Family Link for parents: phone setup first, PC controls second
By Daniel Brooks Published 7 min read
On this page (10 sections)
- The short version
- What you need to set up Google Family Link
- How to set up Google Family Link in correct parent-first order
- How to use Google Family Link app vs how to access from PC browser
- Google Family Link for parents PC app features and limits
- How to add second parent to Google Family Link
- Google Family Link parental control features: what they actually block and allow
- Google Family Link for children: what the child account sees
- Common mistakes when setting up and using Google Family Link
- Questions people still ask
In short: Set up Google Family Link on the parent's phone first, then create the child's account and device profile. Use the parent phone app to control and the PC browser for monitoring limits and filters.
Part of our guide on setting up Screen Time website filters
Set up Google Family Link starting with the parent's phone app to unlock full parental controls before adding the child's device and account.
| Parent device setup | First step |
|---|---|
| Child account age | Under 13 or local age |
| App management | Via phone app |
| PC control | Monitoring only |
| Second parent add | Allowed in app |
The short version
- Always configure the parent's device and account before the child's.
- Use the Google Family Link app on a parent's phone for full control features.
- Access controls on PC browser for monitoring but with limited management options.
- You can add a second parent for shared controls through the app.
- Family Link blocks many adult sites but allows exceptions and manual app approvals.
What you need to set up Google Family Link
To use Google Family Link effectively, you need a Google account for each parent and child. The child's account must be under 13 years or the local minimum age for child accounts.
You also need a compatible Android or iOS phone to install the Family Link for Parents app. The child's device should run Android 7.0 or higher or a Chrome OS device.
A stable internet connection on both devices is necessary to sync settings and activity reports.
- Parent Google account with Family Link app installed
- Child Google account created via Family Link
- Child device running Android 7.0+ or Chrome OS
- Wi-Fi or mobile data connection on both devices
How to set up Google Family Link in correct parent-first order
Start by installing the Google Family Link for Parents app on your phone and sign in with your Google account. This parent-first order is essential to ensure parental controls are properly linked. If that sounds like your situation, read up on troubleshoot play store app access next.
Next, create a Google account for your child within the app if they don't already have one. The app will guide you through age verification and parental consent.
Then, on your child's device, sign in using the newly created child account. The Family Link settings will automatically apply, giving you control over apps, screen time, and content filters.
This sequence ensures the parent's controls are active before the child uses their device, avoiding gaps in monitoring or restrictions.
- Install Family Link for Parents app on your phone and sign in.
- Create or link your child's Google account via the app.
- Sign in to the child's device with their account.
- Follow prompts on child device to complete setup.
How to use Google Family Link app vs how to access from PC browser
The Family Link parent app on your phone provides the full suite of parental controls: app approvals, screen time limits, device location, and activity reports.
The PC browser access (via families.google.com) allows you to view activity reports and some settings but lacks the ability to set limits or approve apps.
For day-to-day control actions, the phone app is necessary. Use the PC browser when wanting a quick overview or when your phone is unavailable.
Keep in mind the phone app updates settings instantly, while changes made on PC may have a slight delay or fewer options.
| Feature | Phone App | PC Browser |
|---|---|---|
| App Approval | Yes | No |
| Screen Time Limits | Yes | No |
| Activity Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Device Location | Yes | Yes |
| Account Settings | Yes | Limited |
Google Family Link for parents PC app features and limits
Google does not offer a dedicated desktop app for Family Link, only browser access. This limits parental controls to viewing activity and basic settings adjustments.
You cannot block apps, set screen time, or approve purchases from the PC. These functions require the phone app.
The PC interface is useful for monitoring while working on a computer, but parents must keep the mobile app for full control.
If you want more desktop control features, third-party parental control software might be necessary.
- No dedicated PC app; browser access only
- Limited management features on PC
- Full controls require mobile app
- PC useful for passive monitoring
How to add second parent to Google Family Link
Adding a second parent or guardian allows shared supervision over your child's Google account.
To add another parent, open the Family Link app on your phone, select your child's profile, then find the option to invite a parent or guardian by email.
The invited adult must accept the invitation and sign in with their Google account to start managing the child's settings.
This feature improves coordination between caregivers and keeps controls consistent across devices.
- Open Family Link app on parent phone.
- Select child profile and tap 'Manage settings.'
- Choose 'Invite parent or guardian.'
- Enter second parent's email and send invite.
- Second parent accepts invitation and signs in.
Google Family Link parental control features: what they actually block and allow
Family Link blocks or filters adult content in Google Search, Chrome, and Google Play based on standard safe search and content settings.
It restricts app installations unless approved by the parent. Parents can block specific apps after installation as well.
Screen time limits prevent device use outside set hours or total daily limits, though some older apps or functions might bypass controls.
Location tracking shows device whereabouts but depends on GPS accuracy and device connectivity.
Family Link does not block all inappropriate content or non-Google apps, so supervision and conversations remain vital.
- Blocks adult content in Google Search and Chrome
- Requires parental approval for app installs
- Allows setting daily screen time and bedtimes
- Shows child device location if enabled
- Does not fully block all internet content
Google Family Link for children: what the child account sees
Children see a modified Google experience with restricted search results and approved apps only.
They get a daily screen time summary and notifications when they hit limits or request additional time.
The child can request app installations, which parents approve or deny through their device.
Account settings are limited, and children cannot remove Family Link supervision without parental consent.
This transparency helps children understand rules while allowing parents to maintain a safe environment.
Common mistakes when setting up and using Google Family Link
Setting up the child's device before the parent's leads to missing controls until reset.
Using only the PC browser to manage leads to frustration due to limited control options.
Not adding a second parent can cause coordination problems if only one parent manages controls.
Assuming Family Link blocks all inappropriate content can give a false sense of security.
- Mistake: Child device setup first -> Do: Set up parent device and account first
- Mistake: Manage only on PC -> Do: Use phone app for full controls
- Mistake: No second parent added -> Do: Invite second parent for shared supervision
- Mistake: Expect total content blocking -> Do: Combine controls with conversation and supervision
Questions people still ask
Can I use Google Family Link without a parent phone?
No. The parent phone with the Family Link app is needed to set up and manage controls. PC access alone only provides limited monitoring.
Does Family Link work on iPhones?
Yes, parents can install Family Link for Parents on iOS devices, but the child's device still needs to be Android or Chrome OS for full controls.
Can children bypass Family Link controls?
Some savvy children may find workarounds, especially on older Android versions. Regular check-ins and conversations are essential alongside controls.
How do I remove a child from Family Link?
You can remove supervision through the parent's app, but children must be at or above the legal age or have parental consent to do this themselves.
Can I monitor multiple children with one parent account?
Yes, Family Link allows managing several child accounts from the same parent profile in the app.