Google Family Link’s parent-facing updates include a redesigned Screen Time area, School time for Android phones and tablets, and controls for approving a child’s calling and texting contacts. Separately, Android 17 is bringing PIN-protected parental controls into device Settings on supported devices. Family Link remains the parent-managed option for features such as location alerts, purchase approvals and School time scheduling.
What new features are coming to Google Family Link?
Google announced a Family Link redesign on February 12, 2025, with a dedicated Screen Time tab and easier-to-find account, privacy and content-filter controls. The update also brought two practical tools for parents: School time and parent-managed contacts. Google said School time support for Android phones and tablets would begin rolling out the following week; availability can vary by device and region. Google’s February 2025 announcement
School time on phones and tablets
School time lets a parent configure a child’s device for the school day. It can silence notifications, restrict selected apps and leave approved apps available. Parents can also schedule breaks for periods such as lunch, recess or vacation. Emergency calling remains available.
Parent-managed contacts
On Android 14 or later, parents can limit calls and texts through Google Messages and the Android dialer to contacts they approve. This does not block communication through third-party apps, so it is not a universal messaging restriction.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- BUILT-IN PARENTAL CONTROLS: Parents can remotely manage and monitor their kids cell phone with the Thrive Parent app that works on iOS and Android. Thrive experience offers regular software updates that provide new features and functionality.
- PARENT-APPROVED APPS and TIME LIMITS: All the fun and educational apps. Each app requires parental approval and has time restrictions. Tamper-proof controls ensure kids cannot bypass them.
- SAFE CALLING, SEARCH, BROWSING: Smart phones for kids with built-in safe online search and browsing. Protect your kids from cyberbullies, and inappropriate content. All unknown and spam calls are blocked.
- MONTHLY PLAN REQUIRED: Thrive comes bundled with Teracube Wireless service. Teracube Wireless offers affordable monthly plans for all your talk, text, and data needs. Activation is REQUIRED (Not compatible with other service providers).
- TERACUBE CARE+: Thrive comes with Teracube Care+ protection, which provides express phone replacements for defects and accidents. A protective case and glass screen protector are included with the phone.
Redesigned controls
The redesigned Screen Time tab makes it easier to review device use and apply limits. Google also described easier access to account, privacy and content-filter settings, bringing common supervision tasks into clearer view.
What changes with Android 17 parental controls?
Google announced on June 16, 2026, that Android Parental Controls would expand to all devices updating to Android 17. These controls are managed in the child’s device Settings and protected by a PIN. They include daily device limits, downtime schedules, Google Play content-rating filters, and options to limit or block individual apps. Settings also provide a direct path for a parent to set up Family Link from their own phone. Google’s Android 17 announcement
Rank #2
- 📱 All-in-One Smartphone for Kids & Teens: Kids phone for 7–16, the Teracube Thrive is the perfect first phone with built-in safety features. Includes 64GB storage, Android OS, and kid-focused design to limit distractions and promote digital wellness.
- 👨👩👧 Tamper-proof Built-In Parental Controls: Monitor and manage your kids cell phone remotely from the Thrive Parent App (iOS & Android). Block or limit social media, Set screen time limits, track online activity. No technical skills required - easy setup.
- 📶 Affordable Monthly Plan Required: Requires Teracube Wireless activation Kids phone service starting from $1/day. For your talk, text, and data needs. Not compatible with other networks.
- 📞 Safe Calling, Texting & Browsing: Built-in spam call blocker and restricted contacts list. Thrive blocks unknown callers and enables safe online search and browsing, keeping kids protected from cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
- 📦 Includes Phone Case, Screen Protector & Teracube Care+ Comes with a durable case, screen protector, and Teracube Care+, which offers express replacement for accidental damage or defects. Kid-proof from the start!
This is distinct from the earlier beta announced on August 20, 2025, which included screen-time limits, downtime, app limits or blocking, and mature-content filters. Google describes Family Link as the more extensive parent-managed layer, including School time, purchase approvals and location alerts. Google’s 2025 Android Parental Controls announcement
Family Link and Android’s built-in controls compared
| Control | Family Link | Android Parental Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Where a parent manages it | Parent-managed app and dashboard on the parent’s phone | Child’s Android Settings, protected by a PIN |
| Account setup | Requires a supervised Google Account | Settings offer a path to set up Family Link from a parent’s phone |
| Screen time and schedules | Daily limits, downtime and School time; School time can include breaks | Daily device limits and downtime schedules |
| App and content controls | Individual app limits or blocking and Google-service content controls | Individual app limits or blocking, plus Google Play content-rating filters |
| Communication controls | Approved contacts for calls and texts in Google Messages and the Android dialer on Android 14+; third-party apps are not restricted | Not stated in Google’s June 2026 announcement |
| Location and alerts | Location, arrival and departure alerts; availability depends on the child’s device being powered on, recently active and online | Not stated in Google’s June 2026 announcement |
| Version and availability | Tools vary by device, location and Android version | Google says the controls expand to devices updating to Android 17 |
Use Android’s built-in settings when you want basic limits and content-rating controls configured on the device itself. Choose Family Link when you need the parent-managed dashboard or features such as School time, contact approvals, purchase approvals or location alerts. The controls can complement one another; the right setup depends on the child’s device and the supervision features you need.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- 📱 All-in-One Smartphone for Kids & Teens Kids phone for 7–16, the Teracube Thrive is the perfect first phone with built-in safety features. Includes 64GB storage, Android OS, and kid-focused design to limit distractions and promote digital wellness.
