Android child account setup

Create a supervised Google account for your child to enable Family Link parental controls on their Android phone or tablet.

Video tutorial

Why you need a supervised child account

• Enables Family Link - Without a supervised account, you cannot use Google's parental controls
• Prevents app deletion - Control which apps your child can uninstall
• Controls app installation - Require your approval for new app downloads
• Manages screen time - Set daily limits and bedtime schedules
• Filters content - Block inappropriate content in Chrome and Google Search
• Locates device - Use Find My Device to see your child's location

Before you start

You'll need:

• Your own Android or iOS device with the Family Link app installed
• Your Google account (you'll be the family manager)
• Your child's information (name, birthdate)
• Your child's Android phone or tablet
• About 15 minutes for setup

Step 1: Install the Family Link app

On your (parent's) device:

1. Android: Open the Google Play Store and search for "Google Family Link"
2. iOS: Open the App Store and search for "Google Family Link"
3. Download and install the Google Family Link for parents app
4. Open the app and sign in with your Google account

Official guide: Get started with Family Link (opens in a new tab)

Step 2: Create a Google account for your child

On your (parent's) device using the Family Link app:

1. Open the Family Link app
2. Tap the + icon or Add child in the top corner
3. Select Create account (or Add child → Create Google Account for child)
4. Tap Next to continue

Enter your child's information:

5. Enter your child's first name and last name
6. Enter your child's birthdate

7. Create a Gmail address for your child (or use an existing email)
8. Create a password for your child (help them choose something secure they can remember)
9. Review Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
10. Provide parental consent (may require a payment method for verification)
11. Choose supervision settings when prompted

Official guide: Create a Google Account for your child (opens in a new tab)

Step 3: Set up your child's Android device

If setting up a new device:

1. Turn on your child's Android device
2. Follow the setup wizard
3. When prompted to sign in, enter your child's Google account (created in Step 2)
4. Review the Family Link supervision terms
5. Complete the device setup

If the device is already set up:

1. On your child's device, go to Settings → Google → Parental controls
2. Tap Get started
3. Select Child or teen
4. Sign in with your child's Google account
5. Sign in with your parent's Google account when prompted
6. Follow the prompts to enable supervision

Step 4: Verify Family Link is active

On your (parent's) device:

1. Open the Family Link app
2. Tap your child's name to see their profile
3. You should see their device listed under Devices
4. Verify you can access Controls including:
   • App controls
   • Content restrictions
   • Screen time
   • Location

On your child's device:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Parental controls
2. It should show that parental controls are active
3. Or go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
4. You should see "Managed by Family Link" or similar

Step 5: Configure initial Family Link settings

Recommended immediate settings:

After setup, configure these settings in the Family Link app:

1. App approvals:

   • Open Family Link → child's name → Controls → Google Play
   • Enable Require approval for downloads

2. Content restrictions:

   • Controls → Content restrictions → Google Chrome
   • Select Try to block mature sites

3. Screen time (optional):

   • Controls → Screen time → Daily limit
   • Set appropriate time limits

4. Location:

   • Controls → Location → Enable See your child's location

Troubleshooting

"I can't create a child account"

1. Verify you have a Google account and are signed in to Family Link
2. Check that you're in a supported country (opens in a new tab) for Family Link
3. Make sure you haven't exceeded the family member limit (6 members max)
4. Try restarting the Family Link app

"My child's device isn't showing in Family Link"

1. Verify your child is signed in with their supervised Google account
2. Check that the device has internet connectivity
3. On the child's device, go to Settings → Google → Parental controls and verify it shows as managed
4. Try signing out and back in on the child's device

"I can't add supervision to an existing account"

1. For children under 13: The account should automatically be supervised or you can add supervision through Family Link
2. For teens 13+: Your teen must consent to supervision. Open Family Link, add them, and they'll receive an invitation
3. Adult accounts (18+) cannot be supervised

"My child removed supervision"

1. For children under 13: Supervision can only be removed by the parent
2. For teens 13+: They can choose to remove supervision, but you'll be notified and their device will be temporarily locked
3. Check your email for notifications about supervision changes

"Family Link settings aren't applying to the device"

1. Ensure the device is connected to the internet
2. Open the Play Store on the child's device to force a sync
3. Restart the child's device
4. Check Family Link → child's name → Devices → verify the device is listed

Account types explained

Official resources

• Create a Google Account for your child (opens in a new tab)
• Get started with Family Link (opens in a new tab)
• Manage your child's Google Account settings (opens in a new tab)
• Family Link supported countries (opens in a new tab)
• Supervision for existing accounts (opens in a new tab)

Next steps

After creating your child's Google account:

1. Configure Family Link - Set up Family Link parental controls to block app deletion and restrict Chrome
2. Install WhitelistVideo - Add the Android Child App from the Play Store
3. Test the protections - Make sure your child can't delete WhitelistVideo or access YouTube in Chrome