This article is for parents.
Parents can set specific time limits for Android apps through the Google Play Store for their children’s Google accounts managed with Family Link.
What you’ll need
To set app limits for your child, you’ll need a Chromebook with Chrome OS versions 83 or higher. Learn how to update your Chromebook’s operating system.
How screen time limits work
When you set a limit for your child's screen time on Chromebook, they'll get a notification when:
- Screen time is set for the first time.
- Screen time limits are updated.
- They have 5 minutes left and 1 minute left on an app.
- They have reached their time limit.
When the device is locked, your child:
- Can't see notifications.
- Can't unlock the device or use any apps.
Set daily limits
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- On the "Screen time" card, select Set up or Edit limits.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to set daily limits.
Tip: Daily limits apply to each Chromebook or Android device your child uses. For example, if you set a daily limit of 2 hours, your child would get 2 hours of time on each device.
Set time limits for each app
When you set an app time limit, it will apply to each of your child's devices.
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- On the "Manage apps" card, select Set limits.
- Next to your preferred app, select the Hourglass
Set limit
.
- Set a daily time limit for the app.
- Select Set.
Change time limits for an app
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- On the "Manage apps" card, select More.
- Next to your preferred app, select the Hourglass
Edit limit
.
- Change the time limit.
- To remove a limit, select Delete limit.
- Select Edit.
- New limits will get updated whenever the child device is online next.
Turn off screen time limits
You can disable screen time limits from the Family Link app on your device.
You can also disable screen time limits by going to families.google.com on a web browser:
- Sign in with the Google Account you use to supervise your child.
- Select your child.
- Select More
Disable screen time limits.
Tip: You can use the Family Link app to re-enable screen time limits.
Block or allow an app
- Open the Family Link app
.
- Select your child.
- On the “Today’s activity” card, select Set limits.
- Select an option:
- Block an app: Next to your preferred app, select the Hourglass
Block
.
- Unblock an app: Next to the blocked app, select Block
Allow
.
- Block an app: Next to your preferred app, select the Hourglass
Tip: Blocked apps will be unavailable on all of your child’s devices.