Once again, Google warns that it can’t guarantee everything you’d prefer your child didn’t see will be filtered out, but it seems to a pretty decent job. You should also go into Filters on Google Search, and toggle SafeSearch on. This latter option also allows your child to request access to specific sites. If you tap on Filters for Google Chrome, then you can choose to Try to block mature sites, which will attempt to block violence or sexually explicit content, or dig in and Only allow certain sites by creating a list of approved websites.
There are sections here for Google Play, Google Chrome, Google Search, Google Assistant, Android apps, Location, Account info, and More. Once you have successfully added your child, you’ll want to tap on their profile in the Family Link app and tap Manage settings to decide what content they can access and what filters should be applied. During the process, the app may ask for your child’s consent, which is why they need to be there with you (plus, explaining what you’re doing and why isn’t a bad idea, either). Google will now ask you to set up filters and Family Link if you haven’t already done so. When prompted, sign in with your parent account that’s connected to Family Link. You’ll have to say whether you are setting up controls for a child or a teen, and you’ll need to select your child’s current account. Select Get started to begin, and provide Google with the information requested. Select Google if necessary, and select Parental controls. The rules and setup are similar to creating a new child account, but it’s a process you and your child have to do together.įirst, access your child’s Android device and open Settings. If a child already has their own Google Account that they’ve been managing by themselves, you can add supervision to that account with Family Link. Adding control to an existing Google Account When you add a child’s profile, Google will try to automatically select appropriate settings based on their age, but it’s worth dipping in and making sure that everything is set up the way you’d like. There is a limit of one Family Link account per device. This will usually result in a temporary authorization and no fee will actually be charged, but sometimes in the U.S., there might be a 30-cent fee. You may be able to do this with your own Google account details or you may be asked to use a credit card. You will have to verify that you give parental consent.
Tap the plus icon at the top right to add your child to the family group and then follow the onscreen instructions. In Android 10, Google has baked Family Link into the main settings, so you can go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls and set it up there.
If your child uses an iPhone, then you’ll want to look at Apple’s Screen Time and Family Sharing instead.ĭownload the Family Link app for Android or iOS on your personal device from the Google Play Store. Note: While you can use the Family Link app on an iPhone as a parent to review your child’s activity on an Android device, it does not work if your child has an iPhone.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get started.
You can approve or block apps and games they want to download from the Google Play Store, see how much time your kids are spending on their favorite apps, remotely lock their devices, filter out some kinds of content, and even track their location. Google’s Family Link service, designed for parents of kids and teens, gives you control over nearly every aspect of your child’s digital experience. Sharing content and YouTube limitations.