How to Change Phone on Family Link: A Step-by-Step Guide
Google Family Link is a fantastic tool for parents who want to monitor and manage their children’s online activity. It offers features like screen time limits, app management, and location tracking. However, as children grow and their needs evolve, or when devices get upgraded, you might need to change the phone associated with their Family Link account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth transition and continued parental control.
## Understanding the Need to Change a Phone on Family Link
Before diving into the instructions, let’s consider the common scenarios where changing a child’s phone on Family Link becomes necessary:
* **Device Upgrade:** Your child might be getting a new phone, and you need to transfer the Family Link settings to the new device.
* **Device Replacement:** If the current phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to set up Family Link on a replacement device.
* **Sharing a Device:** In some cases, a child might temporarily use a different device, and you’ll want to apply Family Link restrictions to that device.
* **Transitioning to Independence:** As your child matures, you might eventually want to remove Family Link altogether, but this guide focuses on changing the device, not removing supervision.
Regardless of the reason, understanding the process is crucial for maintaining consistent parental controls.
## Preparing for the Phone Change
Before you begin the process of changing the phone on Family Link, there are a few crucial preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. **Backup Data (Optional but Recommended):** If your child’s current phone contains important data (photos, videos, documents, etc.), it’s highly recommended to back it up. You can use Google Drive, Google Photos, or a local backup solution depending on your preferences and storage capacity. This will prevent data loss during the transition. To back up to Google Drive:
* Go to **Settings** on your child’s current phone.
* Tap on **System** or **General Management** (the name may vary depending on the Android version).
* Tap on **Backup & reset** or **Backup and restore**.
* Make sure **Back up to Google Drive** is turned on.
* Tap on **Back up now** to initiate a manual backup. The backup process can take some time, depending on the amount of data.
2. **Ensure Both Phones Are Connected to Wi-Fi:** Both the old and the new phones need to be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network throughout the process. This will ensure uninterrupted download and installation of apps and settings.
3. **Have the Child’s Google Account Credentials Ready:** You’ll need your child’s Google account email and password to log in on the new device and link it to Family Link.
4. **Fully Charge Both Phones:** Ensure both the old and new phones have sufficient battery charge to prevent interruptions during the setup process. It’s recommended to have at least 50% battery on both devices.
5. **Update Family Link App on Parent’s Device:** Make sure you have the latest version of the Family Link app installed on your own (parent) device. This will ensure compatibility and access to the latest features. You can update the app through the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
## Step-by-Step Guide: Changing the Phone on Family Link
The process of changing the phone on Family Link involves setting up the Family Link supervision on the new device and, optionally, removing it from the old device. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
### Part 1: Setting Up Family Link on the New Phone
1. **Factory Reset the New Phone (If Necessary):** If the new phone has been previously used, it’s recommended to perform a factory reset to ensure a clean slate. This will prevent conflicts with existing accounts or settings. **Warning: A factory reset will erase all data on the phone.** Only proceed if you’ve backed up any important data on the device. To perform a factory reset:
* Go to **Settings** on the new phone.
* Tap on **System** or **General Management** (the name may vary depending on the Android version).
* Tap on **Reset** or **Backup & reset**.
* Tap on **Factory data reset**.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset. The phone will restart after the reset is complete.
2. **Start the Setup Process:** Turn on the new phone and follow the on-screen instructions to begin the setup process. You’ll be prompted to choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and sign in to a Google account.
3. **Sign in with Your Child’s Google Account:** When prompted to sign in with a Google account, **use your child’s Google account email and password.** This is crucial for linking the phone to Family Link.
4. **Follow the Family Link Setup Prompts:** After signing in with your child’s account, the phone will recognize that it needs to be supervised by Family Link. You’ll be guided through a series of prompts to set up the supervision. This process will involve the following:
* **Verify Parent Account:** You’ll need to verify your own (parent) Google account to confirm that you are the child’s guardian.
* **Grant Permissions:** You’ll be asked to grant various permissions to Family Link, such as location access, app usage monitoring, and the ability to manage app installations. Grant these permissions to ensure proper parental control.
* **Set Screen Time Limits:** You can set daily screen time limits and bedtime schedules for the new phone. You can adjust these settings later through the Family Link app.
* **Approve Apps:** You can choose to approve or block specific apps from being installed on the new phone. Any app your child tries to download will require your approval.
5. **Install Necessary Apps (if any):** After the initial setup, you might need to install specific apps that your child needs for school, communication, or entertainment. You can do this through the Google Play Store, ensuring that you approve the installation through the Family Link app.
6. **Customize Settings (Optional):** Once Family Link is set up, you can customize various settings according to your preferences. This includes:
* **Location Tracking:** Enable location tracking to monitor your child’s whereabouts.
* **Content Filters:** Set content filters to block access to inappropriate websites and apps.
* **Purchase Approvals:** Require approval for all purchases made through the Google Play Store.
* **App Limits:** Set individual time limits for specific apps.
