Parental controls on Samsung phones and tablets

Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets are among the most common devices in Filipino homes. They run Android, so Google Family Link works on them, but Samsung adds its own tools and its own app store, which are worth knowing about.

Option 1: Google Family Link (best for phones)

For a child's own phone, set up Family Link as described in our Family Link guide. On Galaxy phones it's also reachable from Settings, Digital Wellbeing and parental controls, Parental controls.

Family Link gives you app approvals, daily limits, downtime, Chrome filters and location.

Close the Samsung gaps

• Galaxy Store: Samsung's own app store isn't controlled by Google Play approvals. Use Family Link to block the Galaxy Store app, or set age restrictions within the Galaxy Store settings.
• Samsung Internet: Chrome filters from Family Link don't apply to Samsung's own browser. Block Samsung Internet in Family Link so your child uses Chrome, or rely on a home Wi-Fi or DNS filter.
• Secure Folder: Samsung's Secure Folder can hide apps and files behind a separate lock. On a younger child's phone, check it isn't set up. See secret accounts and vault apps.

Option 2: Samsung Kids (best for young children on shared tablets)

Samsung Kids turns a Galaxy phone or tablet into a separate, child-friendly space with its own home screen. Your child can only use the apps you add, and leaving Samsung Kids requires your PIN.

To open it, swipe down to Quick Settings and tap Kids, or look in Settings under Digital Wellbeing and parental controls. Inside, open the menu to set:

• A daily play time limit
• Which apps are allowed
• Which contacts your child can call

Samsung Kids is good for children under about 8 who share a parent's tablet. Older children usually find it too limiting.

Option 3: Digital Wellbeing (for teenagers)

Digital Wellbeing lets a user see their own screen time, set app timers and use Bedtime mode. It's not a parental control, since the user can change it, but it's a good tool for teenagers who manage their own phones. Sit down with your teen and set it up together.

Tips

• Keep the phone's software updated. Samsung and Google fix security issues regularly.
• Set a screen lock your child knows, and make sure your own Samsung account password is private.
• If you're handing down a Galaxy phone, do a full factory reset and then set it up fresh as a supervised device.