Monitor and Manage Your Child's Android Phone with Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free app from Google that gives parents tools to manage and monitor their child's Android phone or tablet. It works by linking a parent's Google account to a child's Google account, giving the parent oversight and control from a distance using the Family Link app on their own phone.

With Family Link, parents can see which apps their child has installed, approve or block new app downloads from the Google Play Store, set a daily limit on how many hours the child can use the phone, schedule "downtime" (hours when the device is locked, such as bedtime or homework time), see the child's approximate location on a map, and remotely lock the device with one tap.

Family Link does not let parents read their child's messages or see everything they type — it focuses on app management, screen time, and location rather than detailed surveillance. This approach gives parents meaningful oversight while giving children some privacy.

The parent needs the Family Link app (for parents) installed on their own Android or iPhone. The child needs a Google Account — this can be an existing account, or you can create a supervised account for them through the Family Link setup process. Children under 13 automatically get supervised accounts when set up through Family Link.

When a child turns 13, Google notifies both the parent and child that the supervision can continue or be turned off. At that point, the child can choose to remove supervision with parental approval.

Family Link works on Android phones and tablets, as well as Chromebooks when the child is signed in with their supervised Google account.