Android phone for a child — full setup with Google Family Link

Create a supervised child Google account, install Family Link, and lock down screen time, app installs and content — step by step.

Family Link helps a parent manage a child’s Google account and supported Android devices. Start with Google’s current setup instructions; eligibility and available controls depend on the account, age and device. Work through the settings together.

Short walkthrough from UK online-safety non-profit Internet Matters (Feb 2026). Then follow the detailed steps below.

Step-by-step

1 · Before you start

Have both phones unlocked and on Wi-Fi. You'll need the child's date of birth and your own Google password.

Official video · Google
Family Link overview
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Update both devices to supported software and have account recovery details ready.
2Install Google Family Link on the parent phone.
3If the child already has an account, follow Google’s add-supervision process. Do not create a duplicate account just to follow this checklist.
4Before removing accounts or resetting a device, back up important data and read the manufacturer’s instructions. A reset erases local data; it is not a routine first step for adding supervision.

2 · Create the child's Google account

Use Family Link or the supported new-device setup flow. If an account already exists, use the supervision instructions instead.

Official video · YouTube
Set up a supervised child account
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Choose Add child and follow the account-creation prompts.
2Use the correct birthday and a strong password; keep recovery information securely.
3Complete Google’s parental-consent process. Google says account creation has no fee, although card verification can place a temporary authorisation.
4If verification fails, use the help offered by Google rather than assuming a particular card or payment amount is required.

3 · Set up the child's phone

Now move to the child's device.

Official video · Google
Connect the child's device
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Follow the sign-in and supervision prompts for the child’s account on their device.
2Use the parent account when prompted to consent and complete linking.
3Read the permissions requested and check that the correct device appears in Family Link.
4Review installed apps together and block those you decide are unsuitable.

4 · Screen time, bedtime & downtime

In Family Link, select the child and open Screen time. Menu names vary by version.

Official video · Google
Set time and app limits
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Agree daily limits that leave room for sleep, school and other activities.
2Set Downtime and review which apps have unlimited time.
3Choose limits for individual apps appropriate to the child’s age.
4Check normal calls to a trusted adult while limits are active. Do not call emergency services as a test.

5 · App installs & purchases

Official video · Google
Manage apps with Family Link
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Open Google Play controls in Family Link and choose the approval setting you want.
2Review content ratings separately from purchase approval.
3Approvals apply to Google Play billing; they do not block every payment route or necessarily request approval for previously approved apps.
4Check an ordinary app request together and review payment methods.

6 · Web, search & YouTube

Official video · YouTube
Choose a supervised YouTube experience
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Review SafeSearch and Chrome website restrictions. Filters can miss unsuitable material.
2Choose YouTube Kids or a supervised kid account for an eligible younger child.
3Teen supervision is a separate YouTube experience. Follow the linked YouTube checklist for account types and current content controls.

7 · Location, find-my-phone & data

Official video · Google
Family Link location tools
Publisher’s overview video. Use the written guidance and current official support links for settings; the video may show older menus.
Open official source

1Review location sharing together in Family Link. Availability depends on the device, power, connectivity and settings.
2Review the phone’s lost-device service and account recovery options.
3Check app location permissions in the device settings and remove unnecessary access.

What you can control

Screen-time controls

Daily limits, app limits and downtime on supported devices.

Google Play approvals

Review eligible downloads and purchases; see the billing limitations above.

Search and browser controls

Reduce access to unsuitable content; filters are not guarantees.

Device location

May help locate the device; it is not a guaranteed live view of the child.

Plan how to call for help

Google says a locked Android phone with a calling plan can receive calls and offers an Emergency calling option. Learn the device’s emergency-call instructions and keep it charged. Test an ordinary call to a trusted adult during downtime; never make a test call to 999 or 112.

Official tutorials & videos

Everything below links directly to Apple, Google, Meta, TikTok, Snap or Discord — no third-party blogs.

Things to keep in mind

Family Link does not read every message or replace the controls inside each app.
Check Google’s current age and supervision rules when the child becomes eligible to manage their own account.
Menu paths are a starting point. Use the official instructions for your device and software version.