Start with a child account

Google says parents can create a supervised Google Account for a child under 13, or under the applicable age in their country, and manage it with Family Link [web:600][web:601][web:599]. That account is the foundation of child-safe Android use [web:627][web:631].

Do not set up the phone as a normal adult account or use a fake birthday to unlock features. Google’s age-based controls, Family Link settings and app restrictions all work best when the child account is accurate [web:605][web:631].

Step 1: Install Family Link on the parent’s phone

Google says Family Link is the tool parents use to supervise their child’s Android device, manage apps, screen time and privacy settings [web:598][web:631][web:635]. The parent should install it on their own phone first [web:598][web:636].

This gives you the control panel before the child even starts using the device. It is much easier to build the rules early than to repair a messy setup later [web:631][web:637].

Step 2: Link the child’s phone to Family Link

Google says the child’s Android device should be linked to the parent’s supervised account during setup [web:636][web:631]. Once linked, the parent can manage settings remotely from their own device [web:631][web:639].

Google also says the child’s device needs to be on, connected to the internet and recently active for some controls like location to work properly [web:631].

Step 3: Set a device PIN or access lock

Google’s newer Android guidance says built-in parental controls can be protected by an easy-to-set PIN, and Family Link also helps prevent children from changing restrictions without permission [web:630][web:636].

Make sure the child cannot simply guess or bypass the lock screen code. A child-safe phone needs a strong device lock as well as account supervision [web:631][web:636].

Step 4: Set screen time limits

Google says Family Link allows daily time limits, bedtime or downtime schedules, and device locking from the parent’s phone [web:629][web:631][web:639]. It also says newer Android parental controls can include on-device time limits and downtime schedules [web:630][web:636].

For a child’s first Android phone, screen time should be one of the first things you configure. It is easier to create a routine than to fight over usage after bad habits are already built [web:639][web:631].

Step 5: Approve or block apps

Google says Family Link can require approval for app downloads from Google Play, and parents can also block apps entirely or set individual app limits [web:631][web:639].

That means you can decide whether the child may install something new, or whether every download needs your permission first. For younger children, approval-first is usually the safer choice [web:631][web:636].

Step 6: Lock down Google services

Google says Family Link can help set parental controls on Chrome, Play, YouTube and Search [web:629][web:635][web:631]. This is one of the most important parts of making Android child-safe because the browser and Google services are often where children encounter the widest range of content [web:631][web:632].

Google also says SafeSearch is on by default for signed-in users under 13, and parents can keep it on or block Search completely [web:631].

Step 7: Set web and search filters

Google says parents can manage which websites a child can access in Chrome and can either limit access to only approved sites or block specific sites [web:631]. SafeSearch adds another layer by filtering most explicit results [web:631].

For a child-safe setup, this should not be left to chance. If the child is young enough to need supervision, web filtering should be enabled right away [web:631][web:632].

Step 8: Turn on location if needed

Google says Family Link can show the location of a child’s Android device if it is on, connected and recently active [web:631][web:638]. This can be useful for younger children and for school travel, but it should be a family choice rather than a silent default [web:631].

If you use location, tell the child why it is on and when you will check it. That keeps the setup transparent rather than secretive [web:638][web:631].

Step 9: Review privacy and account settings

Google says Family Link allows parents to access and manage the child’s account and data settings [web:631]. That includes privacy choices, password recovery and account information [web:631].

It is worth checking these settings before the phone is handed over, not weeks later. A child-safe device should start with the controls already in place [web:631][web:636].

Step 10: Use Android’s built-in parental controls too

Google says Android 16 and later include a new on-device Parental Controls section in Settings, protected by a PIN [web:630][web:636]. These controls can handle screen time, downtime and content filtering directly on the device [web:630].

That means parents now have two layers: Family Link for supervision and device-side controls for quick changes [web:630][web:636].

What to do before the child uses the phone

1. Create or confirm the supervised child Google Account [web:599][web:600][web:631].
2. Install Family Link on the parent’s phone [web:598][web:636].
3. Link the child’s Android device [web:631][web:636].
4. Set a device PIN and a separate parent access PIN [web:630][web:636].
5. Set screen time and bedtime limits [web:631][web:639].
6. Enable app approval rules [web:631][web:639].
7. Turn on SafeSearch and web filtering [web:631][web:632].
8. Review privacy, location and account settings [web:631][web:638].

Good family rules for an Android phone

1. No changing settings without a parent.
2. No new app downloads without approval.
3. No sharing the PIN with friends.
4. No private browsing or video watching without age-appropriate filters [web:631].
5. No turning location off without discussing it first [web:631][web:638].
6. No using the phone after bedtime unless a parent allows it [web:639][web:630].

How to make an Android phone child-safe from scratch: the simple verdict

The safest Android setup starts with a supervised child Google Account, not a normal account, and then layers Family Link, screen time, app approvals, web filters, SafeSearch and device locks on top [web:599][web:631][web:636].

Google’s newer built-in Android parental controls add convenience, but Family Link is still the backbone of family management [web:630][web:631].

If you remember one thing, make it this: an Android phone becomes child-safe only when the account, device and content rules are all set before the child starts using it [web:631][web:636].

Quick FAQ for parents

Do I need Family Link for a child’s Android phone?

Yes, if you want Google’s full child supervision tools. Google says Family Link manages accounts, screen time, apps and privacy settings [web:598][web:631].

Can I block apps?

Yes. Google says you can approve, block or time-limit apps through Family Link [web:631][web:639].

Can I filter websites?

Yes. Google says Family Link can limit websites or block specific sites in Chrome [web:631].

Can I see my child’s location?

Yes, if the device is on, connected and recently active [web:631].

Is there now a built-in Android parental controls menu?

Yes. Google says newer Android versions include a Parental Controls area in Settings, protected by a PIN [web:630][web:636].