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To set up Google Family Link, first decide whether your child needs a new Google Account or already has one: create an account for a new account, or add supervision to the existing account you want to keep. The setup runs on the child’s Android phone and links it to a parent’s Google Account.
Check eligibility and get ready
- Child’s phone: Google lists Android 5.0 and later as eligible for Family Link supervision. Check the version in the phone’s Settings and update it if needed. See Google’s device eligibility guidance.
- Parent’s device and account: You need a Google Account. Google’s current getting-started guidance lists Android 6.0 or later, iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or later, and supported Chromebooks among the options for using the parent app. The parent must meet Google’s age requirement—18 or the applicable age in their country—and live in the same country as the child. See Google’s Family Link setup requirements.
- Child’s account: Decide which Google Account the child will use. If the account already exists, use the supervision steps below rather than deleting it or creating a replacement.
- Availability: Family Link is not available in every country or region. Google Workspace for Education accounts cannot be managed through Family Link.
Choose the setup route
| What your child needs | Use this route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| A new Google Account | Create a child account during setup of a new Android phone, or use the account-creation flow on a phone that is already configured. | On an already configured phone, Google’s creation instructions begin by removing existing accounts and any data the parent does not want the child to access. |
| Supervision on an existing Google Account | Start the supervision flow on the child’s phone, then link the child and parent accounts. | The child must agree to supervision. Other accounts on the phone may need to be removed; that also removes their associated email, contacts, and settings from that device. |
Create a new Google Account for your child
On a new Android phone
- Turn on the phone and follow its device-setup prompts.
- At the Google sign-in prompt, choose Create account, then For my child if that option appears.
- Enter the child’s details, then sign in with the parent’s Google Account to provide consent.
- Follow the remaining prompts to choose settings and finish setup.
Google describes this account-creation route for a child who is under 13 or the applicable age in the child’s country; 13 is not a universal threshold. Read Google’s instructions for creating a child account if your on-screen prompts differ.
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On an Android phone that is already set up
- Back up or remove any apps, photos, and other data you do not want the child to access, and remove the existing accounts from the phone as directed by Google.
- Open the phone’s account settings and choose the option to add an account.
- Choose Create account, then For my child, if shown.
- Enter the child’s details, provide parental consent by signing in to the parent’s Google Account, and follow the prompts to complete setup.
This route creates a new child account. If your child already has a Google Account they should keep using, follow the existing-account supervision flow instead.
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Add supervision to an existing Google Account
- On the child’s Android phone, start the flow labeled Set up supervision. The exact path or wording can vary by Android version and phone maker; follow the supervision option presented on the device.
- Sign in with the parent’s Google Account.
- Review the About supervision and Changes to your child’s Google services screens with your child.
- Have the child confirm their password and agree to supervision.
- Review the Privacy Notice, then confirm the parent’s password.
- Link the accounts and complete the remaining prompts to choose settings.
Google’s full consent and supervision instructions cover the current flow. The child must agree, and the child and parent must be in the same country.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If the phone says the child’s account cannot be used
Google’s troubleshooting guidance is to remove the other accounts from the child’s device while keeping the account you want to supervise. Removing an account also removes that account’s email, contacts, and settings from the phone, so make sure you understand which account you are removing. Google says a Google Classroom account can be added back after supervision is set up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Family Link lets you manage
Depending on the device, Android version, and feature, Family Link provides tools for:
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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- Approving or blocking Google Play apps and reviewing app use.
- Setting daily screen-time limits and remotely locking a device.
- Checking the location of an Android device.
- Managing some account settings and applying content filters for Chrome, Google Search, and Google Play.
Availability is not identical across devices: Google says app management requires Android 6.0 or later or a supported Chromebook, daily app limits are available on Android 7 and later, and some system apps cannot have limits. See Google’s guidance on managing a child’s Google Play apps for app controls.
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Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black (Renewed)
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
Tracfone Motorola Moto G 2025, 64GB, Saphire Blue (Locked to | Prepaid Smartphone- 6.6" 120Hz Display, 5G , 50MP Quad Pixel Camera, Long-Lasting Battery
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
What Family Link cannot do
- It cannot let a parent remotely listen to a child’s phone calls or remotely see what is on the child’s screen, according to Google’s supervision guidance.
- Purchase approvals apply only to transactions billed through Google Play, not every purchase made on the phone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
