Android Parental Controls Without Family Link
Google Family Link is the most complete way to manage a child’s Android device, but it isn’t the only one. If your child uses a shared tablet, or you’d rather not create a supervised Google account, Android has controls you can set on the device itself with a PIN. Checked October 25, 2026.
Which option is right for you?
On-device controls suit a younger child’s tablet or a shared device. For a child’s own phone, especially one they take to school, Google Family Link adds remote management, location and app approval from your own phone.
Option 1: On-device parental controls (Android 17 and later)
Go to Settings > Parental controls and tap “Set up Parental controls PIN.” Add a recovery account so you can reset the PIN if you forget it; without one, a forgotten PIN means a factory reset.
You can then set:
- Daily limit: the device locks when the time is used up.
- Downtime: start and end times when the device locks, such as bedtime.
- App limits: time limits for individual apps.
- Blocked apps: turn off “Allow app” to hide an app completely.
- Web filters: “Block explicit sites” and “Filter explicit search results” in Chrome and the Google app.
- App store filters: age ratings for apps, movies, TV and books in Google Play.
When time runs out, you can add bonus time from the lock screen with your PIN.
Limits to know: on-device controls can’t be turned on if the device has a work profile or private space, and the PIN is shared by everyone on the device.
Option 2: Google Play content restrictions (any Android version)
- Open the Google Play app and tap your profile icon.
- Tap Settings > Family > Content restrictions (on some versions, Parental controls).
- Set a PIN your child doesn’t know.
- Choose the highest rating allowed for apps and games, movies and TV, and turn on the books filter.
Google notes that restrictions only apply on the device where you set them, apps installed before you set them stay available, and restricted content can still appear through a direct link. Also turn on purchase authentication in Google Play settings so every purchase needs a password. See In-Game Spending and Loot Boxes.
Extra steps on any Android
- Digital Wellbeing: on many phones, Settings > Digital Wellbeing offers app timers and bedtime mode. Children can turn these off, so use them for older kids who agree to them.
- App permissions: check which apps can use location, camera and microphone in Settings > Security and privacy.
- Screen lock: set your own PIN on a shared device so a child can’t change settings.
Quick checklist
- Parental controls PIN and recovery account set (Android 17+)
- Daily limit and downtime set
- Google Play content restrictions on
- Purchase authentication on
- Explicit site and search filters on
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which Android version I have?
Go to Settings > About phone > Android version. If you don’t see Settings > Parental controls, use Google Play restrictions and Digital Wellbeing, or set up Family Link.
Can a child get around these controls?
Determined children sometimes find workarounds, such as a factory reset or another browser. Controls work best alongside clear family rules. See our First Phone Checklist.
Does this cover iPhone?
No. See How to Set Parental Controls on an iPhone.
Sources
- Set up parental controls on an Android device, Android Help, accessed October 25, 2026
- How to set up content restrictions on Google Play, Google Play Help, accessed October 25, 2026
- Parent guide to Google Play, Google Play Help, accessed October 25, 2026
Get one family safety tip a month. Sign up for the Juggling Chaos newsletter. We will never ask for a password, payment, gift card, or verification code.
Device settings vary by phone maker and Android version. This guide is general information and is not affiliated with Google. See our Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.
