How to Set Up Parental Controls on Android

Kids, particularly teens, are relentless about getting a phone, which, despite its benefits, also exposes them to inappropriate content and online risks. That’s why knowing how to set up parental controls on Android is a must.

Android makes up about 42% of all smartphones in the U.S. and thankfully comes with built-in features to help you monitor and restrict usage. In this guide, we’ll learn how to put parental controls on an Android tablet and phone. Plus, if you’re looking for extra security, we’ve also got an advanced solution for you at the end.

How to Add Parental Controls on Android Devices?

Android gives you a few different ways to set up parental controls, including restrictions through Google Play, Google Family Link, and even data usage limits. Here’s how to put parental controls on Android phones to help keep your child’s digital world safe and appropriate.

Method 1: Enable Parental Controls Through Google Play

Google Play allows you to restrict access to apps, games, movies, and music that may not be suitable for your child, all controlled by a PIN only you know.

However, this method mainly filters out obvious red-flag apps and doesn’t provide full device monitoring or block harmful content beyond Google Play.

Steps to Set Up Parental Controls on Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your child’s device.
2. Tap the profile icon (a small circle in the top-right corner with a picture or initial).
3. Select Settings from the menu.
4. Scroll down and tap on Family, then select Parental Controls.
5. Toggle Parental controls on—you’ll be asked to set up a PIN (make sure it’s something your child can’t guess!).
6. Once the PIN is set, you’ll see options to restrict different types of content.
7. Start with Apps & Games—you’ll be able to choose age ratings like 3+, 7+, 12+, and so on. Select the appropriate level for your child.
8. Go back and tap on Books—enable the option to restrict sexually explicit books.
9. Repeat the process for TV shows, movies, and music, applying restrictions based on what’s appropriate for your child’s age.
10. Once you’ve set everything up, the restrictions will automatically apply to your child’s device.

Pick a PIN that’s hard to guess! If your child figures it out, they can easily turn off parental control on the Android phone.

Method 2: Manage Parental Controls with Google Family Link

If you’re wondering how to add parental controls on Android in a way that offers more than just app restrictions, Google Family Link is the way to go. It lets you set screen time limits, approve or deny app downloads, and even track the location of connected devices. You can also remotely lock your child’s device at bedtime, making sure they actually put their phone down when they’re supposed to.

Another standout feature of Family Link is “app activity data sharing.” When enabled, it lets you see how much time your child is spending on different apps daily, weekly, or monthly. It’s a great option if you’re looking for how to use parental controls on Android beyond just basic content filtering.

Steps to Set Up Google Family Link:

1. Download the Google Family Link app on your (parent’s) Android phone.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
3. Follow the instructions to add your child’s Google account—if they don’t have one, you can create one during setup.
4. The app will prompt you to set up a Family Link setup code—go ahead and create that.
5. Now, install “Family Link for Children & Teens” on your child’s device.
6. Sign in on their device using the account you linked earlier and enter the setup code.
7. Once connected, you can now manage and monitor your child’s phone right from your Family Link app.

Method 3: Set a Data Limit to Control Screen Time

Maybe you don’t need to monitor your child’s online activity—just limit screen time or cut down on excessive gaming and social media scrolling. In that case, setting a data limit is a simple but effective way to control their internet use. Once they reach the limit, apps requiring an internet connection will stop working, forcing them to take a break.

Steps to Set a Data Limit on an Android Device:

1. Open Settings on your child’s Android phone.
2. Find “Connections” and tap on it.
3. Go to “Data Usage”, then tap on “Billing Cycle & Data Warning.”
4. Toggle on “Set Data Limit.”
5. Just below it, tap on “Set Data Limit” again—you’ll see a prompt to enter how much data you want to allow.
6. Enter the data limit (GB or MB)—for reference, Instagram can eat up 1GB in just an hour of browsing.
7. You can also set a “Data Warning”, which will notify the device when they’re getting close to the limit.
8. Save your settings, and you’re done.

Read Also: How to Set Up Snapchat Parental Controls

When Built-In Android Phone Parental Controls Are Not Enough

The methods we covered—Google Play restrictions, Family Link, and data limits—are great starting points for Android phone parental control. But let’s be honest: kids today are way too tech-savvy. Many of them know exactly how to get around these restrictions. They might reset their devices, create guest accounts, or dig through settings to disable the very controls you put in place.

Data limits, for example, are set on their device. If your child knows their way around their phone’s settings, they can simply turn the limit off or increase it. Similarly, Google Family Link has age restrictions—once your child reaches a certain age (13 in the U.S.), they can choose to remove parental controls and manage their own device.

That’s why sometimes, built-in parental controls just don’t cut it. If you’re looking for more oversight, an advanced solution like Parentaler might be the better choice.

Bonus Tip: How to Put Parentaler Parental Control app on Android phone

Unlike Android’s built-in features, Parentaler offers real-time tracking, alerts, and silent monitoring—features that free apps simply don’t provide. With Parentaler, you can:

• See your child’s current location and past movements.
• Set virtual boundaries and get alerts if they leave a designated area.
• Monitor websites visited and block inappropriate content.
• Restrict app downloads, including addictive games and social media.
• Keep track of calls, messages, and online interactions.
• Capture activity screenshots at intervals.
• Get alerts for suspicious keywords in chats.

Install Parentaler on an Android Device

Parentaler works by installing the monitoring app on your child’s phone, while you access everything remotely through a web-based dashboard. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Visit Parentaler’s website and sign up for an account.
2. Follow the instructions to enter your child’s details—age, device type, and monitoring preferences.
3. Enter your email address to create your account.
4. Choose a subscription plan—the standard plan covers one device, while the family kit supports up to three devices.
5. After purchase, you’ll receive a download link via email. Follow it to set up the app on your child’s device.
6. Log in to your Parentaler dashboard from any device and start monitoring.

Is It Safe to Use Smartphones Without Parental Controls?

Smartphones without parental controls can lead to both mental and physical stress for children. Once they’re on the internet unmonitored, they can easily encounter:

• Inappropriate content that isn’t age-appropriate.
• Cyberbullying and harmful social interactions.
• Online predators who target young users.
• Malware and scams that can put their and your personal or financial data at risk.

Even if they avoid these dangers, excessive screen time alone can be harmful, leading to addiction and affecting their well-being. That’s why, knowing how to put child lock on a phone isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for their safety.

Read Also: Spotify Parental Controls: Protect Your Kids from Inappropriate Content

FAQ

Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on Android devices is crucial to protect your child from online risks. You can use Google Play restrictions, Google Family Link, or data limits to manage their screen time and content access.

But for full control and peace of mind, Parentaler is the best option. With its comprehensive monitoring and stealth features, you’ll always know how to restrict apps on Android—without your kids realizing it.

Jim Jefferson

Jim Jefferson is the voice behind Parentaler blog posts. A true expert in digital security with over 10-year experience in child behaviorism. He focuses on making parent's lives easier by enlightening their digital experience.