Quick Links
Androiddevices provide parents with the ability to set up and manage parental controls and content restrictions via the Google Family Link app. Family Link can also be used to manage content on your child’s Chromebook.
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Family Link also allows you to track your child’s location and get notified when they leave school or arrive home. As long as your child has an Android or Chromebook, you’re able to use Family Link, even if you have an iPhone yourself.
How To Set Up Google Family Link
To get started,download the Family Link app from the Google Play Storeon your Android device or Chromebook (if it supports Android apps). Alternatively, download it from the Apple App Store (your child needs to have an Android device).
Sign in with your Google account.You will be asked if your child has a Gmail account.If they don’t, create a Google account for them from the Family Link app.
Then, go to your child’s device and sign in with the Gmail account you just created.It will automatically be linked to your Family Link account when you sign in with it on their device.
If Your Child Already Has A Gmail Account
If they already have a Gmail account, you will first need todownload the Family Link appon your device and sign in with your parent account (your own email address).
Next,go to Settingson their device and click onGoogle.Then, tap onParental Controls.
Next,click on Get Started. Then,tap on Child or Teenagerwhen asked who will be using the device. On the next screen, click on the blue Next button.Select the account to be supervised.
If you have any other accounts on the device, you will have to sign out of them. Additionally,you will have to sign in to your parent account. This will link their device to your app.
On Chromebook, you canfind Parental Controls by going to Settings and clicking on People.While you’re able to set up parental controls on any Chromebook running ChromeOS 71 or later, you must have a Chromebook that supports Android apps to be able to run Family Link.
Protecting Account Settings With A Pin
Since the parental controls are managed from your own device, there isno need or way to set up a pin on your child’s device.
If your child is not of the applicable age to manage their own Google account, they won’t be able to turn off parental controls. This agevaries by country. If they are of applicable age, they may turn it off without your permission.
However, youwill be notified through your Family Link app if the parental controls are turned off,and the device will be locked for 24 hours.
Things You Can Do With Family Link
Once you have Family Link set up, you canmanage access to content, set up screen time restrictions, and more.
The specific controls available may depend on the make and model of your child’s device.
View Activity
Under Highlights, you can view their screen activity,including how much time they are spending on their devices and which apps they are using.
Set Up Screen Time Limits
UnderControls > Daily Limit, you can set up a daily screen time limit, after which your child’s device will be locked. You can also enforce a daily bedtime.
Set Up Google Play Content Restrictions
UnderControls > Content Restrictions > Google Play, you can set up Google Play content restrictions:
Purchases willonly be restricted when made through the Google Play billing system, not if they are made through the app’s built-in payment system.
Set Up Google Chrome Restrictions
Set Up Google Search Restrictions
UnderControls > Content Restrictions > Google Search > SafeSearch,you can filter out explicit content or blur explicit images. Only parents can change this setting.
UnderControls > Content Restrictions > Google Search > Personal Results, you can choose whether Search will show your child personal results based on their Google Account info. Your child can change these settings as well.
UnderControls > Content Restrictions > Google Search > Account Data Settings,you can decide whether to save your child’s web, app, and YouTube history. You can choose whether to allow your child to change these settings as well.
Set Up Google Assistant Restrictions
UnderControls > Content Restrictions > Google Assistant > Parental Controls,you can set up filters, downtime, and smart display/speaker restrictions. You can also add their account to new devices underControls > Content Restrictions > Google Assistant > Add [Child] to New Devices.
Set Up Google Photos Restrictions
Controls > Content Restrictions > Google Photos > Photo Sharing, you can prevent your child from sharing photos and videos from within Google Photos.
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