Giving a child their first phone is a big step. Google Family Link is a free tool that lets parents guide how that phone is used: approve apps, set screen-time limits, choose a bedtime and see the device’s location. This guide explains how Family Link works, how to set it up and how to use it in a way that builds trust instead of conflict.
Key takeaways
- Family Link is free from Google and connects a parent’s account to a child’s Google Account.
- Parents can approve apps, set daily limits and a bedtime.
- You can see the child’s device location when it is on and connected.
- Talk with your child about the rules; controls work best with clear agreement.
What this guide covers
- What Family Link can do
- What you need before setup
- How to set it up
- Recommended settings by age
- Using controls without conflict
- FAQs
What Family Link can do
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| App approvals | Child must ask before downloading apps from Google Play |
| Daily limits | Set total screen time per day |
| Bedtime / downtime | Lock the phone at night |
| App limits | Limit or block specific apps |
| Content filters | Filter Google Play, Chrome and YouTube content |
| Location | See where the child’s device is |
| Activity reports | See which apps the child uses and for how long |
What you need before setup
- The Family Link app on the parent’s phone (Android or iPhone).
- A Google Account for the child. Parents can create one for children under the age required to manage their own account in their country.
- The child’s Android phone, charged and connected to the internet.
- About 15 minutes, with the child present.
How to set it up
- Install Google Family Link on your own phone from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open it and follow the steps to create or add your child’s Google Account to your family group.
- On the child’s phone, sign in with the child’s account when prompted. On many phones you can also go to Settings > Google > Parental controls.
- Confirm the link from both phones and choose the apps and settings you want.
- Review the starting settings in Family Link and adjust them.
Good to know: Steps can differ slightly by country and Android version. Google’s Family Link Help Center has the current instructions for your region.
Recommended settings by age
| Child’s age | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Under 9 | Approve every app, strict content filters, short daily limit, early bedtime |
| 9–12 | Approve apps, filtered YouTube and Chrome, moderate limit, weekday bedtime |
| 13 and above | Fewer limits, focus on bedtime and location, more conversation |
Using controls without conflict
- Explain the rules and why they exist before turning them on.
- Agree on screen time together and adjust it as your child shows responsibility.
- Use “bonus time” for good reasons, such as homework or family calls.
- Check activity reports together instead of using them as punishment.
- Set an example by managing your own screen time, for example with Digital Wellbeing.
Children’s phones also benefit from strong basics: keep Google Play Protect on and review app permissions together.
FAQs
Is Google Family Link free?
Yes. Family Link is free to use.
Can my child turn off Family Link?
Children under the age for managing their own account cannot remove supervision without a parent. Older teens can stop supervision, and the parent is notified.
Does Family Link work on iPhone?
Parents can use the Family Link app on iPhone, but the child’s device must be Android or a Chromebook for full controls.
Sources: Google Family Link · Family Link Help. Menu names can differ slightly between phone brands and Android versions.