Google Family Link just got a redesign and new parental controls - what you need to know Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us.

Google Family Link just got a redesign and new parental controls - what you need to know

By Tom Pritchard published 20 October 2022 A new design and upgraded features are already on the way (Image credit: Google) Google's Family Link app is getting a few key changes. Not only is the app getting a makeover, Google will also be adding a bunch more parental control features. That should prove to be a major step up, considering lack of features was one of the main criticisms in our Google Family Link app review. Family Link first launched five years ago, offering parents a chance to monitor their kids' activity on Android devices. But while the app is completely free, it was lacking. Some key features were missing, or at the very least unrefined. Thankfully this new update changes things, hopefully for the better. According to Google's blog post (opens in new tab), changes are being made to Family Link and Google TV so that parents can better balance their family's relationships with tech. Because no two families are unique, and Google wants to make sure its parental control tools are flexible and effective, but also easy to use. This has been done using feedback from actual parents, and sees new features and experiences in the app's three tabs - Controls, Location and Highlights. Previously Family Link could set limits on your kids' screen time, and monitor their last known location. That isn't changing, but there are some improvements being made (via TechRadar (opens in new tab)). The location tab will still hone in on your kid's location, but it's also capable of displaying their device's battery life, and alert you should they enter or leave a specific area. That way you can see when they reach their destination, and if they decide to wander off without telling you. The Controls tab will still allow parents to set time limits on usage, but the new "Today Only" feature means you can extend that if you want to - but only for a single day. The regular screen time limits will remain in place until you change them, but any extensions will have to be added manually each day. This should make it useful for the circumstances where you want your kids to be engrossed in their devices, like a road trip, and don't want to forget to adjust limits back to their original schedule. Finally, Highlights shows you what your kids have been up to, but in a much more eye-friendly way than before. You can see what apps they have, how long they've used them and whether they tried to access restricted content; things every parental control app should offer, but hasn't always been part of Family Link. Presumably the ability to control your kids' device permissions is still there, and one of Family Link's unique selling points. The best part is that the redesign makes the Family Link app look a lot easier on the eyes. The controls are bigger, simpler, and the graphics appear to be more informative than they were previously. And it's all still free to use, which is especially useful as the cost of living gets higher. The changes to Google Family Link have already started rolling out, and should be complete in a few days. So the parents out there should keep an eye out for the arrival of these new features. If you haven't tried it yet, the upgrade should make Family Link worth checking out. It was one of our best parental control apps before, and this will only improve its standing.Today's best Google Pixel 7 deals (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Tom PritchardAutomotive EditorTom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online. More about apps VPN Black Friday deals 2022: Early savings and bundles Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which is the best music app?Latest ExpressVPN reviewSee more latest ► Topics Android Android Apps Apps Google See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Google Pixel 7a makes an appearance on Amazon - but we're a little skeptical2Your iPhone Pro camera has a professional RAW mode - turn it on now3How to edit videos on iPhone4I hope Google enables this feature on the Pixel Watch - it already has the hardware5Today's Wordle answer and hints - solution #492, Monday, October 241Your iPhone Pro camera has a professional RAW mode - turn it on now2How to edit videos on iPhone3I hope Google enables this feature on the Pixel Watch - it already has the hardware4Today's Wordle answer and hints - solution #492, Monday, October 245I swapped my car for an eBike to get to work - here's what happened