The Family Link app from Google helps parents stay in the loop as their child or teen explores on their Android device, and lets parents set certain digital ground rules for their family.

First, a child/teen will need a compatible device (see which devices work with Family Link). Then, parents can start by downloading Family Link onto their own device (Android or iPhone).

If a child/teen already has an account, Family Link will walk their parent through linking their account to their child’s account. As part of that process, the child/teen may also need to download the Family Link (Child/Teen) app on their phone to complete the process of linking the accounts.

Parents can also use Family Link to create a Google Account for their child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country). Once complete, children can sign-in to their device with their new account.

Once the accounts are linked, parents can use Family Link to help them do things like keep an eye on screen time and manage the content they use.

No. Family Link does not block inappropriate content, but some apps may have their own filtering options. Certain Google apps like Search and Chrome have filtering options that you can find in Family Link. For parents of teens 13 and older, Restricted Mode in YouTube is an optional setting that can be used to help screen out potentially mature content. Please note that these filters are not perfect, so explicit, graphic, or other content you may not want your child to see makes it through sometimes. We recommend reviewing app settings, and the settings and tools Family Link offers, to decide what is right for your family.

Yes. Parents can run Family Link on Android devices running KitKat (4.4) and higher.

Yes. Parents can run Family Link on iPhones running iOS 11 and higher.

Parents can manage some of their child's account settings on a web browser. Other features, like setting screen time limits, require that parents have the Family Link app on Android or iPhone.

For best results, we recommend that children or teens use Android devices running version 7.0 (Nougat) or higher. Devices running Android versions 5.0 and 6.0 (Lollipop and Marshmallow) may also be able to run Family Link. To find out more, see our Help Center.

Children and teens can sign in to their Google Account on Chromebooks. Parents can do things like manage their child’s Chromebook and account settings, and set website restrictions. Learn more here.

Children and teens can sign in to their Google Account on iOS devices and web browsers with their parent’s consent. Parents can continue to manage some of their child's account settings, and those settings will apply when the child is signed in and using Google apps and services on an iOS device or on the web. Other features in the Family Link app, like managing the apps your children can use and setting screen time limits, will not be available to parents while the child is using an iOS device or signed in on the web. Learn more about child/teen sign in on iOS devices and web browsers.

You should plan to budget about 15 minutes to set up your child’s Google Account and Android device.

No. It’s up to you to decide when your child is ready for their first Android phone or tablet.

Yes, Google's services are ad-supported and your child may see ads when using our products.

Yes, Family Link can be used to supervise teenagers (children over the age of 13 or applicable age of consent in your country). Unlike children under the age of consent, teenagers have the ability to stop supervision at any time, but if they do you will be notified and their devices will be temporarily locked and unusable.

No. Accounts provided through work or school cannot be used to manage a family group. You can use a personal Google Account, such as your Gmail account with Family Link.

This restriction helps us maintain important product behaviors. For example, if another account was present on the device, children could switch to that account to download apps from Play without parent approval.

When your child turns 13 (or the applicable age in your country), they have the option to graduate to a normal Google Account. Before a child turns 13, parents will get an email letting them know their child will be eligible to take charge of their account on their birthday, so you can no longer manage their account. On the day they turn 13, children can choose whether they want to manage their own Google Account or continue to have their parent manage it for them. If your child chooses to take charge of their account, but you still prefer to stay in the loop, Family Link’s supervision tools can be re-enabled with the Family Link (Child/Teen) app on their device. For more information, check out our Help Center.