A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (2024)

Oct 18, 2022

[[read-time]] min read

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (1)

Wendi Rieb

Product Manager, Family Link

Five years ago, we introduced Family Link to give families tools that respect their individual choices with technology and enable them to create healthy, positive digital habits. Since then, we’ve seen how Family Link’s controls and settings, including screen time limits and content filters to find age-appropriate content, have helped families across the world find the right balance for them.

Today, we are announcing a new Family Link experience that offers the same flexibility and choice, and helps make it easier for you to keep your family safer online.

A new experience, streamlined for parents

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (3)

We have redesigned Family Link to bring our most-used tools to the forefront. Parents will find their favorite features (like screen time limits and blocking and approving apps) in an all-new experience, and a central place for viewing requests and notifications. We’re also bringing new features that parents are asking for.

Parents have told us that some of Family Link’s most helpful features are tools to manage screen time and guide kids to age-appropriate content. Now, we’ve made them easier to use. The Controls tab enables parents to supervise with the ability to set screen time limits for each device or for specific apps, set content restrictions and manage app data permissions.

We understand there are times when you just want to temporarily change screen time settings in case your child needs a bit more time, like if you’re on a vacation or they simply must finish the last two minutes of their favorite show. Parents can now set “Today Only” screen time limits that override general screen time settings, and adjust them for one day without changing the rest of the settings and limits.

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (4)

Having peace of mind about where your child is goes a long way. On the Location tab, you can see all of your children on the same map with their device location. You’ll also find other useful features like battery life and the ability to ring your child’s device to find it – like when it’s hidden between the couch cushions. And now, you can turn on notifications to be alerted when your child arrives at or leaves a specific destination like school or soccer practice.

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (5)

We know parents are busy, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with what kids are doing. The Highlights tab shows a snapshot of your child’s app usage, screen time and recently installed apps, so you can understand how your child has been using their device. We’re also adding resources from trusted partners like Common Sense Media, ConnectSafely and the Family Online Safety Institute to help you navigate conversations around online safety at home. We’re just getting started with the Highlights tab, and will be updating this section over time with more helpful insights and content.

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (6)

We’ve created a central place for you to receive requests from your child and view your notifications. By tapping on the notifications bell at the top of your app, you’ll be able to keep an eye on important updates and see requests from your children for app downloads, purchases and access to blocked websites.

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (7)

Family Link is also now available on the web for you and your children. If you’re away from your phone or don’t have the app, you’ll still have access to the features you need online. For your children, their Family Link web experience will help them better understand their parental control settings.

These updates will start rolling out today and will be complete over the next few weeks. Keep an eye out and learn more at g.co/familylink.

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A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (14)

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A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer (2024)

FAQs

A new look for Family Link, plus new features to stay safer? ›

A new experience, streamlined for parents

What happens when a child turns 13 on Family Link? ›

When children whose accounts are managed with Family Link turn 13 (or the applicable age in their country), they can decide to: Keep parental supervision for children over 13 (or the applicable age in their country) Manage their own Google Account.

Does Family Link turn off at 18? ›

By default, Family Link makes it possible for the child to “graduate” to a regular Google account at age 13 and — if they're still on Family Link — fully transitions them into an adult account at age 18.

How do I turn off SafeSearch on Family Link? ›

How to disable SafeSearch on Android or iPhone
  1. Open the Google App on your iPhone or Android phone.
  2. Tap your profile picture.
  3. Tap “Settings.”
  4. Select “SafeSearch.”
  5. Choose “Off.”
Sep 16, 2023

How do I remove a child over 13 from Family Link? ›

At the top right, tap the profile icon. Manage family members. Tap your family member's name. Remove.

Do parental controls turn off at 13? ›

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. As a parent, you can also choose to remove supervision at any time when the child is over the age of 13.

Can a 13 year old remove themselves from family sharing? ›

Any family member age 13 or older* can remove themselves from a family group. If you have Screen Time turned on for your account, the family organizer must remove you.

Can kids delete Family Link? ›

Important: You can delete accounts only for children under 13. If your child is older than 13, they need to delete the account themselves.

At what age does Screen Time turn off? ›

You'll be able to adjust your settings, turn off screen time, etc. once you turn 18. For example, for screen time you can select change/turn off screen time, and then forgot password. Enter your Apple ID and password to gain access.

What happens to an Apple ID when a child turns 13? ›

Once your child reaches the age of 13 (or equivalent minimum age depending on jurisdiction), they will be permitted to maintain their account without participating in Family Sharing.

Can kids turn off SafeSearch? ›

The SafeSearch is set to "Filter" by default for children who are signed in to an account managed with Family Link and those who are under 13, or the applicable age in your country or region. For these accounts, only parents can change the SafeSearch setting.

Can a child remove parental control? ›

You can only disable supervision if your child is over 13. If you don't remember the family Link passcode or, you will need to Factory Reset your Android phone and sign in with a new account. Use the following steps to turn off parental control settings using the Family Link app: Open the Family Link app.

How do I remove a 12 year old from family sharing? ›

Children under 13 years old must be part of a family group managed by a parent or guardian. To remove a child from one group, you or another guardian needs to invite them to join their group. Or, the current family organizer can delete the child's account.

How do I delete my child's Gmail account permanently? ›

Use your parental device
  1. Remove your child's account from Android or Chromebook they're signed in to. ...
  2. On your device, open the Family Link app .
  3. Select your child.
  4. Tap Controls Account settings Account info Delete account.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete your child's account.

What happens when you turn 13 on family sharing? ›

Once your child reaches the age of 13 (or equivalent minimum age depending on jurisdiction), they will be permitted to maintain their account without participating in Family Sharing.

What age should parents stop using Family Link? ›

You can use the Family Link App to create a Google Account for your child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country). You can also use Family Link to add supervision to your child's existing Google Account. Important: Family Link may not be available in all countries or regions.

How do you stop supervision on Family Link under 13? ›

Stop supervision
  1. On your parent device, open the Family Link app. .
  2. Select your child.
  3. Tap Controls. Account Settings. Account Info.
  4. Tap Stop supervision.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Why can't I remove a child under 13 from family sharing? ›

Children under 13 years old must be part of a family group managed by a parent or guardian. To remove a child from one group, you or another guardian needs to invite them to join their group. Or, the current family organizer can delete the child's account.

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