Family Link is a part of Google’s comprehensive suite of tools available for families. It allows parents to monitor their children’s online activity, restrict access to inappropriate content, and manage their screen time. One of the features of Family Link is the ability to set up parental controls on the child’s device, including access to password-protected settings. However, what if the parental access password needs to be changed? In this blog, we’ll go through the steps needed to change the parent access password on Family Link, along with some tips on what to pay attention to during the process.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To change the parent access password on Family Link, you’ll need the following:
- An internet-enabled device
- Access to the Family Link app or website
- Your current parent access password
What Should I Pay Attention To?
Before we dive into the methods of changing the parent access password, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, changing the parent access password will not change the child’s device password, so you’ll need to separately change that if required. Secondly, make sure you remember your new parent access password as you’ll need it to access restricted settings in the future. Lastly, changing the parent access password on one device will not change it on any other devices associated with the same child’s Google account.
Method 1: Changing Parent Access Password through the Family Link App (Android Devices)
Here are the steps to change the parent access password on Family Link through the app installed on an Android device:
- Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select the child to whom the Family Link account is linked.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines at the top left of the screen.
- Select Manage Settings.
- Authenticate yourself either with your current parent access password or by using biometrics.
- Scroll down to ‘Your Family’, then tap on Parent Settings.
- Tap on Change Password.
- Enter your current parent access password in the text field provided.
- Enter your new parent access password in the next text field.
- Confirm your new parent access password by entering it again in the third text field.
- Tap on Save to save changes.
Pros
- The process is straightforward and can be done from within the app itself.
- You can use biometrics to authenticate yourself, making the process easier and more secure.
Cons
- Only applicable for devices running on Android
- Requires you to have access to the Family Link app installed on your device.
Method 2: Changing Parent Access Password on Family Link Website (Desktop/Laptop)
To change the parent access password on Family Link through the website, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser on your desktop or laptop and go to https://families.google.com.
- Sign in to the Google account to which the Family Link account is linked.
- Select the child whose account you want to manage.
- Click on Settings located under the child’s profile.
- Click on Parent Settings.
- Enter your current parent access password in the text field provided.
- Enter your new parent access password in the next text field.
- Confirm your new parent access password by re-entering it in the third text field.
- Click on Save to save changes.
Pros
- Can be done from any device that has internet access and a web browser.
- Does not require the Family Link app to be installed on your device.
Cons
- The process is slightly more complicated when compared to the app method.
Method 3: Changing Parent Access Password through Google Settings (Any Device)
If you have linked your child’s Google account, you can change the parent access password using Google settings. Follow the steps below:
- Open a web browser and go to https://myaccount.google.com/.
- Sign in to the Google account to which the Family Link account is linked.
- Click on Security.
- Scroll down to ‘Your Devices’, then click on Manage Devices.
- Click on the device name where ‘Family Link Manager’ is installed.
- Click on Account Info.
- Click on Security.
- Click on Family Link settings.
- Enter your current parent access password in the text field provided.
- Enter your new parent access password in the next text field.
- Confirm your new parent access password by re-entering it in the third text field.
- Click on Save to save changes.
Pros
- Can be done from any device that has internet access and a web browser.
- If you have linked your child’s Google account, this method is available regardless of whether the Family Link app is installed on your device or not.
Cons
- Slightly more complicated process when compared to the app method.
- Requires you to have linked your child’s Google account.
Why Can’t I Change the Parent Access Password?
There may be several reasons why you are not able to change the parent access password. Here are a few common causes and fixes for the issue:
- You have forgotten your current parent access password: If you’ve forgotten your current parent access password and have verified your identity with Google support, they can help you reset it. Alternatively, reset the password by uninstalling the Family Link app, wiping data and cache, and then reinstalling the app.
- Your child’s device is not connected to the internet: Ensure the child’s device has an active internet connection before attempting to change the parent access password.
- You do not have permission to access restricted settings: Ensure you have the necessary permissions and are signed in with the parent account to access restricted settings.
Suggestions
- Make sure you keep your new parent access password secure and easy to remember.
- Change the parent access password regularly to maintain security.
- If you suspect your child has access to your parent access password, consider changing it immediately.
FAQs
Q: What if my child forgets their device password?
A: If your child forgets their device password, you will need to help them reset it. You can do this by logging in to the Family Link app or website and selecting your child’s device. Next, click on "Change Password" and follow the prompts.
Q: Can I change the parent access password on iOS devices?
A: No, as of yet, the option to change the parent access password through the Family Link app or website is only available for Android devices. However, you can manage Family Link settings for an iOS device using the same Google account used to set up the device.
Q: Can I use the same parent access password for multiple children?
A: No, each child’s account requires a separate parent access password. This is to ensure that each child’s online activity is monitored and controlled separately.
Q: Will changing the parent access password affect my child’s device password?
A: No, changing the parent access password will not affect the child’s device password. The device password can be changed separately from the Family Link app or website.
Q: How often should I change the parent access password?
A: It is recommended that you change the parent access password regularly, depending on your household’s specific security needs. This will ensure that your child’s online activity is monitored and controlled securely.
Conclusion
Changing the parent access password on Family Link is an important step in ensuring that your child’s online activity is monitored and controlled appropriately. By following the methods outlined in this blog, you can easily change the parent access password and enhance the security of your child’s online presence. Remember to keep your new password secure and easy to remember, and change it regularly to maintain security. If you have any concerns about your child’s online activity, make sure to explore the options offered by Family Link to monitor and control their online presence more closely.