Guide to Samsung Parental Controls: Manage Your Kids’ Devices with Ease

With children navigating smartphones and tablets at an early age, keeping them safe online is crucial. Samsung parental controls offer an easy way to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and ensure your child’s digital experience is both safe and educational.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and customize Samsung parental controls, so you can have peace of mind while your child explores the digital world in a secure environment.

Contents:

• To Start With: Setting Accounts for Parents and Kids
• Method 1: Built-in Parental Controls in Samsung Devices
• Method 2: Using Samsung Kids
• Method 3: Setting Up Parental Controls with Google’s Family Link
• Method 4: Using the Findmykids App to Set Up Parental Controls
• Best Practices for Effective Parental Controls 
• FAQs

To Start With: Setting Accounts for Parents and Kids

To activate parental control features on a Samsung phone or device, you’ll need separate accounts for you and your child first. This will give you complete control over what your child can explore and access.

If you already have a Google account, great—you’re halfway there!

To get started, make sure you have a standard Google account as a parent. Then, create a supervised Google account for your child using the Family Link app—just download the app from the Play Store, follow the prompts to set up a new child account, and link it to your own. This is essential for managing daily screen time limits, app access, and content filters.

You don’t need a Samsung Family Account to set up parental control mode, but having one can be helpful for using features like Samsung Kids or Secure Folder.

Whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy or a tablet, the kids’ mode setup process is simple and user-friendly. And with your accounts ready to go, you’re now equipped to explore Samsung’s built-in controls.

Method 1: Built-in Parental Controls in Samsung Devices

Did you know Samsung devices come with robust parental control tools? And to make it even better, you don’t have to download any third-party apps to get started. Just use the tools already on your phone or tablet to set screen limits, block inappropriate content, and monitor how your child uses their mobile device.

Accessing Built-in Controls

Accessing “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” is the first step to activating kids’ mode.

To do this, open the Settings app on the Samsung device, and scroll to find the “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” option. Tap on it, and you’ll see options geared toward monitoring and managing device usage. If you want granular control over your child’s apps, screen time, and more, that’s all available here.

The location of this feature might vary slightly depending on the device and software version—it’s usually under Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

Once you’re inside, you can explore the tools to set daily time limits across apps. You can also monitor overall activity and adjust how accessible specific applications and games are based on their age ratings.

Managing App and Game Age Ratings

When it comes to app and game controls, parental control features are a lifesaver.

On Google Play, go to your child’s profile, open “Settings,” and under “Family,” select “Parental Controls.” You can now set restrictions for apps and games based on their age ratings.

For apps downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, parental controls are equally easy to set. Tap into the Galaxy Store, go to Settings, and enable restrictions under the age-appropriate app category. This way, you’re double-covered in the digital realm of apps regardless of which store your child uses.

Content Filtering

Beyond apps, Samsung devices also offer web content filtering to keep your child safe online. Samsung doesn’t offer its own full web filtering solution—instead, you can use Google’s Family Link, which allows you to filter Chrome browsing, block explicit search results, identify allowed content, and restrict specific websites.

To do this, open the Family Link app on your device, tap on your child’s profile icon, and scroll down to find “Controls.” Select “Content restrictions,” then choose “Google Chrome.” From there, you can decide whether to allow all sites, block explicit sites, or identify only approved sites with allowed content. You can also manually add exceptions to block or allow specific websites.

Creating a Secure Folder

Finally, if you want to keep sensitive content, such as audio files, photos, or videos, or apps, separate from your child’s account, take advantage of Samsung’s Secure Folder. The Secure Folder is a private, encrypted space within your device where you can store apps, files, and photos.

To set it up, go to Settings, select “Biometrics and Security,” and then tap on “Secure Folder.” Create a password or pattern to secure it. This way, your child sees only what’s appropriate for them while keeping your personal or work files out of reach.

Another important thing to note is that blocking access to the Secure Folder is vital. If your child can access it, they might think it’s a good idea to store some sensitive things there. That’s why you should create a password and ensure your child doesn’t know it. It ensures they can’t think they can hide anything from you by storing it in the Secure Folder.

Method 2: Using Samsung Kids

If you’re looking for parental control functions built directly into Samsung tablets and phones, Samsung Kids is your new best friend. This mode transforms Samsung devices into a child-friendly and safe environment.

1. Activate Samsung Kids

Getting started is a breeze with Samsung Kids. Simply swipe down from the top of your home screen to pull up the Quick Panel, then tap the Samsung Kids app icon.

If the icon isn’t visible, you can add it via Quick Panel settings—tap the three-dot menu, choose “Edit buttons,” and drag Samsung Kids into view.

If it’s your first time doing this, you’ll need to go through a setup process, adding all those personal touches for your child. Don’t worry; this option for finagling parental controls doesn’t take long to do. You should have a Samsung account and create a family group for this to work.

