How to set up SafetyMode with Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free parental control service and app from Google designed to help parents manage their children's digital habits, primarily on Android and Chromebook devices.

You do not need a Google Family Link account to use SafetyMode. However, Family Link and SafetyMode are fully compatible if you are already a Family Link user.

STEP 1: Remove existing Google accounts from your phone

​STEP 1A: On the home screen, tap "Settings" at the bottom of the home screen, then press "Accounts".

STEP 1B: Under "Accounts for Owner", check if a Google account is listed.
If an account appears, tap the email address and select "Remove account".

If you don't see any accounts listed here, please continue to Step 2.

STEP 1C: This step is complete when no accounts are listed under "Accounts for Owner".

STEP 2: Set up parental controls

​STEP 2A: Open "Apps & Safety" from the Home Screen, enter your SafetyMode parent password, and tap "Restricted Android Settings".

STEP 2B: Select "Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls", then tap "Set up parental controls" at the bottom of the menu.

STEP 3: Verify your parent account

STEP 3A: Tap "Let’s do this", then select "Sign in".

STEP 3B: You will be prompted to verify your parent Google account (the account linked to your child’s Family Link profile).

​Enter your google account password and complete the two-step verification process.

STEP 4: Linking your child’s Family Link account

STEP 4A: Select "My child will be using this device".
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Choose the appropriate child account from the list.

STEP 4B: Tap "Next", then enter your child’s Google account password when prompted.

STEP 5: Choosing a parent to supervise the account

STEP 5A: Under "Choose a parent", select the parent account that will supervise the child’s device.

This parent account will be required to approve changes and manage settings through Family Link.

STEP 5B: Verify the selected parent account by entering the account password and completing any required verification steps.

STEP 5C: Tap "Next", then select "Allow supervision".

Well done! You've now successfully linked your child's family link account with their phone.

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