Android Tablet Parental Controls Guide for 2026

An unrestricted tablet gives a child open access to mature content, unlimited screen time and in-app purchases. Android’s main parental control system is Google Family Link, which lets parents set screen time limits, filter content, approve downloads and see a device’s location. This guide covers setup and the settings that matter most, based on Google’s and Samsung’s own help documentation.

For choosing a tablet for a child, see our guide to the best Android tablets for kids and the budget tablet guide.

Google Family Link Setup

Family Link is Google’s free parental control service. Google says the Family Link app works best on Android 5 and up, though some features need newer software: screen time limits, for example, require Android 7 or later on the child’s device.

Step 1: Create or Supervise Your Child’s Google Account

For a child under 13 (or the applicable age in your country), you create the Google Account yourself and manage it with Family Link. According to Google’s account creation guide, you can do this in the Family Link app (Add child), on the web, or while setting up a new Android device. If your child is older and already has an account, you can add supervision to it with their consent. On a Pixel Tablet, children under 9 can even get an account without a Gmail address and password.

Step 2: Connect the Tablet

Sign in to the tablet with your child’s account during setup, or add supervision from the tablet itself. On most Android devices, Google’s path is Settings > Google > All services > Parental controls (under “Kids & Family”). On Samsung tablets, Samsung’s Family Link guide uses Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls > Parental controls, then Let’s do this. Follow the prompts to sign in to your child’s account and verify it.

Step 3: Manage Settings From Your Phone

Install the Family Link app on your own phone to manage everything remotely. Google also lets you manage settings on the web at g.co/YourFamily.

Screen Time Management

Daily Limits

According to Google’s screen time guide, you open Family Link, select your child, then tap Screen time > Time limits. Turn on Daily limit and use Weekly schedule to set a different amount for each day. Daily limits apply to each device separately, so a 2-hour limit gives your child 2 hours on each tablet or phone they use.

When a device locks, your child can’t see notifications or use apps, except any you’ve marked as unlimited. Emergency calling during a lock applies only to Android phones with a calling plan, so on a Wi-Fi tablet the screen is simply locked.

Downtime and School Time

Besides daily limits, Family Link supports downtime and school time schedules for set hours of the day, such as overnight. You can also lock or unlock a device immediately from the Screen time tab.

Bonus Time

If your child needs extra time for homework, tap Screen time, then Bonus time below their device name. Google notes that you can add bonus time without changing the daily limit, downtime or school time schedule, even while the device is locked.

Content Filtering

Google Play Restrictions

Family Link’s Google Play controls let you set the highest content rating allowed for apps and games your child downloads or buys. Google’s Play content restrictions page lists two limitations to know about:

Restricted apps can still appear in search results or through a direct link, even though your child can’t download them.
Apps installed before you set restrictions stay on the device even if they’re above the rating, but you can block them individually in Family Link.

Available content types and rating systems vary by country.

Chrome Browsing

In Family Link, tap Controls > Google Chrome and Web, then choose one of three filters, according to Google’s Chrome guide:

Allow all sites: your child can visit any site except the ones you block.
Try to block explicit sites: Google’s filter tries to hide sexually explicit sites, though Google cautions that “No filter is perfect.”
Only allow approved sites: your child can visit only the sites on your approved list.

You can also maintain approved and blocked lists, and approve or deny your child’s requests to visit blocked sites. Incognito mode is turned off for supervised accounts in Chrome.

YouTube

Google offers two options for younger children, according to its YouTube options page. YouTube Kids, where available, is a separate app built around children’s content. A supervised experience on the main YouTube app is available for children under 13. Both are managed in Family Link under Controls > YouTube. For older children, you can turn on YouTube’s Restricted Mode.

Google Search

Family Link also lets you filter your child’s Google search results, alongside the Chrome and YouTube controls.

App Management

Purchase and Download Approvals

Set Google Play purchase approvals in Family Link so that downloads and purchases need your OK. Google notes that approval settings only apply to purchases made through Google Play’s billing system, so purchases in other stores, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Store, aren’t covered.

App Activity and Blocking

Family Link shows which apps your child uses, and you can set time limits on individual apps or block them. Google notes that system apps can’t have app limits placed on them.

According to Google’s location guide, you open Family Link and tap Location > Set up location, then turn on Location sharing to see your child’s device on a map. You can also save “family places” such as home or school, and turn on Location Accuracy for more precise results. As with any device tracking, the tablet has to be powered on and online for its location to update.

Privacy and Older Children

Family Link gives parents a lot of information, including location and app use, so talk with your child about what you can see and why, and relax controls as they get older.

The rules for teenagers changed in a way many older guides miss. When a child turns 13 (or the applicable age in your country), Google emails both of you, and supervision continues unchanged unless the account is updated. Google’s turning-13 page now states that “Children need parent approval to stop supervision until they turn 18,” and that both parent and child are notified when supervision stops. Samsung’s guide adds that shortly after a child’s 18th birthday, Google emails them instructions for removing supervision.

Samsung-Specific Controls

Galaxy tablets add a few Samsung tools on top of Family Link, according to Samsung’s guide:

A Samsung account for your child lets you manage which apps they can use, including blocking apps you consider inappropriate.
Samsung Kids mode, where available, gives parents additional controls to keep an eye on the apps a child uses and monitor screen time.

Chrome’s Family Link filters apply to Chrome, not to other browsers. If you want all browsing to go through those filters, block other browsers such as Samsung Internet in Family Link, and remember that Galaxy Store purchases fall outside Google Play approvals.

Creating a Safe App Environment

Beyond restricting content, choose good apps proactively. Khan Academy Kids describes itself as “always free” and is marked Teacher Approved on Google Play, as is PBS KIDS Games. Install them before handing over the tablet, rather than waiting for your child to find something on their own.

Setup Checklist

Create (or add supervision to) your child’s Google Account with Family Link.
Sign in on the tablet and confirm supervision.
Set daily limits, downtime and, if needed, school time.
Set the Google Play content rating and turn on purchase approvals.
Choose a Chrome filter.
Set up YouTube Kids or a supervised YouTube experience.
Turn on location sharing if the tablet leaves the house.
Block other browsers and app stores if you want Family Link to cover everything.
Install a few good apps in advance.
Review app activity regularly and adjust as your child grows.

For securing a tablet used by adults, the security and privacy guide covers encryption, permissions and Find My Device. Students sharing a tablet with siblings can also check the college student guide, and the ranked tablet guide covers overall recommendations.

Sources

Family Link features vary by country, device and Android version. Check Google’s Family Link help center for the latest options.