chrome

Choose between broad filtering and a more restrictive approved site list.

  • Select your child, then Controls and Google Chrome and Web.
  • Choose Try to block explicit sites or Only allow approved sites, as appropriate.
  • Under Manage sites, open Approved sites or Blocked sites.
  • Choose Add a website and enter the address or domain you intend to control.

Why it matters: No filter identifies every harmful page. In addition, a website exception can cover different pages depending on whether you enter a full address or a domain. Other browsers and apps need separate checks.

Sites can ask to use features such as the camera or microphone.

  • Open Controls, then Google Chrome and Web and Advanced settings.
  • Review Permissions for sites, Extensions, and On-device site data.
  • Choose whether the child may grant these permissions. Also inspect permissions already granted on their supported device.

Why it matters: Changing who may approve a request does not necessarily revoke old permissions. Furthermore, these controls have device and browser limits.

Review SafeSearch

SafeSearch helps filter explicit Google Search results. It is separate from the website filter.

  • Select your child in Family Link.
  • Open Controls, then Google Search.
  • Review the available SafeSearch setting and retain the explicit content filter for the child.

Why it matters: SafeSearch does not filter other search engines or everything inside an app. Moreover, the exact choices can depend on the supervised account and rollout.

Decide between YouTube Kids and an eligible supervised YouTube experience. First read the warnings for an existing YouTube account.

  • Open your child’s Controls, then YouTube.
  • For Kids, open YouTube Kids Settings and choose the content level and Search preference.
  • For supervised YouTube, open YouTube Settings, select Edit beside the content setting, choose the level and select Select.
  • In General Settings, review Disable autoplay, Pause watch history and Pause search history.

Why it matters: Supervision is not a guarantee that every video is suitable. Also, adding supervision to an existing account can remove certain YouTube content and data. Review the official warning before confirming.

Manage App Permissions

Review permissions individually rather than approving everything an app requests.

  • Open Screen time, Time limits, App limits, then select the app.
  • Open App details, then Permissions, and review each permission.
  • To control who grants future permissions, use Controls, Signed-in devices, the device, then App permissions.
  • Choose a permission and select Only parents where appropriate.

Why it matters: Parent approval for future requests does not revoke permissions already granted. In addition, repeat the review for each supported device.

Google Family Link: Manage Approved Calls and Text Contacts

Contact controls need Android 14 or later phones or supported Wear OS 5 watches. They cover supported Google phone and messaging apps, with Samsung Messages support limited to watches. They do not control every messaging service.

  • Open Controls, then Contacts, calls & text.
  • Select Add contact. Choose Select from your contacts, grant permission with Allow, select the contacts, then Add. Alternatively, create a new contact and select Save.
  • Open Allowed calls & texts and choose Only contacts I add for a strict list where offered. Review Contacts I add & limited groups before choosing its broader group access.
  • Review the group exception before relying on the restriction.

Why it matters: A limited group can include people you have not individually approved. Furthermore, apps such as WhatsApp need their own privacy and contact settings. Confirm compatibility on your child’s device.

Keep Sensitive Content Warnings On

Google Messages can blur detected nudity and show a warning before viewing or sharing.

  • On the parent’s Android device, open Family Link and select your child.
  • Choose Controls, then Contacts, Calls + Texts and Sensitive content warnings.
  • Keep Warnings in Google Messages on and discuss the help options with your child.

Why it matters: The warning does not stop every image from being viewed or sent. Moreover, SafetyCore analyses supported content on the device. This is not a report giving parents access to private conversations.

Location shows a supported device’s reported position. It does not establish who is holding it.

  • Open Family Link, then Location and Set up location.
  • Select the children, choose Next, then Turn on.
  • For accuracy settings, open the child’s location, More, Location settings, then the device.
  • Review Location Accuracy or High Accuracy where offered.

Why it matters: Powered off devices, weak signals and lost internet can delay or prevent updates. Also, Chromebook location reporting is not supported. Agree when location is useful and avoid treating it as an emergency tracking service.

Set Family Places and Arrival Alerts

Saved places can support an agreed check in routine.

