How to Set Up Parental Controls on Android

Set up supervision

1. Install or open Family Link on the parent device.
2. Create or connect the child’s Google Account.
3. Sign the child into the Android device.
4. Confirm the device appears in Family Link.

Configure the essentials

• Daily and bedtime limits
• Per-app limits and blocking
• Google Play content and purchase approvals
• Chrome and Search controls
• Location where appropriate
• App permissions

Know the boundaries

Family Link does not show every message, cannot guarantee that all unsuitable content is blocked and behaves differently on iPhone/iPad. Some controls apply only to supervised Android or ChromeOS devices.

Verify together

Test an app request, a blocked app, bedtime and an allowed emergency contact. Explain the controls to the child.

Avoid unsupported workarounds

Do not falsify the child’s age or install unknown “monitoring” apps to gain extra control. Incorrect age information can complicate account ownership, consent and later recovery.

Combine Google controls with manufacturer and app settings

Android parental controls may involve Family Link, Google Play, the device manufacturer and individual apps. One switch rarely covers all browsers, stores and media services.

• Use a supervised child account rather than an adult account with a weak lock.
• Set content, purchase, app and time rules in the relevant services.
• Test web, app-store and in-app routes that matter to the family.
• Keep emergency communication and accessibility functions available.

Recheck controls after major updates or a new device. A rule that worked on one Android brand may not behave identically on another.

Recovery and future device changes

Check that the parent account has current recovery details and that the child account date of birth and supervision status are correct. Do not factory-reset or replace the child’s phone until the parent can still open Family Link and approve a simple test request.

Before moving to another phone, confirm that the new device supports supervision and record which limits belong to Google Family Link, the phone manufacturer and individual apps. These controls may need to be recreated separately.