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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Google Family Link gives parents three distinct ways to manage a child’s screen use: a daily time allowance, scheduled blocks such as Downtime or School time, and limits for individual apps. Set them in the Family Link app by selecting your child and opening Screen time. Daily limits apply separately on each Android device or Chromebook; app limits can apply across the child’s Android and ChromeOS devices.
Choose the control that matches what you want to manage
| Control | What it does | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Daily limit | Sets how much time the child can use each Android device or Chromebook per day. | Putting a ceiling on everyday use. |
| Downtime | Blocks access during scheduled hours. | Bedtime or another regular off-screen period. |
| School time | Restricts use during scheduled hours and silences notifications. | School or study periods. |
| App limits | Sets a time allowance for a selected app; limits apply to apps installed across the child’s Android and ChromeOS devices. | Reducing time in a particular app without setting the same cap on all use. |
These controls address different patterns and can be combined. Configure them in the Family Link app. Google’s instructions and compatibility details are in its guide to managing your child’s screen time.
Set a daily screen-time limit
- Open Family Link on your device and select your child.
- Tap Screen time, then Time limits.
- Turn on Daily limit.
- Open Weekly schedule, choose a day, enter the allowed time, and save. Repeat for other days, or choose the option to apply the same limit to all days.
To adjust a particular day later, return to Weekly schedule and edit that day’s allowance. The budget is not pooled across devices: Google’s example says a two-hour limit gives the child two hours on each Android device or Chromebook they use, rather than two hours shared between them.
Schedule bedtime or school hours
- In Family Link, select your child and open Screen time, then Schedules.
- Turn on Downtime for a regular block such as bedtime, or School time for school or study hours.
- Under Weekly schedule, set the start and end times for the days you want, then save. To change only the current day, use that day’s entry under Downtime or School time.
The two schedules differ in what remains available. During School time, notifications are silenced, but calls and texts remain available. During Downtime, calls remain available; texting is available when the child’s messaging app is configured as an Unlimited app. You can allow Unlimited apps during either schedule. For devices running Android 14 or later or Wear OS 5 or later, Google documents additional controls over who the child can call or text. See Google’s instructions for setting schedules.
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Limit time in a particular app
- Select your child in Family Link and go to Screen time > Time limits > App limits.
- Choose the app, set its allowed hours and minutes, and save.
App limits are available for Android 7.0 and later and ChromeOS 83 and later. They apply to the selected app across the child’s Android and ChromeOS devices. System apps cannot be given app limits. Google’s app-limit instructions describe the supported feature and settings.
Keep essential apps available and make one-day exceptions
Use Unlimited time apps for selected exceptions
An app set as an Unlimited time app does not count toward the daily limit and can remain available after that limit is reached. You can also configure Unlimited apps to stay available during Downtime or School time. On Android 7 and later, Unlimited time apps are supported except on devices running Google Kids Space. If you manually lock the device, those apps are unavailable by default; Family Link has a lock-screen setting that changes this behavior.
Add bonus time without changing the recurring schedule
To allow extra use for one day, select your child’s device on the Family Link Screen time page and tap Bonus time. This avoids editing the regular daily limit or schedule. You can also lock or unlock a supervised device from this screen. If the child’s device is offline, a Parent Access Code can be used to unlock it.
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- Real-Time GPS Tracking & Safe Zone Alerts: Attention: The Watch only supports US, not support other countries.Stay connected with your child through real-time location tracking on Google Maps. With AI-assisted positioning and multi-satellite GPS technology,such as GPS、GLONASS、Galileo、BeiDou、QZSS、NavIC satellite systems,this kids smart watch helps deliver more accurate location updates for everyday use. Parents can view location history, check daily routes, set multiple geofences, and receive instant alerts when kids enter or leave safe zones. You can also refresh the location anytime or remotely ring the watch to help find it quickly.
- 4G Video Call, Voice Call & Smart Communication: Stay connected with your child through 4G video calls, voice calls, instant messaging, and family group chat. Built with Multi-Band LTE, Wi-Fi Support, a High-Sensitivity Antenna, and SignalBooster technology, this kids smart watch helps provide a stronger and more stable connection via SIM card or WiFi. Kids can send voice messages, text, and emojis, make one-tap calls, or use the dial pad easily. With GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS Positioning, parents can also get more reliable location updates, making it a smart first phone alternative for kids.
- SOS Emergency Call & Remote Monitoring. In emergencies, kids can press and hold the SOS button to automatically call preset contacts. Parents can also use remote listening to hear the surrounding environment when needed. SMS alerts and app notifications ensure you’re always informed about your child’s safety.
- AI Smart Features, Camera & Entertainment. Built-in AI voice assistant, translation, and image recognition make learning fun and interactive. The watch also includes a camera, album, games, stopwatch, calculator, alarms, and sports modes. Kids can explore, learn, and stay entertained throughout the day.
- Advanced Parental Controls & Class Mode. Take full control through the app. Manage contacts, block unknown calls, disable dial pad, and set class mode to prevent distractions during school hours. Additional features include scheduled power on/off, remote shutdown/restart, call restrictions, and customizable settings for a safe digital environment.
Know what happens when a device locks
Google says the child is notified when screen-time limits are first set on Android and when the device is about to lock. Once locked, the child cannot see notifications, unlock the device, or use apps, except eligible Unlimited time apps. On Android phones with a calling plan, calls and emergency calling remain available.
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Google’s current eligibility guidance lists these minimums and conditions; availability can vary by country or region. The parent needs a Google Account and must meet the age requirement for their country, and parent and child must live in the same country. A supervised child needs a Google Account and one of the supported devices below.
| Use | Devices and minimum versions listed by Google |
|---|---|
| Parent’s Family Link app | Android 6.0 or later; iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or later; or a compatible Chromebook. Some settings are available on the web. |
| Child’s supervised device | Android 6.0 or later; Chromebook with ChromeOS 71 or later; or a compatible Fitbit device. |
| App-limit feature | Android 7.0 or later and ChromeOS 83 or later. |
Family Link does not supervise a child’s iPhone, iPad, or a computer other than a Chromebook. Google Workspace for Education accounts cannot be managed through Family Link. See Google’s Family Link availability and requirements for account and device details.
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