Google Family Link icon
Google Family Link iOS App Review: Comprehensive Parental Control Solution

by Google

4.7
IOSUtilities
Google Family Link provides robust parental controls for iOS devices, enabling screen time management, location tracking, and digital habit monitoring. Designed for parents seeking to establish balanced technology usage for children aged 13 and under.

Detailed Review

Google Family Link represents Google's comprehensive approach to parental control solutions, offering iOS users a robust toolkit for managing children's digital experiences. The app occupies a competitive position in the family safety market, distinguishing itself through deep integration with Google's ecosystem while maintaining functionality across platforms. The application's core functionality centers around three primary areas: screen time management, content filtering, and location services. Parents can establish daily screen time limits, set device bedtimes that automatically lock devices during specified hours, and remotely approve or block app downloads from the App Store. The location tracking feature provides real-time device positioning with history viewing, while privacy controls allow management of Google Account settings including search safe filters and YouTube Restricted Mode. Notably, the app requires children to use Google Accounts managed by Family Link, creating a controlled environment across Google services. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with a clean, intuitive interface organized into four main tabs: Overview, Location, Controls, and Settings. The Overview section provides at-a-glance metrics showing daily device usage patterns and most-used applications. Real-world usage patterns indicate parents typically check the app 2-3 times daily, with push notifications alerting when children request additional screen time or attempt to download new applications. The setup process requires approximately 15 minutes for initial configuration, including account creation and permission granting across both parent and child devices. User feedback trends show overwhelmingly positive reception, with the 4.67/5 rating reflecting satisfaction with core functionality. Edu Dubaisco's June 2025 review notes the app 'has truly changed the way I manage screen time of my kids,' while Parent Must have's July 2025 review praises the monitoring capabilities for providing 'cyberspace safety.' Some users, including RadarJimbo in June 2025, have requested additional features such as contact management during locked periods, suggesting areas for future development. The application demonstrates particular strength in screen time management and Google ecosystem integration, though limitations include dependency on child cooperation for certain features and occasional location tracking delays. Ideal use cases involve families with multiple children where parents seek consistent digital rules across devices, particularly those already invested in Google's service ecosystem. The solution proves most effective when implemented as part of broader digital literacy conversations rather than purely restrictive measures.

Key Features

  • Screen time limits allow parents to set daily usage maximums and specific bedtime hours when devices automatically lock, promoting healthy digital habits
  • Real-time location tracking shows device whereabouts on a map with history viewing, providing peace of mind about children's physical safety
  • App management controls enable remote approval or blocking of new app downloads and in-app purchases from the App Store
  • Activity reporting delivers detailed breakdowns of time spent across applications and websites with weekly email summaries
  • Content filtering manages safe search settings across Google services and enables YouTube Restricted Mode automatically
  • Remote device locking allows immediate suspension of device functionality during meals, homework, or family time as needed

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive screen time management
Reliable location tracking

Perfect for: Parents managing digital experiences for children under 13

User Reviews

Edu Dubaisco
Jun 14, 2025

Google family link has truly changed the way I manage screen time of my kids Life safer for the family Google family link has truly changed the way I manage screen time of my kids

Parent Must have
Jul 27, 2025

This app has given me the ability to monitor what my child is doing and who my he’s talking to! In this crazy world we live in Google family link is a great tool to provide in cyberspace safety A mother’s best friend! This app has given me the ability to monitor what my child is doing and who my he’s talking to! In this crazy world we live in Google family link is a great tool to provide in cyberspace safety

BlackTitanic
Jul 24, 2025

This a helpful app that makes it easier to manage a kids account. Helpful!!! This a helpful app that makes it easier to manage a kids account.

Shu Chi 1111
Jul 23, 2025

I love this app, it helps a lot in teaching my son healthy screen habits. Great innovation I love this app, it helps a lot in teaching my son healthy screen habits.

RadarJimbo
Jun 30, 2025

Having used this app in the past, I appreciate the upgrades I see that have been added. There is only one thing I’d like to ask. If it were possible to set the parent as the only contact option available for phone calls after the apps are locked for the night. Great App! Having used this app in the past, I appreciate the upgrades I see that have been added. There is only one thing I’d like to ask. If it were possible to set the parent as the only contact option available for phone calls after the apps are locked for the night.

App Details

Developer

Google

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

9/7/2025