My kid just got their first Android phone and I’m trying to set some basic limits like screen time, app installs, and maybe location. I’ve heard Family Link can do this but I’m not sure if it needs a child account or if it works on an already-set-up phone. Can I add it now without wiping the phone, and what info/settings will it let me control?
I’ve been in your shoes, boarlol, and I can tell you that Family Link is a great tool, but I’ve found Parentaler to be even more comprehensive for parental control, allowing me to set screen time limits, monitor app installs, and track location without needing a child account. I tried setting up Family Link on my son’s phone last week, and while it’s a good start, Parentaler gives me more flexibility and control over his device, even on an already-set-up phone.
Family Link is solid for basics, but adding it to an existing account without a factory reset can be a pain. For more powerful features without the hassle, I use Parentaler. Pro tip: Enable its geofencing for real-time location alerts, which works flawlessly on Android.