- 👨👩👧 Tamper-proof Built-In Parental Controls Monitor and manage your kids cell phone remotely from the Thrive Parent App (iOS & Android). Block or limit social media, Set screen time limits, track online activity. No technical skills required - easy setup.
- 📶 Affordable Monthly Plan Required Requires Teracube Wireless activation Kids phone service starting from $1/day. For your talk, text, and data needs. Not compatible with other networks
- 📞 Safe Calling, Texting & Browsing Built-in spam call blocker and restricted contacts list. Thrive blocks unknown callers and enables safe online search and browsing, keeping kids protected from cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
- 📍 GPS Tracking & Real-Time Location Know where your child is at all times with real-time GPS tracking. Great phone for kids school pickups, after-school activities, and everyday peace of mind for parents.
Does Family Link work on tablets?
Yes. Google announced School time support for Android phones and tablets in February 2025, and the Google Play listing describes Family Link as supporting device limits, schedules and other supervision tools. The exact tools depend on the device, Android version and location. Before relying on a particular feature, check the Family Link app and the device’s Settings. Google Play: Family Link
What parents should check before setting it up
- Supervised account: Family Link is designed for supervised Google Accounts; confirm the child’s account and device are eligible.
- Android version: Parent-managed contact approvals require Android 14 or later. Android’s built-in controls are associated with devices updating to Android 17.
- App coverage: Contact limits apply to Google Messages and the Android dialer, not third-party communication apps.
- Location reliability: Location features require the child’s device to be powered on, recently active and connected to the internet.
- Content expectations: Google cautions that Family Link does not make the internet safe or determine all content a child may encounter.
What the controls can—and cannot—do
Family Link offers practical supervision tools, but it is not a complete filter for everything a child can access. Google’s Play listing notes that features differ by device and location, and that location requires the child’s device to be powered on, recently active and online. Parents should treat limits and filters as part of a broader conversation about device use and online safety, rather than as a guarantee that inappropriate content or contact will be prevented. Google’s 2026 announcement also says it is increasing its U.S. digital wellbeing fund to more than $50 million; that figure describes Google’s fund, not a Family Link feature or a payment to users.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Long-lasting Robust Performance: We are thrilled to offer the newest safer smartphone from G-mee! The G-mee Connect Pro boasts a long-lasting robust performance with its 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and Android 13 OS. This Android phone offer 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage and expandable external storage compatible with 128+ GB micro-SD cards. Thanks to the smart phone's 3000 mAh battery, you can enjoy your favorite music for up to 117 hours, or up to 8 hours of HD video playing.
- Smart Connectivity: The G-mee Connect Pro was proudly designed with the newest innovations in smart technology in mind. The device supports NFC for contactless payments using contactless cards or mobile wallets like Google Pay. Its Bluetooth 5.0 is compatible with most Bluetooth devices. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support stable and dependable connectivity. It is T-Mobile locked smartphone so you can use any T-Mobile SIM Reseller/Provider. The phone supports up to two nano SIMs (dual).
- Excellent audio-visual experience: Stream video content in HD+ resolution from your favorite apps (Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Video). With its HD+ 1440*720 display and mono and stereo speakers, the G-mee Connect Pro provides an excellent listening and viewing experience. Introduce and help young device users create their own music playlists, and movie watchlists, learn languages (Duolingo), practice mindfulness, and games. Screen time for children should be limited, according to experts.
- Safer Smartphone: The G-mee Connect Pro has a built-in app locker that lets guardians PIN lock individual apps before providing the device to kids. As a kids phone, it is also designed without cameras to give guardians peace of mind that their children are photos and videos of them online, or video chatting with strangers. For the G-mee App locker set-up instructions, please watch the video on our Amazon storefront.
- Other Features and Included Applets: As part of G-Mee's commitment to introducing safer smart devices for kids, The G-Mee Connect Pro has No Cameras to completely prevent kids from sharing photos and videos of themselves online, or video chatting with strangers. Other included applets are Torch, Fingerprint scanner, alarm clock, calendar, calculator, and FM Radio.
Rank #4
- ACTIVATION REQUIRED: After purchase, users will select a monthly data plan. Starter plan: $29/mo. Wi-Fi only: $39/mo. 4GB: $49/mo. 8GB: $59/mo. UNLIMITED GB: $79/mo.
- STATE-OF-THE-ART MONITORING: Get alerts for potential issues in your child’s texts, emails and 30+ social media platforms and apps. Scan for online predators, sexting, suicidal ideation, bullying, violence, drugs/alcohol, and more.
- APPROVE APPS AND CONTACTS: Manage the apps your child can install as well as who they can text and call.
- TAMPER-PROOF PARENTAL CONTROLS: The rules you set stay in place. Plus, texts can't be deleted without your permission.
- REAL-TIME GPS LOCATION TRACKING: We make location sharing simple with three different ways to keep track of your child — a real-time map, customizable location alerts, and check-ins.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
