How to set up parental controls on Android
Android's controls run through Google Family Link, a free app you install on your phone and your child's. Once their account is in your family group you can approve or block app downloads and in-app purchases from Google Play, set daily screen-time limits and a device bedtime (Family Link can lock the device at night), filter websites in Chrome and lock SafeSearch on, hide age-inappropriate apps, and see where the device is. Set it up before you hand the device over — on a fresh Android, create the child's Google account through Family Link rather than a standard adult account, or the controls won't attach.
Android phones & tablets FAQs
Does Android have parental controls?
Yes — Google Family Link is the free, built-in system for app approval, screen time, web filtering and location.
What age can a child have an Android phone?
There's no fixed age; the safe move is a Family Link-managed child account, set up before you give them the phone, not a normal adult account.
Lock it down — start tonight
Dad's free quick wins for Android phones & tablets. Do step 1 tonight; the rest are in the members' guide.
- 1Create a Google account for your child via Family Link before first sign-in
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The rest of the Android phones & tablets lockdown
3 more quick wins — plus the full screen-by-screen walkthrough.
The full screen-by-screen walkthrough for Android phones & tablets lives in The Ultimate Parents Guide.
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How to start