What devices are compatible with Google Family Link?
Your child needs a device that runs on Android version 7.0 (Nougat) or higher. If you use Apple, you will need iOS 11 or higher.
For both children and adults on Android, versions 5.0 (Lollipop) and 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher may also allow some settings. See the list of compatible devices here.
How Family link works
Google Family Link connects your Android or iPhone to your kid’s Android phone or tablet to help you set and tailor certain digital ground rules that work for your family. These features include:
- Manage the apps your child can use: approve or block the apps the child wants to download from the Google Play Store
- Keep an eye on screen time: see how much time your child spends on their favourite apps with weekly or monthly activity reports. You can also set daily screen time limits for their device
- Set device bedtime
- See your child’s device location
- Remotely lock their device when it’s time to play, study or sleep.
Parents and carers can download Google Family Link onto their own device. They then create a Google Account for their child through the app. The set up process can take around 30 minutes, depending on your familiarity with the process.
Once you download the app, the process is broken down into 3 steps:
- Step 1 – Downloading the app, checking that you have all you need and entering your Google account: approx. 3 mins
- Step 2 – Creating your child’s Google account: approx. 10 mins
- Step 3 – Linking your child’s device with your own through the Google Family Link app: approx. 15 mins
Where do I get support?
If you run into issues setting up Google Family Link or related services, explore their FAQ. Alternatively, contact Google through the app by navigating to the ‘Help and Feedback’ section of the app. You will be able to request help or send an email to request support.
The most important thing to check is device compatibility to ensure your child’s device is able to sync with the app.
How do I set up a child’s account?
In order for Google to identify and help you track what a child is doing on their device, they will need to have a child’s Google account.
It is essential to set up a child’s Google account and link it to the parent device to manage how they use their device. Unlike a normal Google account, you can set restrictions remotely on what apps children can access and when they can be used.
What happens when they turn 13?
Google Family Link only works with Google accounts for children under 13 created via the Family Link app. Once a child turns 13, they can continue to use Family Link if they choose to do so. Teens with existing accounts, however, are not eligible to be managed by Family Link at this time. See more advice for over-13s here.
Once children reach 13 and are no longer monitored, it’s important to have ongoing conversations about their digital lives. Talk about what they do online and allow them to continue to build their resilience. For more details on how to help children build their digital resilience, see our toolkit created with Dr Linda Papadopoulus.