  • Select your child, then Location and Family places.
  • Choose New place, enter the address and label, then select Save.
  • Select the place and review Arrives and Leaves notifications.

Why it matters: Alerts need appropriate location accuracy and connectivity. In addition, delayed or missing reports do not establish that a child is safe or in danger. Agree another way to check in.

Review Google Activity and Personal Data

Activity settings affect data Google saves for account features. They are separate from a parent’s app usage view.

  • Select your child, then Controls and Account settings.
  • Open Privacy settings, Account data settings, then Activity controls.
  • Review each available activity setting and who can change it. Explain the decision to your child.

Why it matters: Turning a setting off does not automatically erase all previously stored data. Furthermore, search history options can differ during rollouts. Family Link does not provide full message or browsing history access.

Remove Unnecessary Third Party Access

A service connected through Google may retain its own copy of information.

  • Open Controls, Account settings, then Controls for third-party apps.
  • Review the permitted access level and open Manage third-party app access.
  • Choose an unnecessary app and select Remove access.

Why it matters: Removing access stops that connection. Moreover, it does not necessarily delete data already held by the other service. Use that service’s deletion process when needed.

Notifications can show requests and important supervision changes.

  • Open Family Link, then Notifications at the top right.
  • Open Settings and choose a notification type.
  • Review the setting for each child and keep important request and account alerts available.

Why it matters: Some notifications cannot be disabled. Also, check the parent phone’s notification permissions, then inspect pending requests if alerts appear to be missing.

Review Gemini Availability

Supervised Gemini access varies by country. Google currently excludes supervised accounts in the EEA, Switzerland and the UK.

  • For an eligible account elsewhere, open Controls, then Gemini.
  • Review the Gemini Apps switch. Some versions place Gemini under Content restrictions.
  • For an Irish supervised account, check the regional eligibility guidance rather than changing the account’s country.

Why it matters: An AI access switch does not make responses accurate or suitable. In addition, it also cannot block AI features in every other app or website.

Someone with the adult account or device access may be able to change the rules.

  • Open the adult Google Account security settings.
  • Follow Google’s official 2-Step Verification setup and save recovery methods securely.
  • Keep your parent password and access codes private.
  • If an eligible child account needs recovery, use Family Link, Controls, Account settings, then Change password and follow the authentication prompts.

Why it matters: A child password reset can sign the account out and interrupt protection until it signs in again. Furthermore, password control differs for accounts created by a parent and accounts supervised later.

Plan Changes to Supervision and Device Removal

Ending supervision, removing an account from one device and deleting the Google Account have different consequences.

  • Before changing supervision, open Controls, Account settings, then About supervision and review eligibility and the displayed approval process.
  • For device removal or account deletion, read Google’s separate removal instructions first and save important data.
  • Remove the child account from the device through the supported process before deleting the account itself.

Why it matters: Google’s public articles differ on how age based stopping rules apply. Moreover, do not assume every teenager can stop without approval or that supervision can never end. Deleting the account first can create device access and reset problems.

Additional Family Link Account Controls

Another parent can make important account and supervision decisions.

  • As the family manager, open the official Google family group page.
  • Choose an existing adult family member, then Give parental permissions and Confirm.
  • To withdraw that authority, select the adult, then Remove parental permissions and Confirm.

Why it matters: Choose trusted adults and review access after family changes. Also, family manager and parent roles are different. The other parent must meet Google’s adult and family membership requirements.

Prevent Guest and Extra Account Bypasses

A personal Chromebook’s owner can restrict who signs in. School managed devices follow the administrator’s policy.

  • Sign into the Chromebook with its owner account.
  • Select the time, then Settings, Privacy and security and Manage other people.
  • Turn Guest browsing off.
  • Turn Limit who can sign-in on and review the allowed account list.

Why it matters: A guest or unsupervised account can bypass the child’s rules. Therefore, keep the owner account private and check the sign in screen together.

App usage totals count supported foreground use. They do not give a parent a full record of private conversations.

