When and How to Remove Parental Controls from a Child’s Google Account
When your child first started using their Android device or Google account, you likely set up parental controls through the Google Family Link app or directly on their device. However, as they get older, you may want to manage those controls and allow more freedom online.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove parental controls on a Google account so your child can explore the internet more freely.
Contents:
- What Parental Controls on Google Do
- When and Why Parents Might Remove Parental Controls
- Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Parental Controls
- Things to Watch Out for After Removing Controls
- How Findmykids Helps After Removing Google Controls
- FAQs
What Parental Controls on Google Do
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Google offers a dedicated app called Family Link, which lets parents manage the security of their children’s Google accounts. You simply have to sign into the app with your own Google account to get started and add family members.
Don’t forget that Google products, such as Android phones and tablets, also include built-in parental controls. So, you can set device parental controls along with account controls.
In the section below, we will review what parents can do with the Family Link parental control settings and how device vs. account restrictions differ.
Google Family Link
The Family Link app, available in the Google Play store, provides parents with a singular place to set parental controls and device restrictions for their children’s Google accounts. It allows parents to set digital ground rules for their children to follow as they play games, browse the web, download apps, and message friends.
With Family Link, parents have the ability to perform the following actions for their child’s device and Google account:
- Set Screen Time Limits: Parents can set screen time limits for certain apps or the entire device for their choosing, including a Downtime or School Time schedule.
- Manage Apps: Block inappropriate apps and set time limits for certain apps while allowing unlimited use for educational programs.
- Restrict Inappropriate Content: Content filters allow parents to block inappropriate sites on the Google Chrome browser and require approval for app downloads.
- Secure Account: Parents can manage their child’s account and data settings, allowing them to edit personal information, delete the account, or change their child’s password.
- Location Sharing: Through Family Link, parents can see their child’s real-time location when they have their device with them.
- Location Movement Alerts: Receive notifications when your child arrives or leaves certain locations, such as school or a friend’s house.
- Manage and Limit Contacts: Set limitations on who can contact your child through Google Messages, Samsung Messages, and Google Dialer.
- Restrict Gmail Account: Children’s Gmail accounts are restricted from receiving ads and automatically forwarded emails while giving them the ability to send and receive emails and use the Gmail chat feature.
It’s important to understand that there are some limitations as to what these Google services can provide parents, though. For example, parents are unable to see private messages, search history, or previously watched videos on YouTube with their own Google account on Family Link. This information is only available on the child’s device.
Android Device vs. Google Account Parental Controls
Family Link provides parental controls on your child’s Google account. However, you can also set additional parental controls directly on your child’s device.
With an Android device, parents can set device-level restrictions such as screen time limits, Downtime, app usage limits, and device location. It also allows parents to remotely manage or lock the Android device, preventing their child from using it.
Parental controls on the child’s Google account set limitations across all devices where your child is signed into their account. This offers a more secure way for parents to view their child’s activity per device while also setting content filters and restrictions.
When and Why Parents Might Remove Parental Controls
When your child turns 13 years old (or the applicable age in your country), Family Link allows them to manage their own account. The supervising parent and the child will receive an email letting them know that they can choose to either continue or remove parental controls on the child’s account.
However, just because your child has turned 13 years old doesn’t mean you have to stop supervision entirely. It is possible to still have some limitations and restrictions, but it is important to talk to your child and set digital ground rules.
Before removing parental controls on your Family Link account, it’s important to understand that parental supervision is still required. Setting digital boundaries, such as screen time or requiring approval before making purchases in the Google Play Store, may still be helpful.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Parental Controls
If your child is 13 years old or older, you may remove parental controls or adjust the supervision levels on your child’s account settings.
You can find more info below about how to remove parental controls from a Google account:
- Open the Family Link app on your phone.
- Tap Menu and choose your child’s profile.
- Tap Controls.
- Tap Account Settings.
- Tap About Supervision.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and tap Stop Supervision and confirm.
This basically acts as a reset for your child’s Google account. It restores your child’s access to blocked websites, app restrictions, and more.
Related: Full Guide on How to Remove Family Link.
Step-by-Step: Removing Parental Controls on Android
If parental controls were set directly on an Android device (not through a Google account), you’ll need to disable them in the phone’s system settings.
- Open Settings on the child’s Android device.
- Tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Select Parental controls.
- Turn off parental controls.
- Enter the parent PIN or password to confirm.
