How to use parental control for kids on smartphones

Parental control on a smartphone helps you monitor and limit what children can access on the device. The method depends on whether the phone is Android or iPhone.

1. On Android Phones (Using Google Family Link)

Use the Google Family Link app.

Steps

1. Download Google Family Link on your phone and the child’s phone.

2. Sign in with your Google account.

3. Create or add your child’s Google account.

4. Link the child’s device to your account.

5. Set controls such as:

   • App download approval

   • Screen time limits

   • Bedtime schedules

   • Website restrictions

   • Location tracking

What you can control

• Apps they install

• Screen time

• YouTube and Google search filters

• Device lock remotely

2. On iPhone (Using Screen Time)

Use the built-in Screen Time feature on Apple devices.

Steps

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Screen Time.

3. Tap Turn On Screen Time.

4. Select This is My Child’s iPhone.

5. Set a Screen Time passcode.

6. Configure controls like:

   • App limits

   • Downtime (phone lock hours)

   • Content restrictions

   • Age restrictions for apps and movies

3. Things You Can Control

Parental control allows you to:

• Limit screen time

• Block adult websites

• Restrict games or apps

• Monitor phone usage

• Control in-app purchases

• Set bedtime phone lock