Safe digital habits for families: protecting your child's device without the setup stress.

Technology should open doors for your kids, not add stress to your daily routine. You can jump-start safety immediately on a single Android device using a simple PIN, or unlock comprehensive remote management with Google Family Link. Learn how to protect your child’s digital journey with quick setups, powerful features and practical tips to build safe, positive digital habits together.

Get started with fast and easy on-device protections.

Instant device supervision with a secure PIN.

You can secure an Android device right out of the box. Setting up basic protections directly on the phone provides immediate safety for younger children. Parents can set daily screen time caps and specific app limits right from the main settings menu.

Here are key protections you can set up on an Android device:

• Setting daily screen time and specific app limits directly from device settings.
• Scheduling downtime like bedtimes or study hours to help children disconnect effortlessly.
• Enabling web content filters across Google Chrome and Google Search for safer digital exploration.

How to apply parental control settings on an Android device.

Follow these steps on your child’s phone to use on-device parental controls on Android 17 and up:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Parental Controls, then Set up Parental Controls PIN.
3. Enter and confirm a PIN that’s at least four digits long and that only you know.
4. Add a recovery account in case you forget the PIN. Then go to Manage Parental Controls PIN and enter your account password to validate your recovery account. You won’t be signed in on this device.

Your parental controls PIN will be the same for all users on this device. Some device settings will be restricted to stop users from bypassing the parental control features.

After you set up your Parental Controls PIN, you can change settings such as:

• Daily limits for the device.
• Downtime for limited access to apps.
• Time limits for specific apps.
• Blocks that apply to specific apps.
• Web content filters.
• Age restrictions for the Google Play Store.
  

Learn how to set and manage these on-device features.

Level up with Google Family Link for remote family device management.

If you want to enhance the level of control you have over your child's digital habits, Google Family Link lets you manage your children’s devices using an app on your own phone or tablet. You can set time limits, block apps, track your child’s location and more.

Easily tailor screen time.

Set customized screen time limits for school nights versus weekends using the Family Link app on your phone. By setting schedules for school time and downtime, you can limit notifications and set app restrictions to help your child concentrate.

Take control of app approvals.

Parents can grant unlimited access to educational apps while setting limits on games or other apps your child might use in their free time. When your child wants to download a new app, Family Link sends a request straight to your phone. You can approve or decline app download requests remotely, ensuring your child is on apps that are right for their age.

Set up useful location features.

Family Link allows you to track the location of your child’s device, which you can view in real time. You can also configure automated arrival and departure alerts – whether they're heading to football practice or spending the afternoon at a friend's house, you’ll be notified so that you know they've arrived safely without interrupting their day.

Enable age-appropriate content filtering.

Family Link manages content and safety settings across Google services including YouTube, Google Play, Chrome and Search. With it you can ensure your child sees age-appropriate content wherever they explore online. As kids grow older, you can adjust the settings to give them more independence.

Getting started with Family Link.

Follow these steps on your child’s device to start supervising their account:

1. Download the Google Family Link app from the Play Store.
2. Log in using your Google Account.
3. Select your child’s account or create a new account. Find out how to create a Google Account for children under 13.

Note: the device needs to be running Android 7 or higher.

Building healthy digital habits as your child grows.

As your child grows, so do their digital needs. Family Link and Android parental controls give you tools to help build healthy habits together, with settings you can adjust as your family changes.

Combining smart tools with open dialogue.

Digital tools work best when paired with open, supportive conversations. While digital filters are powerful tools, no content filter is perfect. We encourage parents to talk openly with children about verifying information online and practicing safe online behavior. Google Families guides can help you talk to your children about digital safety.

With Family Link, device and app usage insights give you a clearer picture of your child's screen time, making it easier to spot changing habits over time. Rather than jumping straight to new limits, you can use those insights to have a conversation about how they're using their device.

Simple tools for family reassurance.

Helping your child build healthy digital habits is an ongoing journey, and the right tools can make those conversations easier. Whether you're setting screen time limits with Family Link or using on-device parental controls to manage access, Android gives you flexible ways to create a safe digital environment. Start by setting up basic boundaries today and keep the conversation open as your child grows.

Frequently asked questions.

Do my child and I need to link Google Accounts to use Android parental controls?

No, you don’t need a Google Account to set up basic on-device protections. You can set screen time limits and content restrictions locally using a four-digit PIN. However, creating a supervised child account unlocks features like advanced remote management, location sharing and app approvals.

Do I need an Android device to use Family Link?

No. You can use Family Link on Android devices, iPhones or iPads, and even Chromebooks.

Your child’s device needs to be running Android 7 or above, iOS 16+, a Chromebook running Chrome OS 71 or higher, or a compatible Fitbit device. You can manage some features on the website.

What happens to Family Link parental controls when my child turns 13?

When a child turns 13 (or the applicable age of consent in your country), they can choose to update their Google Account to a supervised teen account. This update won’t impact your supervision – you will continue managing parental controls and settings for your child's supervised devices with the Family Link app.