Once disabled, app limits, screen time restrictions, and content filters set on the device itself will be removed.
Things to Watch Out for After Removing Controls
Removing the parental controls from your child’s Google account takes away all content restrictions, app download limitations, and screen time limits. It’s important to be aware and watch out for the following habits now that parental controls are no longer active:
- Excessive Screen Time: Without screen time limits, your child could end up spending more time on their devices. The average 13-year-old spends 7 hours and 22 minutes of screen time every day!
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Without content filters, specific websites that we once blocked are now accessible, along with adult or violent videos and photos. They can also access the normal YouTube platform without limitation.
- App Installation: When parental controls were active, your child would have to request approval before downloading an app. Now, they can download new apps freely from the Google Play Store.
- Communicating with Strangers: The internet is full of chatrooms, message boards, and private messages (especially on social media). This leaves your child vulnerable to interacting with potential online predators, so keep an eye on their mood and texting habits.
Even though you may have removed parental controls from your child’s Google account, it is still possible to set restrictions on their devices. This can help you manage your child’s app usage and screen time while still giving them the freedom to use the internet as they choose.
Before removing the parental controls, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your child about why you’re choosing to give them more freedom and what you expect from them. Open discussion about digital boundaries is important (and effective) when helping children build good digital habits and responsibility.
How Findmykids Helps After Removing Google Controls
Findmykids app
Whether your child has turned 13 and decided they do not want parental controls and supervision on their Google account or you have decided to remove them, there are still options for how to manage your child’s device usage.
Findmykids is an all-in-one parental control app that allows parents to keep their children safe both online and in person.
With screen time limits, app usage reports, and content filtering, parents can feel at ease when their children use their smartphones or tablets.
And when their children are at a friend’s house, school, or at the playground, Findmykids offers real-time location tracking features. Parents can see where their children are at all times, view a history of their locations, and listen to what’s happening around them with the Sound Around feature.
Most importantly, children feel safe when they have the Findmykids app installed on their Android devices. If they find themselves in trouble or in need of assistance, they can simply press the SOS button. This alerts parents and emergency services that help is needed.
Just because you decide to remove parental controls from your child’s account on Google doesn’t mean you can’t still have some supervision over their digital use.
Trust and safety can go hand in hand. Try Findmykids now for free to support your child while staying connected.
Is Now the Right Time to Remove Parental Controls from Your Child’s Google Account?
Deciding to remove parental controls from your child’s Google account can feel like a big decision, especially with the age rule allowing children to make the decision for you. However, with device parental controls and third-party apps like Findmykids, you can still maintain security and limitations for your child’s devices.
If you found this article helpful and informative, make sure to share it with a friend who is also considering changing how they set parental controls for their children’s Android devices.
FAQs
How do I turn off Google parental controls?
You can turn off parental controls on a Google account through the Family Link app. Simply click on your child’s profile → Controls → Account Settings → About Supervision → Stop Supervision.
How do I turn on parental controls on my Google account?
Open the Family Link app and select the profile from your family group that you would like to manage. Tap Controls → Account Settings → About Supervision → Stop Supervision → Confirm Changes.
How to remove parental control permanently?
Once your child turns 13 (or the required age in yoru country), they can permanently delete parental controls from their Google account. You can also do this manually through the Family Link app.
How do I unrestrict a Google account?
To unrestrict a Google account or manage parental controls, use the Family Link app and select your child’s profile. Tap Controls and Account Settings. Here, you’ll be able to manage your child’s account restrictions.
Can I still manage what my child does online after removing parental controls?
Yes. Even after removing parental controls from a child’s Google account, parents can still manage device settings, discuss rules around web use, and guide how kids interact with websites, search, and apps. While Google restrictions are no longer active, many families continue to set expectations around screen time, online behavior, and digital purchases using device-level tools or third-party apps.
What changes for YouTube, web browsing, and Google services after supervision is removed?
Once parental controls are removed, children can access YouTube, browse the web, and use Google services without content filters or approval requests. This includes unrestricted search, open access to websites, and independent use of services like Gmail. Parents should review privacy and safety settings together with their kids and talk through responsible online behavior.
Will removing parental controls affect my child’s Gmail account or password?
No. Removing parental controls does not delete or limit access to a child’s Gmail account, nor does it change their password. The account remains active, and the child can continue sending emails and using Gmail as usual. However, parents will no longer receive activity notifications or approval requests related to Google services.
Cover image: pixinoo / Shutterstock.com
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