How to turn off family link?

By HotBotUpdated: September 5, 2024

Answer

Google's Family Link is a powerful tool for parents to monitor and manage their child's digital experience. However, there may come a time when you need to turn it off. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering various scenarios and providing detailed instructions.

Understanding Family Link

Before diving into the steps to turn off Family Link, it's crucial to understand what it is and how it functions. Family Link is a service by Google that allows parents to create Google Accounts for their children and manage their digital activities. Parents can set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and even track the child's location.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Family Link

Your child has reached an age where they no longer need monitoring.
You're switching to another parental control app.
Technical issues or bugs that require disabling and re-enabling the service.
Privacy concerns or a desire for less digital oversight.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following:

Start

Access to the parent's device with the Family Link app installed.
Access to the child's device that is linked with Family Link.
Internet connectivity on both devices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Family Link

For Parents

Follow these steps to remove Family Link from your child's device using the parent device:

Open the Family Link app on your device.
Select your child's name.
Tap on the Manage settings option.
Choose Account info and then select Delete Account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the removal.

This process will delete your child's Google Account, so make sure to backup any important data.

For Children Over 13

If your child is over the age of 13 (or the applicable age in your country), they can take control of their account and disable Family Link themselves:

Open the Settings app on their device.
Scroll down and tap on Google.
Select Manage your Google Account.
Navigate to the Data & personalization tab.
Scroll down to Download, delete, or make a plan for your data.
Tap on Delete a service or your account and follow the instructions.

Alternative Method: Using the Child's Device

If you don't have access to the parent's device, you can still remove Family Link directly from the child's device:

Open the Family Link app on the child's device.
Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
Select Remove account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Dealing with Errors and Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter issues while trying to turn off Family Link. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Account Not Found

If you receive an "Account Not Found" error, ensure that you are logged into the correct Google Account on both devices. Verify that the account you are trying to delete is indeed the child's account.

Unable to Remove Device

If you're unable to remove the child's device from Family Link, try the following:

Restart both devices and try again.
Ensure both devices are connected to the internet.
Update the Family Link app to the latest version.

Parental Consent Issues

If you're having trouble providing parental consent, ensure that the Family Link app has the necessary permissions. Check the app settings and enable any required permissions.

After Turning Off Family Link

Once you have successfully turned off Family Link, there are a few additional steps you may want to take:

Set Up Alternative Parental Controls

If you still want some level of monitoring or control over your child's device, consider setting up alternative parental control apps like:

Apple's Screen Time (for iOS devices)
Microsoft Family Safety
Bark
Qustodio

Educate Your Child

Now that your child has more freedom, it's crucial to educate them about responsible digital behavior. Discuss topics such as:

Online privacy and security
Appropriate content and safe browsing
Screen time management
Cyberbullying and how to deal with it

Regular Check-Ins

Even without Family Link, regular check-ins can help ensure your child is using their device responsibly. Schedule periodic discussions about their online activities and any concerns they might have.

Turning off Family Link is a straightforward process but requires careful consideration and understanding of the steps involved. Whether your child is gaining more independence or you're switching to a different parental control system, it's essential to stay engaged and informed about their digital life. With these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the transition, ensuring a balanced approach to digital freedom and safety.