Important: System apps can't have app limits placed on them. You can set limits for Android 7 and up devices.
How screen time limits work
When you set a limit for your child's screen time on their Android device or Chromebook, they'll get a notification when:
- Screen time is set for the first time (Android devices only).
- Their device is about to be locked.
When the device is locked, your child:
- Can't see notifications.
- Can't unlock the device or use any apps - except for apps designated as Always allowed apps when you have Always allowed apps enabled.
- Can answer phone calls, and tap Emergency to make a call if the device has a calling plan (Android phones only).
Tip: Time limits will apply to apps installed on all of your child's Android and ChromeOS devices.
Set daily device limits
With a parent's device
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
Daily limit.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
With your child's device
- On your child's device, open Settings
.
- On Android versions 8.1 (O) and later, tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- On other Android versions, tap Google
Parental controls.
- To view the current settings, tap Daily limit.
- To edit Daily limit settings, sign in or use your Parent Access Code to verify that you're a parent.
Set downtime
With a parent's device
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
Downtime.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
With your child's device
- On your child's device, open Settings
.
- On Android versions 8.1 (O) and up, tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- On other Android versions, tap Google
Parental controls.
- To view the current settings, tap Downtime.
- To edit Downtime settings, sign in or use your Parent Access Code to verify that you're a parent.
Limit screen time for specific apps
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
App Limits.
- Select your desired App.
- Tap Set limit
.
- Select the amount of time you want to allow your child access to the given app.
- Tap Done.
Tips:
- Time limits will apply to apps installed on all of your child's Android and ChromeOS devices.
- System apps aren't supported by the app limit functionality. Limits can only be set for devices with Android N (7.0) and up and Chromebooks running on Chrome OS versions 83 and up.
Important: Always allowed apps are supported for children signed-in on Android 7+ devices except those running Google Kids Space. Check which version of Android your child is using. Some system apps required for your child’s phone to operate can be used when the phone is locked if Always allowed apps are available.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
App limits.
- Select your desired app.
- Tap Always allow
Done.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
App limits.
- Select your desired app.
From here you can select an option to:
- Always allow
.
- Set a time limit
.
- Block an app
.
Tips:
- Always allowed apps don't count toward your child’s screen time limits and aren't available when your child is in downtime.
- If you tap "Lock," Always allowed apps aren't available, unless you change this setting from the device lock screen.
- Select Devices
the device you want to update.
- Tap Lock screen settings
Always allowed apps.
- Select Devices
Update or turn off screen time limits
Lock or unlock your child's Android device or Chromebook- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls.
- At the top, tap your child’s device
Lock or Unlock.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls.
- At the top, select your child's device
Bonus time
.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
App limits
Select your desired app.
- Tap Change the app limit
Done.
You can disable screen time limits from the Family Link app on your device.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- Tap Controls
Screen time.
- Turn off daily limit for today.
- To turn off daily limits or multiple days:
- Tap Weekly Schedule.
- Turn off daily limits altogether.
- To turn off daily limits or multiple days: