Android Tablet Parental Controls & Safety Guide
Guide to setting up parental controls on Android tablets using Google Family Link, including content filters and screen time management.
Android tablets from Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon Fire, and other manufacturers are affordable and popular choices for children. Google Family Link provides consistent parental controls across most Android tablets. Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, offer additional Kids Mode features on top of the standard Android controls.
Main risks
- • Access to unfiltered web content through multiple browser apps
- • Downloading inappropriate apps from the Play Store or third-party sources
- • Excessive screen time with games and video streaming
- • Sharing personal information through chat features in games and apps
Initial setup steps
Create or link a supervised Google account
Install Google Family Link on your phone and create a supervised Google account for your child, or add supervision to their existing account.
Set up the tablet with the child's account
During initial tablet setup, sign in with your child's supervised Google account. If the tablet is already set up, add the account via Settings > Accounts and remove any unsupervised accounts.
Configure content restrictions and app approval
In the Family Link app, set Google Play content ratings appropriate for your child's age. Enable app approval so you receive a notification before any new app is installed. Set Chrome content filtering to block explicit sites.
Set screen time limits and bedtime
In Family Link, set daily screen time limits and configure the device to lock during bedtime hours. Review the weekly activity report to adjust limits as needed.
Parental control settings
Google Family Link Supervision
Location: Family Link app on parent's phone > Child's profile
Recommended: Fully configured with all controls active
Family Link provides remote management of your child's tablet, including app approval, screen time limits, content restrictions, and location tracking.
Google Play Parental Controls
Location: Google Play Store > Settings > Family > Parental controls
Recommended: Enabled with age-appropriate content ratings for apps, games, and media
Filters content available in the Google Play Store by maturity rating, preventing your child from seeing or downloading age-inappropriate apps and media.
Chrome Safe Browsing
Location: Family Link app > Controls > Content restrictions > Google Chrome
Recommended: Set to 'Try to block explicit sites' or 'Only allow approved sites'
Filters web content in Chrome. For younger children, the 'Only allow approved sites' option provides the strictest control.
Samsung Kids Mode (Samsung tablets only)
Location: Swipe down for Quick Settings > Kids Mode, or Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Samsung Kids
Recommended: Enabled for children under 10
Samsung Kids provides a child-friendly home screen with curated apps, a built-in web browser with extra filtering, and separate parental controls with a PIN.
Age recommendations
Use Samsung Kids Mode or a similar launcher to create a restricted environment. Allow only pre-approved educational apps. Limit screen time to 1 hour per day and always supervise use.
Family Link with app approval and content restrictions is essential. Allow a broader range of apps but review each installation request. Set clear screen time limits.
Maintain Family Link supervision with content filters. You may relax app approval for free apps while keeping oversight of paid downloads. Discuss safe online behaviour regularly.