Family Link add-on: Google integrates parental control settings in Android 16

With Android 16 QPR2, which is expected as a finished update in December, Google is extending parental control over children's smartphones. The function serves as a supplement to the Family Link app, directly on the child's smartphone.

PIN protected

The new hub called "Parental Controls" is PIN-protected and contains numerous setting options. In addition to daily and app limits (screen time), it is also possible to set the idle time during which the smartphone is locked, for example at bedtime. Parents can also set filters for websites to block adult content in searches and in the Chrome browser.

The functional scope of the system's internal parental control settings is not as comprehensive as Google's Family Link. However, the new option should be easier to access and control than Family Link, which first has to be set up on a parental device, for babysitters or relatives who look after the children, for example.

Family Link is more powerful

Meanwhile, the Family Link app continues to be used on the parent's smartphone for advanced functions such as setting school times, approving app purchases, location notifications and more. Family Link can also be used to manage multiple children and devices.

Google regularly expands the range of functions of Family Link and the parental control settings. The Group last updated the platform at the beginning of the year. Among other things, Google gave the app a new, "more intuitive design" and introduced a school mode. The application also received a new "Screen Time" tab, which brings together all the tools for managing screen time in one place. Google has also extended Family to smartwatches.

Interested parties can try out the function on Google's Pixel devices from model 6 onwards. To do so, users must register their device in the Android beta program. The final Android 16 QPR2 version is expected towards the end of the year and has various other functions on board.

(afl)