Google Family Link is a free app that helps parents monitor and manage their children’s digital activities on Android devices and Chromebooks. This step-by-step guide will help you set up Family Link, even if you’re new to technology.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

• Your own smartphone (Android or iPhone)
• Your child’s Android device
• Google account for yourself
• Internet connection
• 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time

Step 1: Download and Install Family Link

Let’s start by getting the right apps on both your phone and your child’s device.

On Your Phone (Parent Device):

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. In the search bar at the top, type “Google Family Link for parents”
3. Tap the app named “Google Family Link for parents”
4. Tap the Install or Get button
5. Wait for the app to download and install

On Your Child’s Device:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. In the search bar at the top, type “Google Family Link for children”
3. Tap the app named “Google Family Link for children & teens”
4. Tap the Install button
5. Wait for the app to download and install

Step 2: Setting Up Family Link and Adding a Child

Now that you have the apps installed, let’s set up Family Link and add your child’s account.

On Your Phone (Parent Device):

1. Open the Family Link app
2. Tap Get Started
3. Select Parent when asked who will use the device
4. Follow the prompts to sign in with your Google account
5. Tap Create to set up a family group
6. Tap Continue to add a family member

Adding Your Child:

1. Select Create a Google Account for your child (or use their existing account if they have one)
2. Enter your child’s name and birthday
3. Create a username (email address) for your child or select from suggestions
4. Create a password for your child’s account
5. Enter your payment method for verification (you won’t be charged)
6. Review and agree to the terms
7. Tap Next to continue

On Your Child’s Device:

1. Open the Family Link app on your child’s device
2. Tap Ready when prompted
3. Sign in with your parental Google account
4. Follow the instructions to identify your child’s device
5. Sign in with your child’s newly created Google account
6. Accept the terms and permissions

Congratulations! You’ve successfully turned on Family Link and added your child. Now let’s set up some basic controls.

Step 3: Configuring a Downtime Schedule

Downtime lets you set a schedule when your child’s device automatically locks, like during bedtime or homework time.

1. Open the Family Link app on your phone
2. Tap your child’s account
3. Tap Controls at the bottom of the screen
4. Tap Screen time
5. Tap Set schedule
6. Choose which days you want the schedule to apply to
   • For the same schedule every day, tap All days
   • For different schedules on weekdays and weekends, tap Weekdays or Weekends
   • For a custom schedule, tap Edit days and select specific days
7. Set the Bedtime hours (when the device will lock)
   • Tap the start time to set when downtime begins
   • Tap the end time to set when the device unlocks
8. Tap Save at the top right

Your child will now receive a notification 15 minutes before downtime starts, and when downtime begins, they won’t be able to use their device until the scheduled end time (except for phone calls, if it’s a phone).

Step 4: Requiring Permissions for New Apps

This setting ensures your child needs your approval before downloading new apps.

1. Open the Family Link app on your phone
2. Tap your child’s account
3. Tap Controls at the bottom
4. Tap Content restrictions
5. Tap Google Play
6. Under “Approval requirements,” tap Approve all apps or Only approved apps
   • Approve all apps: You’ll need to approve each app before your child can download it
   • Only approved apps: Your child can only see and download apps you’ve pre-approved
7. Tap Save at the bottom

Now, when your child tries to download an app:

1. You’ll receive a notification on your phone
2. You can review the app details
3. Tap Approve or Deny based on your decision

Step 5: Enable Location Tracking

Location tracking helps you know where your child is when they have their device with them.

1. Open the Family Link app on your phone
2. Tap your child’s account
3. Tap Location at the bottom
4. If prompted, tap Turn on to enable location tracking
5. On your child’s device, they may need to approve location permissions
6. Once enabled, you’ll see your child’s current location on the map

Important notes about location tracking:

• Your child will be notified that you can see their location
• The location updates every few minutes, not continuously
• Location tracking only works when the device is turned on and connected to the internet

Tips for Success

• Explain the rules: Help your child understand why you’re using Family Link
• Start gradually: Begin with basic limits and adjust as needed
• Be consistent: Stick to the schedules and rules you set
• Review together: Occasionally review app usage with your child
• Adjust as they grow: Change settings as your child matures and demonstrates responsibility

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Connecting

1. Make sure both devices are connected to the internet
2. Restart both devices
3. Check that you’re using the correct Google accounts

Can’t See Child’s Location

1. Make sure location permissions are enabled on your child’s device
2. Check that the device is turned on and has internet connection
3. Verify that location services are turned on in the device settings

Child’s Device Still Usable During Downtime

1. Check that you saved the downtime schedule correctly
2. Make sure the correct time zone is set on both devices
3. Try setting a new schedule

Remember, Family Link is a tool to help guide your child’s digital habits, not a substitute for ongoing conversations about online safety and responsible technology use.