  • In Family Link, select the child and open Screen time.
  • Select the first activity card to inspect the combined total and app details.
  • To review collection, use Controls, Account settings, Privacy settings, then Family Link app activity.

Why it matters: A total across devices differs from the separate daily device allowances. Also, turning this activity setting off deletes the additional Family Link app activity data.

Correct the Child’s Birthday

Use a genuine correction rather than a birthday that bypasses protections.

  • Select the child, then Controls and Account settings.
  • Open Birthday, enter the correct information and select Done or OK.
  • Review the resulting account and supervision choices together.

Why it matters: Account eligibility follows age and country. Therefore, check the settings again after a correction rather than assuming nothing changed.

Google can share an age range with participating apps where this feature is available.

  • Select the child in Family Link.
  • Open Google Play, then Age sharing.
  • Choose Share age range with all apps or Do not share age range with apps.

Why it matters: Age sharing is separate from download approval. Also, availability varies by region and the child receives notice when the sharing choice changes.

Review Wallet and Remove a Payment Card

Wallet for kids is available in Ireland on supported accounts and NFC devices. Card issuer controls, rather than Family Link, set any available card spending limits.

  • Open the child’s Controls, then Wallet and Payment methods and transactions.
  • Choose a card to review Recent transactions. Use View more activity for available details.
  • To remove that card from the child’s Google Account and devices, select Remove, then confirm Remove.

Why it matters: Play purchase approval does not approve each contactless card payment. Also, compare Wallet activity with the issuer’s records because the displayed history can be incomplete.

Passes have a separate control from payment cards.

  • Open Controls, Wallet, then the child’s wallet.
  • Turn Block all passes on. With no card, use Block all passes, then Block if prompted.

Why it matters: This restricts supported passes across the child’s devices. However, removing a payment card alone does not establish that passes are blocked.

Google Data and Device Changes

Export Important Google Data First

An archive can preserve eligible account data before a major change. Downloading it does not delete the cloud copy.

  • With the child and any required parent assistance, sign into the correct account at Google Takeout.
  • Under Select data to include, choose the required products, then Next step.
  • Choose the delivery method, frequency, file type and size, then Create export.
  • When ready, use Download archive and store it privately.

Why it matters: An export can include sensitive photos, messages or files. Therefore, check that the archive opens and keep it somewhere the child can access appropriately.

Device removal and account deletion are different actions.

  • On the child’s phone, open Settings, then Passwords, passkeys & accounts. Android 13 may use Passwords & accounts, while older software may use Users & accounts.
  • Choose the child’s Google Account, select Remove account and complete any required authentication.
  • Confirm that another person using the phone has an appropriate account before handing it over.

Why it matters: Removal clears the account’s local access and associated device data. However, it does not itself delete the Google Account and cloud content.

Remove a Chromebook Profile or Reset for a New Owner

The first account added to a personal Chromebook is its owner. Its removal can require a full reset.

  • For a later profile, sign out, select the profile’s arrow on the sign in screen and choose Remove account or Remove this user, then confirm.
  • If the child’s account is the owner, back up local files before considering a factory reset.
  • For the reset route, sign out and press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r. Choose Restart, then Powerwash and Continue only after reading the deletion warning.
  • Complete setup using the intended owner account.

Why it matters: Powerwash erases local files and settings. Therefore, use ordinary profile removal when appropriate and involve the administrator for a school device.

A parent can use this route only for an eligible account they created while the child is below the applicable account age.

  • Export important data and remove the account from signed in Android devices and Chromebooks first.
  • In Family Link, select the child, then Controls, Account settings and Delete account.
  • Read every loss warning and complete the confirmation only if permanent account deletion is intended.

Why it matters: Deletion can remove email, files, photos, purchases and service access. Also, deleting first while a device remains signed in can lock it and require a reset.

Google Family Transfers and Purchase Problems

Transfer Supervision to Another Parent

Moving the child to another family changes who supervises the account. It differs from giving an adult extra parent permissions.

