Family Services#

Google Family Link is an official Google app that allows a family manager to supervise up to five child accounts.

Although designed for parent-child use, it can be misused in adult-adult relationships.

Family Link operates across:

  • Android phones
  • Google apps on Apple devices
  • Google Chrome browser

The level of control depends on:

  • Account age
  • Device type (Android vs non-Google devices)

Controls on Android and Chromebooks#

On Android phones and Chromebooks, Family Link can:

  • Set screen time limits
  • Approve or block app downloads
  • Restrict websites in Chrome
  • Restrict specific apps
  • View all installed apps
  • View time spent on each app
  • Track real-time device location
  • Control sign-ins on new devices
  • Change account settings
  • Delete supervised accounts if under 13

For Google accounts over the age of 13 or the age of consent, Family Link does not allow a parent account to: https://support.google.com/families/answer/9055704?hl=en&sjid=14750032651279734131-NC#zippy=%2Cstop-supervision-with-your-childs-device

  • Remotely view your screen
  • View browsing or search history
  • Reset your account password
  • Read emails or messages
  • Listen to calls
  • Change your lock screen password
  • Prevent you from stopping supervision

Although it is intended to be a tool for parents and children, sometimes it is misused by abusers to control the victim’s device, account, and location.

How to tell if your phone is being supervised#

  1. Open Google Account settings
  2. Go to People & sharing
  3. Select View family group

If you see that someone else’s account has a supervisor title, then your actions listed above may be seen by the supervisor if they set up Family Link on their device. In order to check if you are being supervised or not, open parental controls in your phone settings. If you DON’T see the family group setting, then you are not a part of any Google Family.

Warning#

Actions Below May Alert the Organizer! Only proceed if it is safe.

All depends on your account’s age. If it is set for below 13 years old (age may be different depending on your region. You can check it here: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1350409), then you don’t have an option to leave the group yourself. However, if your account’s age is above 13 or the age of consent in your country, you can remove Family Link in the parental controls page in the phone settings without a Parent Access Code.

  • Under 13: You cannot leave the group yourself
  • Over 13 / age of consent: You can remove supervision without a Parent Access Code

⚠ Removing Family Link without the Parent Access Code will temporarily lock and disable all supervised Android devices for 24 hours.

  1. Open Settings
  2. Open Parental Controls
  3. Tap three dots in the top-right corner
  4. Select Stop supervision
  5. Follow on-screen instructions

If Birthdate or Account Details Are Incorrect#

If your real age does not match the account age, or the steps above do not apply:

  • Contact Google Support
  • Be prepared to verify your identity
  • Ensure your environment is safe before proceeding
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If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911!