Google Family Link connects a child Google Account to a parent account so you can manage app approvals, content limits, screen time, bedtime, and supervision from your own phone. Setup usually involves both the child device and the parent device.
These steps apply to Android phones and tablets running Android 5.0 or later, though newer Android versions are recommended. The parent needs the Family Link app.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you are setting up a child phone for the first time, adding supervision to a phone your child already uses, or trying to understand why Family Link is not syncing activity.
Set Up Family Link on a New Child Device
- Start the normal Android setup process on the child phone or tablet.
- Sign in with the child Google Account, or choose the option to create an account for a child.
- Enter the child birthdate carefully because it controls age-based defaults.
- When Android asks about parental supervision, agree to link the child account with Family Link.
- On your own phone, install or open the Family Link app and sign in with your Google Account.
- Follow the pairing prompts to connect the child device.
- After setup, open Family Link and configure app approvals, screen limits, bedtime, and content restrictions.
Add Family Link to an Existing Child Device
- On the parent phone, install Family Link from the Play Store and sign in.
- Choose the setup flow for supervising a child device you already have with you.
- On the child device, open Settings > Google > All services.
- Under Kids and Family, tap Parental controls and start setup.
- Enter the confirmation code or approve the request from the parent Family Link app.
- Wait for both devices to confirm that supervision is active.
Fix Family Link Not Syncing
- Confirm the child device has Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Update Google Play services and Family Link through the Play Store.
- Pull down inside the Family Link app on the parent phone to refresh the dashboard.
- Make sure notifications are enabled for Family Link on the parent phone.
- Restart both phones if app approvals or screen time reports are still delayed.
Important Family Link Notes
App Approval Happens Remotely
When the child tries to install an app from the Play Store, you can receive an approval request on your own phone and allow or deny it without holding the child device.
Daily Limit and Bedtime Are Separate
A daily limit controls total use for the day. Bedtime locks the device during a scheduled window even if unused time remains. They can be used together.
Supervision Changes with Age
In the United States, Google prompts supervised children around age 13 about moving toward a less restricted teen account. Parents can decide which supervision features continue.
Family Link Is Different from Samsung Kids
Family Link manages a child Google Account across devices. Samsung Kids locks down one Galaxy device for a shared kid-safe session. Many families use both for different situations.
Sources
- Google Support: Set up Family Link for your child device
- Google Support: Manage your child app activity with Family Link
- Google Families: How Family Link works