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Parental controls on Android
Google Family Link is free and lets you manage your child's Android phone or tablet from your own phone — app approvals, time limits, bedtime and content filters.
Steps verified — July 2026Set up Family Link
Family Link app (parent's phone)- Install Google Family Link on your phone (iPhone or Android).
- Create or link your child's Google Account. Accounts for kids under 13 must be supervised.
- On the child's device, sign in with that account and follow the pairing steps shown in your app.
Approve every app download
Family Link → Controls → Content restrictions → Google Play- Set Require approval for all content — every Play Store download sends a request to your phone.
- Set the content rating filter for Apps & games (e.g., rated E / E10+).
- Turn on purchase approval so nothing is bought without your password.
Daily limits and bedtime
Family Link → Controls → Screen time- Set a daily limit (different for weekdays and weekends if you want).
- Set Bedtime — the device locks during sleep hours but can still call you.
- Use per-app limits to cap specific games without blocking schoolwork apps.
Filters and search
Family Link → Controls → Content restrictions- Turn on SafeSearch for Google Search.
- In Google Chrome, choose Try to block explicit sites.
- In YouTube, pick YouTube Kids or a supervised experience appropriate for the age.
Location
Family Link → Location- Turn on location sharing so you can see where the device is — useful and transparent: your child knows it's on.
Official video tutorials
Straight from the manufacturer's official channel (in English).
Watch out: at age 13+ Google allows the teen to convert to a normal account with fewer controls (you get notified). Talk about this before it happens — rules work better when they're explained, not just imposed.