How To Set Up Android 12 Parental Controls
Learn how to set parental controls on your child’s Android 12.
Android is the mobile operating system from Google, and it powers smartphones and tablets. To set up Android 12 parental controls, youâll primarily use a free app called Google Family Link.
Android 12 Parental Controls Require Google Family Link
For this update, Google moved more of the parental controls to Google Family Link, including:
- Screen time
- App timers
- Bedtime schedules
- Data usage restrictions
- Content restrictions
- App approvals
- YouTube settings
- Websites on Chrome
- Filters on Google search
Everything you need to manage your childâs phone will be found in the Google Family Link app.
How To Set Up Google Family Link
Google Family Link is an app that allows parents to view their childâs smartphone activity, manage the apps they can use and download, set screen time limits, lock their device, and even track their location.
Kids and teens that use Android devices running version 7.0 or higher can use Family Link. Some devices running Android versions 5.0 and 6.0 may be able to run Family Link. Parents can use Family Link on any Android devices running versions 5 and higher as well as iPhones running iOS 11 and higher.
Hereâs how to set up Google Family Link.
Bark helps families manage and protect their childrenâs digital lives.
Find Your Deviceâs Version of Android
To ensure that youâre following the right set of directions, youâll first want to check the version of Android your device is running. If itâs not current, you may have the option to update. Itâs best to update whenever possible to ensure you have access to all the latest features.
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Scroll down to Android Version. The number under this heading is the version of Android running on your device (i.e. 8.0).
Set a Passcode on Your Childâs Device
Setting a passcode is important. It ensures that if the device is lost, it wonât be usable by anyone who doesnât know the passcode. Remind your child not to share their passcode with anyone else, and make sure itâs not the same passcode youâll be using for your parental controls.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Security.
- Tap Screen Lock.
- Choose one of the following options A) Swipe B Pattern c) PIN d) Password.
What’s the difference?
- Swipe: gives no protection, but allows quick access
- Pattern lock: uses a pattern via connecting-the-dots.
- Pin: uses 4-16 digits.
- Password: uses a combination of letters and numbers.
Thatâs it! Youâve set up Android 12 parental controls.
Helpful Resources for Families
Here are some awesome tools to help families navigate raising kids in the digital age!
All-in-One Parental Control Guide
Your go-to list of parental controls for devices, apps, games, and more.
Bark's Parenting Facebook Group
Bark’s Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group has over 190k members.
The 12 Most Dangerous Apps
Learn about which apps are both popular with kids and pretty concerning.
Bark â The Parental Control Solution
In addition to setting parental controls on your child’s device, the next safety layer parents and caregivers should strongly consider is a monitoring solution to assess the content their kids encounter (and produce) across text messages, social media, email, and more.
Bark helps families manage and protect their childrenâs entire online worlds. Our award-winning service monitors 30+ of the most popular apps and social media platforms for signs of issues like cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, online predators, threats of violence, and more. Our web filtering and screen time management tools empower families to set healthy limits around the sites and apps their kids can access and when they can visit them. Sign up today to start your free, one-week trial.