2. Customizing the Experience

The Samsung Kids app takes screen safety to the next level. It creates a safe and kid-friendly Samsung kids home screen where your little explorers can access age-appropriate apps, games, and videos.

It’s like giving them the reins, but within a space where they can’t accidentally purchase a $100 mobile game upgrade (we’ve all been there).

For deeper control, tap the three-dot menu in the top right of Samsung Kids > Parental Controls. Enter your PIN to set screen limits, approve apps, and view activity reports.

3. Manage Screen Time

Bedtime dramas? Solved. Samsung Kids lets you set daily screen time limits or even block access during certain hours (like dinner time or those all-important homework sessions). Now your child can have safe, structured fun—without overloading on screen time.

You can set daily playtime limits on certain apps or when your child can use their device entirely, with screen time limits. Plus, this practice can help your child build good digital habits when they understand when enough screen time is just that—enough.

Another helpful feature for screen time control is setting a Bedtime on your child’s phone. To do this, simply open Samsung Kids by tapping on the icon on the home screen or in the Quick Panel. Click the three dots for more options, select “Parental Controls” and enter your 4-digit PIN. Then tap “Bedtime” in the parental controls screen. This allows you to set a time each night to child lock the Samsung phone.

4. Set Up Contact List

Through the Samsung Kids app, parents can also select specific contacts who can place voice calls to their child’s phone. This allows your child to communicate safely with approved friends and family members.

To set this up, open Samsung Kids and go to the Parental Controls screen. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Allowed Content” and select “Contacts.” When prompted, select “Allow.” Tap the + icon and type the name of a contact you’d like to add. Then tap “Done” to save the contact. If you’d like to remove an approved contact, select the contact’s name and tap “Delete.”

Method 3: Setting Up Parental Controls with Google’s Family Link

Feeling overwhelmed with all the apps and endless screen time battles? Enter Google’s Family Link—a helpful tool that’s here to save the day (and, probably, your sanity). It’s tailor-made to help parents manage kids’ Samsung Galaxy devices like a pro, whether you’re dealing with a TikTok enthusiast or a budding Minecraft architect.

1. Download and Set Up

First things first, grab the Family Link app from the Google Play Store. Install it on both your device and your little one’s Samsung phone or tablet.

Follow the prompts—don’t worry, these are parent-friendly—and either create a Google account for your kid or link their existing one. That’s all there is to it!

Child accounts must be created as supervised accounts within Family Link to enable proper parental control features.

2. Customize Parental Controls

Now comes the fun part. Family Link gives you the power to set screen time limits, block those sneaky app downloads, and even see what apps your kid is obsessing over.

Want to make sure they’re only consuming kid-safe content? You can block inappropriate apps or videos faster than you can say, “No more Roblox after bedtime!”

3. Educational Touchpoints

Here’s the best part—Family Link doesn’t just rein in your kids’ Netflix marathons; it also provides activity reports that give you the scoop on how much time they spend on various apps.

If you spot a lot of YouTube hours but not much learning, you can steer them towards more educational, brain-boosting resources. That way, you can balance out their fun with some educational resources instead.

Ultimately, Google’s Family Link makes it simple to stay subtly in control of your child’s screen habits—without earning the “mean parent” badge.

Method 4: Using the Findmykids App to Set Up Parental Controls

Findmykids app

If you’re juggling a never-ending to-do list and trying to keep tabs on your kids’ digital habits, Findmykids is here to be your trusted co-pilot.

Designed for busy parents, this app makes managing your child’s device use ridiculously easy—and (dare say it) maybe even fun.

1. Just Download, and You’re Set

Download Findmykids from the Google Play Store onto your Samsung Galaxy device and the Pingo app onto your child’s phone. Connect the two using a unique code (seriously, it takes less time than brewing coffee). The app is compatible with Android and iOS, and offers a free trial.

You’re all set up in minutes—no Ph.D. in tech or computer science is required!

2. Parental Precision Mode

Findmykids doesn’t mess around when it comes to parental controls. You can monitor your child’s screen time in real time, set app usage limits, and even block harmful websites.

Need extra focus during study hours? Lock the device with a tap. It’s like having a remote control for making sure your kid stays on task, with zero nagging or bribery required.

3. Activity Insights to Keep You in the Know

Findmykids goes beyond just blocking access—it’s an intel goldmine. Get live activity reports showing what your kids have been up to and see how they’re spending their screen hours.

With real-time alerts, you’ll always know if they’re wandering into questionable corners of the internet or blowing their screen time budget on, say, cat videos.

Intuitive, effective, and designed with parents in mind, Findmykids takes the guesswork out of digital parenting! Try it for free right now!

Best Practices for Effective Parental Controls

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Setting up Samsung Kids mode is only half the battle. If you want to keep your kids safe and savvy online for the long run, you need to take a few more steps.

