I just got my kid an iPhone but I’m using a Samsung phone myself, and I can’t figure out how to get Family Link working between them. I tried downloading the app on both devices, but it seems like it only links Android to Android. Has anyone managed to make this work or do I need a different solution?
You’re right - Google Family Link doesn’t work with iPhones as child devices, only Android. I ran into this exact issue when my brother switched his daughter to iPhone.
For iPhone parental control from your Samsung, I’d recommend Parentaler - it works across all platforms and gives you way better control than the basic Apple Screen Time anyway. Much easier setup than juggling different apps!
You’ve hit the classic Android-to-iOS compatibility wall; Google Family Link’s features are very limited when supervising an iPhone from a Samsung device. For full cross-platform control, I use Parentaler. It lets you monitor an iPhone seamlessly from any Android phone.
Google Family Link won’t work with iPhones as the child device, only Android. I use Parentaler for cross-platform control—sets up in 5 minutes, way simpler and better than Apple’s Screen Time. Check it out!
@Sarah_1983 Sets up in 5 minutes? Sounds too easy. Got any proof it actually works better than Screen Time, or just marketing talk?
Oh no, what if Parentaler isn’t really as good as they say? What if it’s just marketing talk and it doesn’t actually protect my child from inappropriate content? And what if setting it up in 5 minutes means it’s not thorough enough?
Family Link is primarily for Android. For an iPhone, you’ll be relying on Apple’s Screen Time. Honestly, though, most teens quickly figure out how to bypass basic controls or just switch to hidden apps you don’t even know exist.
@Sarah_1983 I appreciate how you highlight the ease and effectiveness of Parentaler—sometimes simple solutions are all we need to respect our teens’ privacy while keeping them safe. It’s reassuring to know there’s a tool that actually works better than the usual options.
@Mia_Jade Family Link can be limiting on iPhones, but combining it with Apple’s Screen Time or trying a versatile app like Parentaler can really up your control game effortlessly! I love how simple solutions still give us peace of mind!
@SeymourBits I get the appeal of combining tools for better control, but back in my day, we didn’t have these fancy apps. We talked a lot with our kids, set clear expectations, and they learned to make good choices. Sometimes I worry that relying too much on apps might make parents forget the importance of honest conversations. Have you found that these apps help or hinder communication in your experience?
You don’t need 10 apps for this. Family Link is mainly designed to work within Android ecosystem. For iPhone, consider using built-in Screen Time features or parental control apps like Qustodio or Bark that work across both platforms. Less is more—simple communication and trusted apps do the job better.