How to Set Up Google Family Link for Gaming: A Parent’s Guide

Google Family Link is a free tool that lets parents supervise a child’s Android phone or tablet. For gaming, it’s especially useful: you can approve which games get installed, require approval for purchases, set daily limits, and filter content by age rating. Here’s how to set it up and which settings matter most.

What you need

• A parent’s Google account and phone (Android or iPhone)
• A Google account for your child — you can create one during setup if your child is under 13
• Your child’s Android device

Step 1: Install Family Link

1. On your phone, install the Google Family Link app from the Play Store (or App Store on iPhone).
2. Open it and follow the prompts to add your child.
3. If your child doesn’t have a Google account, you can create one in the app.

Step 2: Link your child’s device

On your child’s phone or tablet, sign in with their Google account. Follow the on-screen steps to link the device to your Family Link account. You’ll confirm the connection from your phone.

Step 3: Set Google Play controls

In Family Link, open your child’s profile and go to Controls → Content restrictions → Google Play. Here you can:

• Set age-based content filters for apps and games based on ratings (for example, only games rated Everyone or Everyone 10+).
• Require approval for downloads, so your child must request each new game.
• Require approval for purchases, including in-app purchases.

Step 4: Set screen time limits

Under Controls → Screen time (names may vary slightly), you can:

• Set a daily limit for how long the device can be used
• Set downtime or bedtime, when the device locks except for calls and approved apps
• Set app limits for specific games

App limits are great for games: allow an hour of a favorite game each day without limiting educational apps.

Step 5: Review app permissions

Family Link lets you see and manage permissions for your child’s apps, such as location, microphone, and camera. Turn off permissions that a game doesn’t need. Our guide to game app permissions explains what’s reasonable.

Step 6: Check in-game settings, too

Family Link controls the device and Google Play, but many games have their own settings for:

• Chat — turn off or limit to friends
• Friend requests — restrict to people they know
• Spending limits — some games add their own parental controls
• Profile visibility — keep profiles private

Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite (where available) have account-level parental controls on their websites. Set those up alongside Family Link.

Teens and Family Link

When a child turns 13 in the US, they can choose to stop supervision, though parents are notified. Family Link can still work for teens with their agreement. Many families find it helpful to talk about limits together and adjust them as teens show responsibility.

Common questions

Can my child bypass Family Link? Family Link is designed to prevent easy bypassing, but no tool is perfect. Talking openly with your child about why the rules exist is the best long-term protection.

Does Family Link see messages or chats? No. It manages apps, time, and permissions, but doesn’t read your child’s messages.

Is it free? Yes, Google Family Link is free.

Recommended starting settings for young gamers

Setting	Suggested choice
Play Store content filter	Everyone or Everyone 10+
Purchase approval	All content
Daily limit	Based on age and family rules
Bedtime	On, an hour before bedtime
Game chat (in-game)	Off or friends only

Setting up Family Link takes about 15 minutes, and it gives you peace of mind every time your child opens a new game. Pair it with our guide on online gaming safety for kids for a complete approach.