How to Set Up Android 12 Parental Controls

Android is the mobile operating system from Google, and it powers smartphones and tablets. To set up Android 12  parental controls, you’ll primarily use a free app called Google Family Link.

How to Set Up Android 12 Parental Controls

1. Download Google Family Link, the free parental controls app for Android devices, on both your kid's device and your own device. Parents can use Androids or iPhones to manage Google Family Link.
2. If your child already has a Google account, Family Link will walk you through linking both of your accounts.
3. If your child doesn’t already have a Google account (or Gmail), you’ll need to create one for your child so that you can use Family Link. 
4. Once complete, children can sign in to their device with the new account.
5. Once the accounts are linked, use Family Link to set digital ground rules for your family. Check out this page with step-by-step instructions for the various controls.

What You Can Manage With Google Family Link

Using Google Family Link, you can manage a ton of functions on your child's Android device, 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 child’s phone will be found in the Google Family Link app. 

Set a Passcode on Your Child’s Device

Setting a passcode is important. It ensures that if the device is lost, it won’t be usable by anyone who doesn’t know the passcode. Remind your child not to share their passcode with anyone else, and make sure it’s not the same passcode you’ll be using for your parental controls.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Security.
3. Tap Screen Lock.
4. 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.

That’s it! You’ve set up Android 12 parental controls.