  • Current family manager: open the Google family group page, select the child and choose Start transfer.
  • Verify your account, confirm the new manager’s email, then select Start transfer again.
  • New family manager: open Google’s transfer email and choose Start transfer. Read the terms, verify your account and complete consent.
  • After acceptance, review the child’s settings in the new family. Keep the old group until the transfer succeeds.
  • To stop a pending transfer within the permitted first week, the current manager selects the child, Cancel transfer, authenticates and confirms Cancel transfer.

Why it matters: Google limits supervision transfers to once in 12 months. Also, it documents seven days for notification and seven days after receipt to accept. The child loses access to the previous family group.

Cancel a Google Play Subscription Separately

Removing an app or changing supervision does not cancel its subscription.

  • Check the receipt and sign into the Google Account that bought the subscription.
  • On a computer, open Google Play, your profile, Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions.
  • Choose the subscription’s Manage control, then Cancel subscription.
  • Choose the reason and Continue. Review the displayed end date and confirmation.

Why it matters: Stopping renewal and requesting a refund are separate actions. Also, a payment plan can leave instalments due for the current commitment. A service billed elsewhere needs that provider’s cancellation route.

Request a Google Play Purchase Refund

Check the purchasing account and what happened before choosing the refund route. Ireland uses Google’s EEA guidance.

  • At Google Play on the web, select your profile, then Payments & subscriptions and Budget & order history.
  • Find the order and select Report a problem.
  • Choose the truthful reason, explain the refund request and review the information before Submit.
  • For a purchase missing from that account, check the receipt and the correct purchasing account.

Why it matters: Eligibility depends on the purchase and circumstances. Also, a child’s accidental purchase differs from a charge made by an unknown person. A refund request does not itself cancel future subscription renewal.

How to Use Google Family Link Safely

First, explain the rules and the information you can see. Agree how your child can ask for more time or a different rule. Then test a harmless block together. Also check schoolwork, accessibility tools and contact with trusted adults. Review the settings as your child gains independence.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

A permitted app can still contain bullying, scams, grooming, sexual pressure or misleading AI responses. Therefore, review privacy, chat and reporting tools inside each app. Encourage your child to seek help without fear of losing their device. An unfamiliar account or an alert needs a calm conversation.

If a concerning contact appears, use that service’s Block and Report tools. Keep useful usernames, links and dates. However, do not forward sexual images of a child. Get appropriate safeguarding help when needed. CODA education does not replace an emergency response.

Reporting and Support in Ireland

If a child is in immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. For exploitation, threats or suspected crime, contact An Garda Síochána. Keep useful account names, links and dates. However, do not download or forward sexual images of a child.

Report suspected online child sexual abuse material through Hotline.ie. Its reporting service does not replace a Garda report when a child faces danger or a crime needs investigation. Reassure the child and agree the next step together.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

Most device controls need a supported child Android device or Chromebook. The parent app can run on supported Android or iPhone software. Keep devices updated and check current installer compatibility. On a Chromebook, also follow Google’s owner guidance to restrict guest access and additional users. Family Link does not govern every school account, wearable, TV or app.

What Is Free and What May Cost Money

Family Link supervision has no subscription charge. Devices, mobile data, apps, content and purchases may cost money. Google Play approvals do not set a universal spending limit for other stores, websites or Google Wallet.

Safety Checklist

  • Use the correct child account and an accurate date of birth.
  • Keep the adult account and recovery methods private.
  • Check every device, browser and app your child uses.
  • Test time rules, purchase approvals and a harmless blocked website where supported.
  • Keep essential contacts and accessibility tools available.
  • Review settings after updates and discuss reports together.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Family Link does not provide a parent with the child’s private message text or live screen. Use each messaging service’s safety settings and talk about worrying contacts.

Does one daily limit cover every device?

No. The daily device allowance applies separately. Review all listed devices and any unlimited apps.

Can I use it for a child’s iPhone?

The parent may manage supported child devices from an iPhone. Family Link does not provide full device supervision of the child’s iPhone. Use Apple’s family controls instead.

Related CODA Guides

References

These instructions use official provider documentation. Menu labels can vary by software, account and country. Check the linked instructions when a setting differs.

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    Last updated: 17 October 2026