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Microsoft Family Safety
What Microsoft Family Safety is
Microsoft Family Safety is a family management service for setting screen-time limits, filtering content, and reviewing activity across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices. Screen-time controls can cover apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android, as well as device use on Windows and Xbox. Content filters can block inappropriate apps and games and restrict web browsing to kid-friendly sites through Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android. When web and search filters are active, other commonly used browsers are blocked. On Windows and Xbox, a parent can approve a child’s attempt to download an app or game above the age limit set for that child. Family organizers can add or remove members, manage limits and permissions, and view activity reports. The Family Safety app for Android and iOS can be used to manage screen-time limits; Microsoft directs users to Google Play or the Apple App Store to download it, with availability varying by country or region. A free plan is available. Microsoft 365 Family costs $12.99 a month, billed monthly, for 1 to 6 people. Microsoft says its location and driving safety features are going away.
Who it suits
It suits families who want to manage screen time, content access, and member permissions across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices. Families using its web filters need to use Microsoft Edge while those filters are enabled.
What it does well
- Screen-time limits cover apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android.
- Content filters can block apps, games, and non-kid-friendly browsing.
- Organizers can manage members, permissions, and activity reports.
- The free plan provides an option without a listed subscription price.
What to know first
- Web and search filters require Microsoft Edge.
- Location and driving safety features are going away.
- Mobile app availability varies by country or region.
Limits
The listed Microsoft 365 Family plan costs $12.99 a month, billed monthly, for 1 to 6 people. Web and search filters work with Microsoft Edge, and other commonly used browsers are blocked while those filters are enabled. Microsoft says location and driving safety features are going away.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Family | billed monthly · 1 to 6 people | $12.99 a month |
| Microsoft 365 Family | billed yearly · 1 to 6 people | $129.99 a year |
As microsoft.com lists them, read 22 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Microsoft Family Safety website.
- Choose the free plan or Microsoft 365 Family at $12.99 a month, billed monthly, for 1 to 6 people.
- Use family organizer controls to add members and manage limits and permissions.
- Download the mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store where available.
- Use the app on Android or iOS to manage screen-time limits.
Verdict
Choose Microsoft Family Safety if your family needs controls for screen time, content, and permissions across Windows and Xbox, with mobile management available through its app. Look elsewhere if you need location or driving safety features, which Microsoft says are going away, or if using a browser other than Edge is essential while web filters are on.
Questions
Is Microsoft Family Safety free?
A free plan is available.
How much does Microsoft 365 Family cost?
It costs $12.99 a month, billed monthly, for 1 to 6 people.
Which platforms does it support?
The listed platforms are Android, iOS, and Windows. Screen-time controls also cover Xbox.
Which browser works with web and search filters?
The filters work with Microsoft Edge. Other commonly used browsers are blocked while those filters are enabled.
Can parents approve downloads above a child's age limit?
Yes. This approval setting applies to Windows and Xbox.
Are location features available?
Microsoft says location and driving safety features in Family Safety are going away.
Facts from Microsoft Family Safety's own pages
- Activity reports
- Family members can view activity summaries and weekly activity reporting after devices are connected to the family group. · support.microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Age approvals
- When a child tries to download an app or game above the set age limit, they need a parent's approval; this setting applies to Windows and Xbox. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- App availability
- Microsoft directs users to download the mobile app through Google Play or the Apple App Store, and says mobile app availability varies by country or region. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- App blocking
- Yes · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Browser requirement
- Web and search filters work with Microsoft Edge, and other commonly used browsers are blocked while those filters are enabled. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Content filtering
- Yes · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Content filters
- Filters can block inappropriate apps and games and limit browsing to kid-friendly sites using Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Family roles
- Family organizers can add or remove members, manage limits and permissions, and view activity reporting details. · support.microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- Microsoft describes Family Safety as a way for families to encourage healthy online habits and manage schedules across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices. · support.microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Location feature limit
- Microsoft says location and driving safety features in Family Safety are going away. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Location tracking
- Yes · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Mobile management
- The Family Safety app on Android and iOS can be used to manage screen time limits. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Microsoft says people may access, modify, or delete their data, and that it will not use data without agreement. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Microsoft Family Safety provides digital family safety features, including content filtering and screen time limits. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Screen time
- Screen time limits can apply to apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android, and to devices on Windows and Xbox. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Screen-time schedules
- Yes · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Security
- Microsoft says it uses encryption to help protect data at rest and in transit, including encryption capabilities up to AES-256 and protocols such as TLS and IPsec. · microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Paid from
- 12.99 · microsoft.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Support
- For technical support, Microsoft directs users to Contact Microsoft Support, enter the problem, select Get Help, and then Contact Support if needed. · support.microsoft.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where Microsoft Family Safety stands on Freedom251
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