Android Phone Parental Controls & Safety Guide
How to set up Google Family Link and parental controls on Android phones to keep your child safe online.
Android phones from manufacturers such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and Motorola are widely used by children and teenagers in the UK. Google Family Link provides comprehensive parental controls that work across most Android devices. The wide variety of Android devices means some settings may differ slightly between manufacturers.
Main risks
- • Sideloading apps from outside the Google Play Store
- • Unrestricted access to web content through Chrome or other browsers
- • Excessive screen time and late-night device usage
- • Location tracking and sharing through third-party apps
Initial setup steps
Create a supervised Google account for your child
Download Google Family Link on your phone. Open the app and follow the prompts to create a Google account for your child (or add supervision to an existing account).
Sign in on the child's Android phone
On your child's Android phone, sign in with their supervised Google account during initial setup or through Settings > Accounts. Confirm the supervision link when prompted.
Configure screen time and bedtime
In the Family Link app, go to Controls > Screen time. Set a daily limit and configure bedtime hours during which the device will be locked.
Set content restrictions and app approvals
In Family Link, go to Controls > Content restrictions. Set age ratings for Google Play, enable SafeSearch, and configure Chrome to block explicit sites. Enable app approval so you are notified before new apps are installed.
Parental control settings
Google Family Link
Location: Download the Family Link app on your own device, then link your child's Google account
Recommended: Fully set up with supervision enabled
Family Link is Google's dedicated parental control system. It allows you to manage apps, set screen time limits, view activity reports, and control content filters remotely from your own phone.
Google Play Content Restrictions
Location: Family Link app > Controls > Content restrictions > Google Play
Recommended: Set age-appropriate ratings for apps, games, films, and books
Restricts what your child can download or purchase from the Google Play Store based on content maturity ratings.
Google SafeSearch
Location: Family Link app > Controls > Content restrictions > Google Search
Recommended: SafeSearch set to 'Filter'
Filters explicit search results from Google Search. When managed through Family Link, your child cannot turn this off.
App Approval
Location: Family Link app > Controls > Google Play > Require approval for
Recommended: All content or only paid content, depending on age
Sends you a notification to approve or deny whenever your child tries to install a new app from the Play Store.
Age recommendations
Not generally recommended. If needed, use a locked-down device with Family Link, restrict to approved apps only, and disable the web browser entirely.
Suitable with Family Link fully configured. Require approval for all app installs, enable SafeSearch, and set firm screen time limits.
Appropriate with moderate supervision. Consider relaxing app approval to paid content only, but maintain content filters and bedtime restrictions.