Android · Android · 4 min · Updated September 2026

Parental controls on Android

Android can look different on Samsung, Pixel and others — but Family Link is the common starting point for most families. Brand-specific menus may sit alongside — what matters most is which account your child uses.

1. 1

   Get Family Link

   Download Google Family Link on your phone (Play Store or App Store). Sign in with the Google account that will be the parent. Your child needs a Google account for under-18s — create one if they have only used an adult account. Account age affects what Google allows.

2. 2

   Link your child's phone

   Follow Family Link's steps on your child's Android phone. They must be signed in with the account you manage. If they switch accounts in settings, control drops away — check regularly under Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account. Multiple accounts on the phone is a common gap.

3. 3

   Set screen time and apps

   In Family Link: select your child → Screen time. Set a daily limit and bedtime. Under Apps: require approval for new apps if you want. Samsung and other brands have their own digital wellbeing menus — Family Link is still what Google controls centrally. Use whichever is actually set up.

4. 4

   Control Play Store purchases

   In Family Link: Purchases and downloads → require approval for everything your child buys. Remove saved payment cards from the child's account if possible. Subscriptions are at play.google.com/store/account/subscriptions — see also the subscriptions guide. Deleting an app does not cancel a subscription.

5. 5

   Check Samsung / other brands

   On Samsung, Samsung Kids or Digital Wellbeing may sit alongside Family Link. Use what is actually set up — but start with Family Link so you have one place to manage account, apps and purchases. Test: can your child install an app without you getting a request? If yes, there is a gap.

Android gives children more ways to switch accounts than many parents realise. Family Link helps — but only on the account they actually use. Check again after a school change or new phone.