How to remove family link without deleting account?

By HotBotUpdated: July 25, 2024

Family Link is a valuable tool for parents to monitor and control their children's online activities. However, there may come a time when you want to remove Family Link without deleting the associated Google account. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve this, ensuring your child's account remains intact while freeing it from parental controls.

Understanding Family Link

Family Link is a Google service that allows parents to create and manage a Google account for their children under 13 (or the applicable age in your country). It provides features like screen time management, app approvals, and activity reports. While it’s an excellent tool for parental supervision, it can become restrictive as children grow older and seek more autonomy.

Prerequisites and Preparations

Before you start the process of removing Family Link, there are a few prerequisites and preparations you should consider:

• Backup Important Data: Ensure that all important data linked to the child's Google account is backed up. This includes emails, contacts, photos, and documents.
• Device Access: Have physical access to the device where the Family Link account is being managed.
• Update Apps: Ensure both the Family Link app on the parent’s device and the Google Family Link for Children & Teens app on the child’s device are updated to the latest versions.
• Google Account Credentials: Make sure you know the Google account credentials (email and password) for both the parent and the child accounts.

Method 1: Removing Family Link from Parent’s Device

This method involves removing Family Link settings from the parent's device:

1. Open Family Link App: Launch the Family Link app on your parent device.

2. Select Child: Tap on the child’s account you wish to remove from Family Link.

3. Account Settings: Navigate to the “Manage settings” section.

4. Remove Account: Find and select the option to “Remove account” or “Stop supervision.” This option might be under a submenu like “Account info” or “Settings.”

5. Confirm Action: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the removal of Family Link supervision. You may need to enter your parent account password to confirm.

Method 2: Removing Family Link from Child’s Device

If you prefer, you can also initiate the removal process directly from the child’s device:

1. Open Settings: On the child’s device, navigate to the device settings.

2. Google Account: Find and tap on the Google account settings, which might be under “Accounts” or a similar section.

3. Remove Account: Select the child’s Google account and look for the option to “Remove account.”

4. Parental Approval: The device will prompt you to enter the parent’s Google account password to confirm the removal.

Method 3: Graduating the Account

Google provides an option to graduate a child's account when they reach the applicable age (usually 13). This method transitions the account from a child account to a standard Google account:

1. Notification: When the child approaches the applicable age, Google will send a notification to both the parent and the child about the upcoming graduation.

2. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided in the notification to complete the graduation process. This usually involves confirming the child’s age and agreeing to new terms and conditions.

3. Update Account: The child’s account will be updated to a standard Google account, removing all Family Link restrictions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues while trying to remove Family Link. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Cannot Find Remove Option: If you cannot find the option to remove the account, ensure that you are using the latest version of the Family Link app. Also, double-check that you are logged in with the correct parent account.

• Incorrect Password: If the system does not accept the parent account password, try resetting the password through the Google account recovery process.

• Device Not Recognized: Ensure that both devices (parent and child) are connected to the internet and have the latest version of the Family Link app installed.

After Removal: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

After successfully removing Family Link, it’s essential to ensure a smooth transition for the child’s account:

• Review Account Settings: Go through the Google account settings to ensure everything is configured correctly, including privacy settings, security options, and recovery methods.
• Install Necessary Apps: Check if any apps need to be reinstalled or updated on the child’s device.
• Discuss Online Safety: Have a conversation with your child about online safety, responsible usage, and digital citizenship to foster a healthy relationship with technology.

By following these steps and methods, you can effectively remove Family Link without deleting the account, allowing your child to enjoy more freedom and responsibility with their Google account.

Each family’s needs are unique, and deciding when and how to remove Family Link is a personal decision. The methods outlined above aim to provide a comprehensive guide, empowering parents to make informed choices that best suit their family’s dynamic.

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