Set Tech Rules Early (and Stick to Them)

Kids are like mini-lawyers when it comes to wriggling out of limits, so be clear and consistent. Set rules like two hours of screen time per day or no phones at family meals—and stick to them. Remember, boundaries = love (even if they roll their eyes).

Make Tech Choices Together

Turn app selection into a team effort. Giving your child a say in choosing educational or age-appropriate games teaches responsibility while keeping them engaged.

Don’t Hover, Empower

Tools like Google Family Link, Samsung Kids app, and Findmykids make it easy to monitor your child’s device use, but you need to resist the urge to micromanage them. Balance is the name of the game—allow safe exploration while keeping firm, reasonable boundaries.

Use the Findmykids

If you are looking for a better and more reliable option than Google Family Link and integrated parental control features, the Findmykids app is an excellent choice.

Findmykids focuses both on online activity and on real-time GPS location tracking, allowing you to always know where your child is, and what they are doing.

After installing the app on your child’s device, you can run it from the home screen and set all the desired options. The app’s features help to keep an eye on where your child is and how they use their device.

Here are some useful functions that you won’t find in kids mode on Samsung:

• Lock apps at any time
• Track any apps that are installed on the phone
• Receive detailed statistics per app instead of overall time spent on the phone
• Tune in to listen to the audio around your kid’s device
• SOS button that children can use to reach you quickly, with this feature activating the audio, too
• Receiving alerts when the device has a low battery

Thanks to all these features, this bundle ensures you receive all-around parental controls to give you peace of mind.

Keep Devices in Common Areas

Encourage your child to use screens in shared spaces like the living room or dining table. It’s easier to keep an eye on things, plus it promotes open conversations about what they’re doing online.

Update Rules as They Grow

Your 7-year-old won’t have the same digital needs as your 12-year-old. Revisit parental control settings every few months to match their evolving habits and responsibilities.

Perhaps the best trust-building tip? Gradually ease restrictions as they demonstrate good behavior.

Teach Street-Smarts for the Internet Age

Your best weapon is knowledge. Teach your kids how to spot fake news, avoid oversharing personal info, and recognize online risks. Empower them to make smart decisions, and they’ll be better equipped to stay safe online—whether or not you’re watching.

Make Technology a Tool, Not a Distraction

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Balancing technology with parenting can sometimes feel like an uphill climb, but Samsung Kids Mode makes the task simpler.

Whether you’re customizing Samsung Kids, navigating Google Family Link, using the Secure Folder,  or maximizing the features of Findmykids, there’s no shortage of tools to keep your family’s online experience safe and enjoyable.

These methods, combined with clear communication and updated settings, allow you to focus on what matters most—watching your kids grow in today’s tech-filled world.

FAQs

Does Samsung have parental controls?

Yes, Samsung offers parental controls through the Samsung Kids app. This pre-installed app allows parents to set screen time limits, restrict certain content, approve specific contacts, and keep their child safe in general while using their Samsung device.

How to set parental controls on a Samsung phone?

To put parental controls on a Samsung phone, download the Findmykids app, activate and access Samsung Kids mode, or use Google’s Family Link. Detailed instructions vary based on the method you prefer.

What can parental controls see on Samsung?

Depending on the app, parental controls allow visibility into screen time, app usage, and content accessed. Additional features may include the ability to block specific sites or apps.

Does Samsung have screen time?

Yes, Samsung Kids provides insight into how your child uses their device and how they spend their screen time. However, Findmykids also provides comprehensive app usage statistics, so parents can see exactly how much time their children spend on specific apps.

How do I put my Samsung in kid mode?

You can activate pre-installed Samsung Kids from the Quick Panel on your Galaxy device. To launch Samsung Kids, tap the icon, follow the prompts, and customize the home screen to suit your child’s needs.

Can a 12-year-old have a Samsung account?

Yes, but only with parental consent. Creating an account with proper supervision ensures their digital activity is safely monitored.

How do I monitor my kids’ Samsung phones?

You can use multiple tools to monitor your child’s device. Samsung Kids mode is an integrated feature that turns the phone into a child-friendly device, and parental controls are also a part of the system. Another alternative is to use a third-party app like Findmykids. Don’t forget the old-fashioned way of checking the home screen and looking for apps that shouldn’t be there, but it would be great if you had your child’s permission to browse their phone first.

How do I restrict internet access on my kids’ Samsung phones?

If you set up parental controls on your child’s Samsung account from the “Galaxy for Families” group, you can adjust website access for their device. You can allow all sites, only sites you select, or block specific websites.

Does Android have built-in parental controls?

Some parental controls are a part of Android devices, but it’s through Google Family Link that you have more options available. If you feel it’s necessary, installing a third-party app like Findmykids can give you even more options when it comes to parental controls.

Cover image: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock