How to Set Up Parental Controls on Chromebook With Family Link

Why use Family Link on a Chromebook

Family Link is the parental control system for Chromebooks that run ChromeOS. It works by creating a supervised Google Account for the child, then letting the parent manage that account from a separate app or website. Instead of blocking features on one device, Family Link attaches rules to the account, so the same limits appear on any Chromebook the child signs in to.

ChromeOS already includes several security features, including verification at boot, a read-only operating system, data encryption, and sandboxing for apps. Google states that as of 2026 there is no evidence of a documented, successful virus or ransomware attack on ChromeOS. That secure base is one reason a supervised Chromebook can be a practical first computer; Family Link adds the day to day rules about when and how it is used. See What to Look for When Buying a Chromebook for a Kid for more on choosing a Chromebook for a child.

What you need before you start

To set up Family Link you need three things: a Google Account for the parent, a Chromebook the child will use, and a way to run Family Link. The Family Link app works on a parent's phone, and the same controls are available from the Family Link website in any browser.

It is important to give the child their own account rather than letting them use your account. A supervised account keeps the parent in control without exposing the parent's mail, files, or payment methods. Guest mode is a temporary session that leaves no local data, but it is not supervised by Family Link. Chromebook Users and Guest Mode explains the account options on ChromeOS.

• A parent Google Account that will act as the supervisor.
• A child who is young enough to use a supervised account in your region.
• A Chromebook running a recent version of ChromeOS.

Create the child's Google Account in Family Link

Start on the parent side, not on the Chromebook. Open Family Link on your phone, sign in with the parent account, and choose the option to create a new Google Account for the child. You will be asked for the child's name, birthday, and other basic details, and you may need to verify parental consent. If the child already has a Google Account and is within the supported age range for your region, Family Link can add supervision to that account instead.

After the child signs in once, the Chromebook treats their account as a supervised profile. The child's apps, bookmarks, and files are stored in their own account, not in the parent account, and the parent can manage the account from Family Link.

• Open Family Link and choose Create account or Add an existing account.
• Follow the prompts for the child's details and parental consent.
• On the Chromebook, sign out of the current profile if needed, then add the child's account from the login screen.
• The first sign-in may ask the parent to confirm or enter the parent account password to finish setup.

Set screen time limits and bedtime

Once the child is signed in, open Family Link and go to the controls for screen time. You can set a daily time limit and a separate bedtime schedule. On a Chromebook, the supervised account locks when the daily limit runs out, and the child can send a request for more time. The request appears in the parent's Family Link app, where the parent can approve or deny it.

A bedtime schedule is useful for school nights. You can use the same times every day or set different plans for school days and weekends. As a general rule, start with limits that match the child's routine, then review the weekly report in Family Link and adjust. The goal is a consistent pattern rather than reacting to one bad day.

Manage apps and games

In Family Link, open the app controls to decide what the child can install and use. You can require parent approval for every app download or purchase, which lets the child request the apps they need while the parent reviews each request. You can also block an app that is already installed or put a time limit on a single app.

Chromebooks run Android apps, so the same app controls that work on an Android phone also apply to the Chromebook. This is convenient when a child needs school apps, drawing tools, or communication apps, because one approval system covers all of them. What Apps Work on a Chromebook? Android, Linux, and Web covers what kinds of apps run on ChromeOS.

Control web access and SafeSearch

For web browsing, the main Family Link controls live in the Chrome settings. Turn on SafeSearch so Google Search filters explicit results for the child. You can also block or allow specific sites, or set the browser to only allow sites you approve. The strictest setting, allowing only approved sites, is a good starting point for younger children, while older children can move to a filter that blocks mature content but still allows normal searching.

These web controls apply when the child is signed in to their supervised account in Chrome on the Chromebook. They do not apply to guest sessions or to another user profile on the same device. For that reason, keep the supervised account as the primary account and avoid sending the child to a guest session when the rules should be active.

Adjust the controls as the child grows

Family Link is meant to change over time. As the child demonstrates responsibility, you can raise the daily time limit, allow more apps, and relax web filtering. You can make changes from the Family Link app or from the Family Link website on any computer. The child will see the updated limits the next time they use the Chromebook.

Eventually the child may outgrow the supervised account. Google removes supervision when the child reaches the age of consent for their region, and it is also possible to remove supervision earlier if you choose. Before you do, make sure the child understands safe browsing habits, because ChromeOS keeps many of its built-in protections even after supervision ends. Chromebook Security explains the protections that remain in place.

If the Chromebook comes from a school or workplace

School-issued Chromebooks are usually enrolled in a management program, which means the school administrator controls many device policies. Family Link can still add account level supervision for a personal Google Account, but administrator settings may override or limit what the parent can change. Chromebook Help advises that if a Chromebook is used at work or school and cannot be updated, the user should contact the administrator. School Chromebooks vs Personal Chromebooks compares the two situations.

The same idea applies to updates. ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of automatic updates from the platform release date, according to Google's Auto Update policy. You can see the exact date for a specific Chromebook in Settings under About ChromeOS. If the update schedule is controlled by an administrator, the school or employer decides when updates are installed. Chromebooks are widely used in education, with ChromeOS.dev reporting more than 50 million students and educators using Chromebooks worldwide. For families buying a personal device, Best Chromebooks for Students in 2026 and Best Chromebook Plus 2026 are useful starting points.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does Family Link work on any Chromebook?

Family Link controls are attached to the child's Google Account, so they work on any Chromebook where that account signs in. For the best experience, the Chromebook should still be receiving ChromeOS updates. You can check the update schedule in Settings under About ChromeOS.

Can I set different screen time limits for school days and weekends?

Yes. In the Family Link screen time controls you can set a daily limit and a bedtime, with separate schedules for school days and weekends. The Chromebook locks when the limit is reached, and the parent can approve a request for more time.

Can my child bypass Family Link using guest mode or another account?

Family Link controls follow the supervised account, not the physical device. Guest mode and other profiles are not supervised, so make the child's account the one they use and avoid handing over a guest session when the rules should apply.

What happens when the child reaches the screen time limit?

The Chromebook locks the supervised session and gives the child the option to ask for more time. The request is sent to the parent's Family Link app, where the parent can approve or deny it.

Can I manage Family Link from a computer instead of a phone?

Yes. The Family Link app for phones is the most common way to manage controls, but the same controls are available from the Family Link website in any browser on a computer.

What should I do if the Chromebook is managed by a school?

Contact the school administrator. When a Chromebook is enrolled in a school management program, the administrator can set policies that affect updates and other device settings. The student's personal Family Link controls may still work at the account level, but the administrator's policies can override some parental choices.