As smartphones become an essential part of daily life, many parents are looking for ways to ensure their children use their devices safely and responsibly. If you’re wondering how to put parental controls on an Android phone, you’re in the right place. With Android offering a range of tools and features, it’s possible to control what your child can access, manage their screen time, and ensure they’re not exposed to harmful content.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the various methods and options available to set up parental controls on Android, from using built-in tools to third-party apps. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to manage your child’s smartphone usage effectively.
Why Set Parental Controls on an Android Phone?
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s discuss why setting up parental controls is so important:
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Content Filtering: With the vast amount of content available on the internet, it’s crucial to ensure your child is not exposed to inappropriate material, whether it’s explicit content, violence, or ads that promote unhealthy behavior.
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Screen Time Management: Spending too much time on a smartphone can have negative effects on a child’s mental health and development. Parental controls allow you to set limits on how much time they can spend on the phone.
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App Restrictions: Some apps might be inappropriate for children due to their content or functionality. With parental controls, you can restrict app installations and limit access to specific apps.
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Location Tracking: Parents often want to know where their child is for safety reasons. Parental controls can help you track your child’s device location in case of emergencies.
Now that you understand the importance of parental controls, let’s explore how to put parental controls on an Android phone.
How to Put Parental Controls on an Android Phone: Method 1 – Using Google Family Link
Google’s Family Link is one of the most effective ways to set parental controls on an Android phone. It allows you to manage and monitor your child’s device remotely. You can track their location, approve or block apps, set screen time limits, and even lock their phone when needed.
Steps to Set Up Google Family Link:
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Download the Family Link App: First, you need to download the Family Link app from the Google Play Store on both your phone and your child’s device. On your phone, search for “Google Family Link for parents,” and on your child’s device, search for “Google Family Link for children & teens.”
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Create a Google Account for Your Child: If your child doesn’t already have a Google account, you’ll need to create one. Follow the prompts in the Family Link app to set up an account for your child. If they already have an account, simply link it to your Family Link app.
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Link Your Child’s Device: After setting up the Google account, open the Family Link app on your phone, and follow the instructions to link your child’s device to your account.
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Configure Parental Controls: Once the devices are linked, you can start setting up the parental controls. You’ll be able to:
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Monitor app activity: See which apps your child is using and how often.
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Set screen time limits: Limit the amount of time your child can spend on their phone each day.
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Approve or block apps: Review and approve any apps your child wants to install.
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Track their location: Check where your child’s device is in real-time.
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Set bedtime: Lock the device at a specific time to encourage a healthy bedtime routine.
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Google Family Link offers a comprehensive solution for parents who want full control over their child’s Android device.
How to Put Parental Controls on an Android Phone: Method 2 – Using Android’s Built-In Settings
If you don’t want to use third-party apps like Family Link, Android also offers built-in parental controls that are simple to set up and manage.
Steps to Set Parental Controls Using Android Settings:
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Set Up Restricted Profiles (For Android 7.0 and Later):
For devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later, you can create restricted user profiles that limit access to specific apps. To set up a restricted profile:-
Go to Settings > Users & Accounts > Users.
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Tap Add User or Profile > Restricted Profile.
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Set up the profile, and then select which apps your child can access.
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Set Up Google Play Parental Controls:
You can manage what your child can download from Google Play by setting restrictions on the Google Play Store.-
Open the Google Play Store app.
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Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) and select Settings.
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Scroll down and tap Parental Controls.
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Turn on Parental Controls, then set a PIN that only you know.
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Choose the content rating restrictions for apps, movies, TV shows, and books.
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Enable Safe Search for Google:
Google allows you to turn on SafeSearch to block explicit content from search results. To enable it:-
Open Google.
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Tap More > Settings > General.
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Turn on SafeSearch.
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Disable In-App Purchases:
To prevent unauthorized purchases, you can disable in-app purchases by setting up password protection for Google Play Store transactions.-
Open the Google Play Store app.
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Go to Settings > Require authentication for purchases.
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Choose the authentication method, such as a password or fingerprint.
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Use Screen Time Management (Digital Wellbeing):
Android phones come with Digital Wellbeing tools that help manage screen time and app usage. To set up Screen Time limits:-
Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
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Tap Dashboard to see how much time your child spends on each app.
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Set timers for specific apps to limit usage.
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By using Android’s built-in parental control features, you can restrict your child’s access to apps, monitor their screen time, and ensure they’re browsing safely.
How to Put Parental Controls on an Android Phone: Method 3 – Using Third-Party Apps
If you want more advanced features than what’s offered by Google Family Link or Android’s built-in tools, there are several third-party apps available that provide enhanced parental controls.
Popular Third-Party Parental Control Apps:
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Qustodio: Qustodio offers detailed monitoring and reporting of app usage, internet activity, and location tracking. It also allows you to set time limits, block websites, and view reports on your child’s activities.
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Norton Family: Norton Family helps you monitor your child’s online activity, set time limits, and block inappropriate content. It also provides location tracking and can help you monitor videos and apps your child is watching.
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Net Nanny: Net Nanny provides real-time monitoring, app blocking, and internet activity reports. It also includes a panic button for emergencies, and you can set time limits for app usage.
Each of these third-party apps offers additional features beyond what Android’s native settings provide, including advanced web filtering, activity logs, and social media monitoring.
How to Put Parental Controls on an Android Phone: Method 4 – Monitor and Teach Responsible Usage
While setting up parental controls is an effective way to limit your child’s access to inappropriate content, it’s also important to teach them how to use their device responsibly. Encourage open discussions about internet safety, online behavior, and screen time management. The combination of technology and guidance will help them develop healthy habits and make better decisions when using their phone.
Conclusion
Setting up parental controls on an Android phone is a crucial step in ensuring your child’s safety and well-being in today’s digital world. Whether you choose to use Google Family Link, Android’s built-in settings, third-party apps, or a combination of methods, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protecting your child from harmful content and excessive screen time. By taking control over the apps they use, the content they see, and the amount of time they spend on their devices, you can help them have a safe and positive experience with technology.