### Part 2: Removing Family Link from the Old Phone (Optional but Recommended)
After successfully setting up Family Link on the new phone, it’s generally recommended to remove it from the old phone. This prevents your child from bypassing the restrictions by using the old device. There are two main options for doing this:
**Option 1: Remove Supervision Directly on the Old Phone**
*This option requires access to the old phone and the child’s Google account password.*
1. **Open the Family Link App on the Old Phone:** Launch the Family Link app on your child’s old phone.
2. **Tap the Menu Icon:** Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner of the app.
3. **Select “Account Info”:** From the menu, select “Account Info”.
4. **Tap “Stop Supervision”:** You should see an option labeled “Stop Supervision”. Tap on this option.
5. **Follow the Prompts:** You’ll be guided through a series of prompts to confirm that you want to stop supervision. You’ll need to enter your own (parent) Google account password to verify the action.
6. **Confirm Removal:** After entering your password, confirm that you want to remove Family Link supervision from the device. The app will then remove the Family Link settings from the old phone.
**Option 2: Reset the Old Phone to Factory Settings**
*This option is useful if you no longer have access to the child’s Google account password on the old device or if you want to completely erase all data on the phone.*
1. **Go to Settings on the Old Phone:** Open the **Settings** app on the old phone.
2. **Tap on System or General Management:** Find and tap on **System** or **General Management** (the name may vary depending on the Android version).
3. **Tap on Reset or Backup & Reset:** Tap on **Reset** or **Backup & reset**.
4. **Tap on Factory Data Reset:** Tap on **Factory data reset**.
5. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** Carefully follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset. **Warning: This will erase all data on the phone.**
6. **Confirm the Reset:** You may be prompted to confirm the reset by entering your PIN, pattern, or password. After the reset is complete, the phone will be restored to its original factory settings, effectively removing Family Link supervision.
**Important Considerations When Removing Supervision:**
* **Child’s Awareness:** It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your child about why you’re removing Family Link from the old phone. Explain that the purpose is to ensure they are using the new phone with the established parental controls.
* **Data Deletion:** Remember that performing a factory reset will erase all data on the phone. Make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.
* **Account Removal:** After removing Family Link, consider removing your child’s Google account from the old phone to prevent them from using it to bypass restrictions.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Changing a phone on Family Link can sometimes encounter unforeseen issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Problem: New phone is not recognizing the child’s account as requiring supervision.**
* **Solution:** Double-check that you are signing in with the correct Google account email and password. Ensure that the Family Link app is updated on your (parent) device. Restart both the old and new phones.
* **Problem: Unable to grant permissions to Family Link on the new phone.**
* **Solution:** Ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Check that your Google account has the necessary parental control permissions enabled. Clear the cache and data of the Google Play Services app on the new phone (Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data).
* **Problem: Screen time limits are not working on the new phone.**
* **Solution:** Verify that the Family Link app has the necessary permissions to monitor app usage. Ensure that the phone’s date and time are set correctly. Restart the phone.
* **Problem: Child is able to bypass Family Link restrictions on the old phone after supervision is supposedly removed.**
* **Solution:** Ensure that you have completely removed Family Link supervision from the old phone using one of the methods described above (either through the Family Link app or by performing a factory reset). Remove the child’s Google account from the old phone to prevent them from signing back in.
* **Problem: Parental Controls Not Fully Functional on the New Device:**
* **Solution:** Double-check all the permission settings within the Family Link app on your device and ensure they are toggled on for the new device. Also ensure the Google Play Services is up to date on the child’s device.
## Tips for a Smooth Transition
To ensure a seamless and stress-free transition when changing a phone on Family Link, consider these helpful tips:
* **Communicate with Your Child:** Involve your child in the process and explain why you’re changing the phone and setting up Family Link on the new device. This can help them understand the importance of parental controls and reduce resistance.
* **Test the Setup:** After setting up Family Link on the new phone, take some time to test the features and settings. Make sure that screen time limits, app approvals, and location tracking are working as expected.
* **Be Patient:** The setup process can sometimes take a few minutes, especially if you’re downloading and installing apps. Be patient and allow the phone to complete the necessary tasks.
* **Keep the Old Phone Secure:** If you’re not planning to give the old phone to someone else, consider keeping it in a safe place or recycling it responsibly.
* **Review Family Link Settings Regularly:** Family Link offers a wide range of settings that can be customized to meet your family’s needs. Review these settings regularly and adjust them as your child grows and their needs evolve.
* **Consider a Family Contract:** For older children, consider creating a family contract that outlines the rules and expectations for using technology. This can help promote responsible online behavior and reduce conflicts.
## Conclusion
Changing a phone on Family Link doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain consistent parental controls over your child’s online activity. Remember to communicate with your child, test the setup, and review Family Link settings regularly to adapt to their evolving needs. Family Link is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness relies on your active involvement and consistent monitoring. By using it responsibly, you can help your child navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.