Families now have a single, easy-to-access place for built-in device controls and Google Family Link.
Android parental controls: Set device limits to help build healthy digital habits
Android offers easy-to-use tools that can help families support healthy digital habits. With built-in features and the Family Link app, you can set parental controls on Android that work for your family.
Your two options: built-in controls and Family Link.
On Android, parents have options so they can find what works best for their families. One such option is our new on-device controls, available with the update for Android 16, which can be found directly in your Android settings, under Parental Controls, allowing for quick, on-device management, safeguarded by an easy-to-set PIN.
Another option is Family Link, a free app for parents, available on Android, iOS and web designed to help families build healthy digital habits together. By connecting your accounts, you can further customize time limits and scheduled breaks, gain more insight into their time spent online, adjust account and privacy settings, manage content access, and check their location.
Read on to explore how each of these Android parental control features works.
Getting started with on-device parental controls on Android.
Parental controls in settings are a helpful way to set screen time and app limits, as well as content filters. Securing them with a PIN just makes it easier to get started.
Set screen time limits
You can set a total daily limit for the amount of time your child can use their device. This is an excellent tool for encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities, whether it’s finishing homework, playing outside, or reading a book.
Schedule device downtime
This feature allows you to automatically lock the device at night. Scheduling downtime helps protect important sleep schedules and creates dedicated moments for quality family time, free from the distraction of notifications and apps.
Manage individual apps
Not all screen time is the same. Within Parental Controls, you can set time limits for individual apps (or block them entirely). Maybe that means giving an hour to a favourite learning app, but keeping games to 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to encourage more screen time spent on the things that feel productive or creative.
Filter inappropriate web content
Our controls filter out mature content from browsers and search engines like Google Chrome and Google Search, for a more age-appropriate online experience.
Unlock more features with Family Link.
For parents who want more features and the ability to manage settings from their own phone, the Family Link app is the ultimate tool.
Keep them focused during school time
Family Link can help reduce digital distractions during the school day. You can remotely silence and limit your child’s device only to allow access to approved apps during school hours. This feature helps your child stay focused on their schoolwork, while still being able to reach you if they need to.
Guide them to better content
You can review and approve requests from your child to download apps from the Google Play Store. It's an easy way to stay on top of the content that your child interacts with and have conversations with them about making good choices online.
Know where they are with their device
The location feature helps you keep track of your kids while they are on the go. You can see your child’s device's location on a map right from your phone and set alerts for places of interest so you know when they are walking home from school or spending time at a friend’s house.
How to set up Family Link.
Getting started with Family Link is simple - just download the app to get started. Parents need an Android device running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or above or, if they want to use the app on iPhones, the device needs to be running iOS 16 or above. With the app, parents can monitor devices also running Android 7.0 or above.
- Connect your devices: Follow the on-screen prompts to get started. You’ll be guided to download the Family Link app on your own device to link your Google Account to your child’s. This is how you connect your accounts for remote supervision.
- Set your rules and secure it: Once the devices are linked, you can use Family Link on your phone to set your rules. You can manage screen time, approve or block apps, set content filters and more. Finally, adding a secure PIN to your child’s device is an easy way to make sure the settings you’ve set stay just the way you intended.
Creating a safe and balanced digital life for your child is an ongoing conversation. With flexible parental controls on Android, you have a partner in building healthy digital habits that can last a lifetime. These tools enable you to help your child navigate online and guide them towards content that fosters learning, growth and skill development while having fun.