Whether your child uses an Android smartphone or an iPhone, the approach is the same in spirit: create a child account, install the supervision tool, then set up filtering and screen time. Here's the detail for each system.

On Android, with Google Family Link

  1. Create a Google account for your child. From your own phone, open the Family Link app (free, available on the Play Store) and follow the "Create an account for my child" wizard.
  2. Install Family Link on your child's smartphone and sign in with the account you just created.
  3. Link the two devices by scanning the QR code shown, or entering the provided code.
  4. Turn on Chrome filtering: in Family Link, go to "Controls" then "Google Chrome filters", and choose "Block explicit sites" or set up an allow-list for younger children.
  5. Set screen time: in "Device limits", set a daily duration and an automatic bedtime.
  6. Approve apps: every install from the Play Store will require your approval, visible in real time in Family Link.

On iPhone, with Screen Time

  1. Set up "Family Sharing" from Settings → your name → Family Sharing, if not already done.
  2. Add your child's account, or create one directly from this screen if they don't have one.
  3. Turn on remote Screen Time: Settings → Screen Time → select your child's device.
  4. Restrict content: "Content & Privacy Restrictions" → limit websites, movies, apps and purchases by age.
  5. Set app limits and a scheduled downtime (for example 8pm to 7am), during which only apps you allow stay accessible.

What about messaging and calls?

Family Link and Screen Time can both restrict which contacts are allowed to call or message the device — especially useful for younger children who don't yet need unrestricted access to messaging.

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Evolving settings as your child grows

A fixed, never-revisited parental control setup always ends up either bypassed or a source of conflict. Review the settings roughly every six months: gradually ease time limits, widen allowed site categories, and involve your child in the discussion about the rules rather than imposing them unilaterally.

Go further

Find all the free solutions compared on our free solutions page, or check out our articles on social networks, screen time and online safety.