How to set up parental controls on an Android phone
Use Google Family Link to approve apps, filter content, set screen time limits and see your child's location on their Android phone.
- Time
- 20–30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your phone (Android or iPhone) with the Google Family Link app
- Your child's Android phone (Android 7 or later)
- Your Google Account and one for your child
Safety first
- System apps can't have app time limits placed on them.
- No filter blocks everything – keep talking about online safety and who they chat to.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Install Family Link on your phone
Download Google Family Link from Google Play or the App Store on your own phone.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Create or link your child's Google Account
Follow the app to create a Google Account for your child (for under-13s it must be created through Family Link) or to add supervision to their existing account. You'll sign in on their phone and approve the link.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Set app approvals
In Family Link, choose your child and set Google Play controls so they need your approval to download apps, and set age ratings for apps, games and films.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Filter content
Turn on content filters for Google Chrome and Google Search (SafeSearch), and set up YouTube's supervised experience or YouTube Kids.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Set screen time
Go to Screen time > Time limits to set a daily limit for each day of the week, and set Downtime for bedtime. When the limit is reached the phone locks, though they can still make calls and use emergency features. You can grant bonus time when needed.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Turn on location (optional)
Family Link can show your child's device location on a map when it's on and online.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Explain the settings
Talk to your child about why you've set limits, and review them as they get older.
Tips
- Samsung phones also have their own parental controls, but Family Link works across most Android phones.
- Set up the controls in the apps your child uses most (YouTube, TikTok, Roblox and so on) as well.
Questions people ask
Can I use Family Link from an iPhone?
Yes, the parent app is available on iPhone as well as Android.
Can my child see what I've set?
Yes – Family Link shows supervision is on, and children can see their limits on their device. Explaining the rules helps avoid arguments.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Google Family Link Help: Manage your child's screen time (support.google.com)
- Google Families: Family Link (families.google)
- NSPCC: Parental controls (nspcc.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-set-up-parental-controls-on-android/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.