Android Device Safety Setup
Set up Google Family Link to manage your child's Android phone or tablet. Control screen time, apps, and content from your own device.
Google Family Link is essential for Android devices, but remember it only works fully on devices running Android 5.1 or newer. For Samsung devices, you can use both Family Link and Samsung Kids for extra protection. Always set up supervision before giving the device to your child.
Key Family Link Features
Daily Screen Time Limits
Set daily limits for apps and total device usage
App Management
Approve or block apps and manage downloads
Location Tracking
See your child's device location in real-time
Content Filters
Filter content on Google apps like Search, Chrome, and YouTube
Step-by-Step Setup Guides
Set Up Family Link on Your Child's New Device
Start here if setting up a brand new Android device for your child under 13.
Steps:
- 1Download Google Family Link for parents on YOUR phone from Google Play Store
- 2Open Family Link and tap 'Get Started'
- 3Select 'Child or teen' and tap 'Next'
- 4Choose 'Yes' if your child has a Google Account, or 'No' to create one
- 5On your child's device, sign in with their Google Account
- 6Enter the code shown on your device into your child's device
- 7Follow remaining prompts to complete setup and allow permissions
Tip:
Your child needs their own Google Account. If creating one, you'll need to verify you're their parent with a credit/debit card (small temporary charge that's refunded).
Add Supervision to Existing Google Account
Use this if your child already has a Google Account and Android device.
Steps:
- 1Download Family Link for parents on your device
- 2Family Link is now built into your child's device settings on modern Android — no separate app download needed
- 3Open Family Link on your device and tap 'Set up'
- 4Select 'Add supervision to existing account'
- 5On child's device, go to Settings > Google > Parental controls and sign in
- 6Enter the code from your device into child's device
- 7Review and approve permissions on both devices
Tip:
Adding supervision to an existing account requires consent from the child if they're over 13. For children under 13, you have full control.
Configure Daily Screen Time Limits
Set daily limits for device usage and bedtime schedules.
Steps:
- 1Open Family Link app on your device
- 2Select your child's account
- 3Tap 'Daily limit' under Device limits
- 4Set the maximum time your child can use device (e.g., 2 hours)
- 5Tap 'Bedtime' to schedule device lockdown times
- 6Set start time (e.g., 9pm) and end time (e.g., 7am)
- 7Choose which days this applies (weekdays vs weekends)
Tip:
During bedtime, your child can only use their device for approved apps like phone calls. Emergency contacts will always work.
Manage Apps and Content Restrictions
Control which apps your child can download and filter content in Google apps.
Steps:
- 1In Family Link, tap your child's name
- 2Tap 'Manage settings' then 'Controls on Google Play'
- 3Under 'Apps and games', set age rating (e.g., PEGI 12)
- 4Enable 'Require approval for purchases' to review all download requests
- 5Go back and tap 'Filters on Google Chrome'
- 6Select 'Try to block mature sites' for basic filtering
- 7Tap 'Filters on YouTube' and select 'Explore' (filtered) or 'Approve content yourself'
Tip:
Set content ratings based on your child's actual age using PEGI ratings (used in UK). You'll receive notifications when your child requests to download an app.
Additional UK Android Safety Tips
Location Tracking
Family Link shows your child's device location. Tap their name and you'll see their current location on a map. This only works when the device is turned on and connected to the internet.
Samsung Kids Mode
If your child has a Samsung device, use Samsung Kids alongside Family Link for extra protection. It creates a separate, child-safe environment with its own apps and controls.
Google Safe Search
Family Link automatically enables SafeSearch on your child's Google Account, but you should also enable it at router level for full protection across all devices.
Emergency Override
If your child needs more time on their device, they can request it through Family Link. You'll get a notification and can approve extra time remotely.