Google Family Link helps parents set up “digital ground rules” for any device linked to a Google account within the family, including phones and tablets that use Android OS. In other words, Google Family Link gives parents control over the apps their child can and cannot use, plus it sets limits on the length of time and times of day children can use their devices. Additionally, parents can monitor their kids’ online activity and track their location all within Google Family Link. Before you can set up any parental controls, however, you will need to download the Google Family Link app on your device and your child’s. In the Google Play Store, there are two versions of the app: one for parents’ devices and one for the children’s devices. The parent app is simply called “Google Family Link,” whereas the child version specifies that it is “Family Link for Children & Teens.”

1. Configuring Parent’s Device

Once you’ve installed Google Family Link on both devices, it’s very easy to set up by following the below steps:

2. Configuring Child’s Device

If you are turning on your child’s device for the first time, you will need to turn on the device and create a Google account before you can set up Google Family Link. The device will walk you through this process and will suggest parental controls when you specify that the Google account is for a child. Once your child’s device is operational (or if you are installing Google Family Link on a device that your child is already using), follow these steps to set up Google Family Link: From here, the app will explain how the Family Link app works and ask you to again agree to the supervision. Once you click “Accept,” the device will prompt the child to get their parent so that they can finish the setup process, which involves naming the device and looking through that apps that are currently installed. After you finish, you’ll receive a message that the devices are linked, which means you can now head back to your device to control your child’s device. Now that both devices are set up and connected, any settings you apply within the parent’s app will automatically transfer over to the child’s device, and you’ll be able to monitor their activity on the device from your own phone.

Once your devices are linked, it’s very easy to establish parental controls within the Google Family Link app. You can block specific apps, limit screen time, and even lock your child’s device entirely.

1. Viewing Your Child’s Online Activity

To view your child’s activity from your device, just:

2. Blocking Apps

3. Limiting Screen Time

Note: if you did not set up any limits when you first installed Family Link on your child’s device, you may instead have to press “Set Up” instead of “Edit limits.”

While controlling app usage can be handy, many parents also want to use parental controls on Android to track their child’s location and monitor text messages. Luckily, Google Family Link does allow location tracking. To track your child’s location, you need to turn on tracking via the Location card in the Family Link app. To do this, simply go to “Location-> Set Up-> Turn On.” Also, if you add parental supervision to your child’s Google Account, the child can also utilize Google location sharing in Google Maps. Unfortunately, Google Family Link does not allow parents to access text messages or other types of communication sent from a child’s device. Family Link only allows parents to see how much time a child spent using a messaging app.

Other Ways to Add Parental Controls to an Android Device

Sometimes it’s not necessarily what the children are doing on their Android device that worries parents – it’s more about what apps they’re downloading and how much those cost. Even if you don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up Google Family Link, you can still lock down app downloads and other features on Android devices.

1. Parental Controls within Google Play Store

All Android devices use the Google Play Store to download and manage applications. Luckily, the Store allows parents to set up specific parental controls.

2. Making a New Google Account

When first starting out with an Android device, you are asked to add a Gmail address. Instead of adding a currently active Google Account, you could simply create another free Google Account. By starting a new Google Account, you won’t have to worry about the children “accidentally” buying applications, songs or movies on your credit card. If you choose to, you can always add a credit card and/or Google Play gift card to this new account so they can purchase applications or other media.

3. Requiring a PIN for Purchases

Another good way to limit access to the Google Play Store is to add a PIN number to be able to see or download apps based on their ratings. When attempting to purchase an application, you may be required to enter the PIN number for each purchase. This setting is in the Google Play Store app under the Settings tab. Just navigate to “Authentication-> Require Authentication for Purchases.” Once you set a PIN, you will be able to limit the content and purchases. Whether you decide to use Google Family Link or simply require a PIN for app downloads, your child’s safety should always come first.

1. Are there ways for kids to bypass Android parental controls?

Unfortunately, kids might find ways to bypass parental controls on virtually all devices. On Android devices, children are most frequently circumventing parental controls by clearing the cache on the Google Play Store or activating the Accessibility menu.

2. What other parental control options exist for Android devices?

Although Google Family Link offers many great features for parental controls, there are third-party parental control apps available, such as Kaspersky SafeKids. For parents who are concerned about their child’s texting habits, though, there are other solutions – namely, adults can pay for third-party parental control apps that monitor text messages, like Bark and Qustido.

Once your child turns 13, they have the option of taking over control of their Google account, meaning they can opt out of Google Family Link at any time. However, any device that opts out with no notice or without going through the appropriate steps enters into a 24-hour lockdown mode, meaning your child’s phone will be disabled for an entire day.