How to set up Google Family Link on Android: screen time, apps and Play Store filters
Supervise an Android phone with Family Link in about 25 minutes: screen limits, app blocks and Google Play filters.
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Verified: Last checked on 5 October 2026 against Google For Families Help. Covers Android child devices (6.0+) managed from a parent's Android, iPhone/iPad (iOS 16+) or Chromebook. Family Link does not supervise iPhones as child devices. Checked against Google's written instructions, not a device.
⏱ Time: 20–30 minutes | 🔧 Difficulty: Medium
What you'll need
- Your Google Account (18+)
- Your child's Google Account (create one in Family Link if under 13)
- Family Link app on your phone
- Your child's Android (6.0+) or Chromebook
Step-by-step
- Install Family Link on your phone and sign in.
- Create or supervise their account. Under-13s: create the account in Family Link. Teens: add supervision from the child's Settings → Google → Parental controls (or Digital Wellbeing & parental controls).
[Screenshot: Family Link create/supervise options] - Set screen time. Screen time → Time limits: daily limit, weekly schedule and bedtime. Remember limits are per device.
- Block apps and filter Play Store. Block apps you don't want, then set Google Play maturity filters and purchase approvals.
[Screenshot: Google Play filters] - Optional: turn on location, Chrome filters, and choose YouTube Kids or a supervised YouTube setting.
- Test it. Lock their device from your app, try a blocked app, and request a Play Store install.
⚠️ Watch out
- Family Link can't supervise an iPhone as the child's device.
- Purchase approvals only cover Google Play billing, not every in-app payment system.
- Extra Google Accounts on the same phone can weaken supervision.
- Google Workspace for Education accounts can't be managed with Family Link.
- If you're worried about contact from someone, report to CEOP if needed.
Related guides
- iPhone & iPad Screen Time [link to add]
- YouTube supervised accounts [link to add]
- Roblox parental controls [link to add]
- WhatsApp privacy settings [link to add]
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Spotted a change? Family Link updates often. If a menu looks different, tell us the Android and app version, and we'll re-check.
Sources (checked 5 Oct 2026): Get started with Family Link · Manage screen time · Supervise an existing account