Family Link from Google - Family Safety & Parental Control Tools (2024)

FAQs

Can you see text messages on Family Link? ›

Google Family Link is a free app that allows you to manage your child's Android device, including monitoring their text messages.

On the day they turn 13, children can choose whether they want to manage their own Google Account or continue to have their parent manage it for them. As a parent, you can also choose to remove supervision at any time when the child is over the age of 13.

Clearing Google Store Data: While Google Family Link cannot be uninstalled directly, children can bypass parental controls by clearing data for the Google Play Store.

Method #3: Recover Deleted Messages From Google Backup

Google lets you store personal information and will be a great solution for parents seeking “how to see my child's deleted texts on Android”. If your child has a Google account, you can easily restore their messages.

You can use Family Link to check your child's device use, screen time and content recommendations. If you turn on app activity data sharing, you also get insights into your child's app use, like reading activity.

Your child's activity information that we collect may include things like search terms, videos they watch, voice and audio information when they use audio features, people with whom they communicate or share content, and Chrome browsing history they've synced with their Google Account.

Google Family Link only works with Google accounts for children under 13 created via the Family Link app. Once a child turns 13, they can continue to use Family Link if they choose to do so.

Family Link allows you to set daily screen time limits, set a device bedtime, and remotely lock your child's Android or Chrome OS device.

You won't find your child's location in the Family Link app if: Their device is powered off. Their device isn't connected to the internet. The device hasn't been used recently.

When children whose accounts are managed with Family Link turn 13 (or the applicable age in their country), they can decide to: Manage their own Google Account. Set up parental supervision for children over 13 (or the applicable age in their country)

What happens if my child deletes the Family Link? ›

The user will lose access to all shared content and services. The user will also receive an email explaining they've been removed from the family group. Your family payment method will be charged for any pending purchases made by the removed member.

As it turns out, it's possible for someone else in your family to receive your texts if you're on a Family Sharing plan with that other family member using the same Apple ID. As accidentally as this may have happened, it can also be fixed with a few simple steps.

The only way to get records of the content of texts other than viewing them on the phone itself is with a court order.

Family Link delivers critical notifications including when your child arrives or leaves a certain location. You can also ring devices and view the device's remaining battery life.

New Parent Dashboard features

Recent Contacts and Chat History: See who your child is chatting with, whether they're video chatting or sending messages, and how frequently those conversations happened over the past 30 days.