Before you start
- The child’s Android phone or tablet
- A PIN the child doesn’t know
Method 1 Turn on Play Store parental controls
Parental controls only affect new downloads. Apps already installed stay; remove unsuitable ones manually.
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Step 1: Open Play Store settings
On the child’s device, open Play Store, tap the profile picture > Settings > Family > Parental controls.
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Step 2: Create a PIN
Turn on Parental controls and create a PIN your child doesn’t know.
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Step 3: Set age limits
Tap Apps & games, choose the highest rating allowed (for example PEGI 7 or Everyone 10+) and save. Repeat for Films and Books if shown.
Method 2 Require a password for purchases
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Step 1: Open Authentication
In Play Store > Settings > Authentication, tap Require authentication for purchases.
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Step 2: Choose For all purchases
Select For all purchases through Google Play on this device. Every purchase and in-app purchase now needs the account password or biometric.
Method 3 Go further with Google Family Link
Children under 13 (or the age of consent in your country) need a supervised account to have their own Google account.
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Step 1: Install Family Link
On your own phone, install Google Family Link and follow the steps to create or add your child’s Google account.
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Step 2: Supervise the child’s device
Sign in on the child’s phone with their account and link it in Family Link.
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Step 3: Set rules
Approve app downloads and purchases, set daily screen time limits and bedtime, block specific apps, filter Chrome websites and see the device’s location.
Troubleshooting
I forgot the parental controls PIN
Clear the Play Store’s data in Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear storage. This resets the PIN (it doesn’t remove apps).
My child can still find unsuitable apps
Check the content rating level you chose and switch the Play Store’s profile to the child’s account. Use Family Link for approval-based downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Do parental controls apply to all accounts on the device?
Yes, Play Store parental controls apply to the device. Family Link applies to the supervised child’s account.
Can parental controls block YouTube content?
No. Use YouTube Kids or a supervised YouTube experience through Family Link.
Summary
On your child’s device, go to Play Store > Settings > Family > Parental controls, set a PIN and age limits, and require authentication for purchases. For screen time and app approvals, add Google Family Link.
