Google's native parental controls break free from Pixel, coming to every Android phone
Android Police 2026-06-16 22:03:25
Context: Google has announced that its native parental controls, previously exclusive to Pixel devices, will now be available on all Android smartphones that update to Android 17. This move aims to provide parents with more control over their children's device usage, including screen time limits, app usage, and content filters. The update is part of a broader effort to enhance digital well-being, which includes a $50 million increase in Google's US digital well-being fund.
Key Facts
- Google introduced native parental controls to Pixel devices with Android 16, and is now expanding this feature to all Android smartphones that update to Android 17, allowing parents to set up controls directly in the device's Settings.
- The native parental controls will include PIN protection, screen time limits, downtime schedules, app usage control, app store and web content filters, and the ability to add more usage time if a limit has been reached.
- The parental control Settings page will also serve as a gateway to Family Link, which offers more in-depth controls, such as School Time, Google Play app purchase approvals, location alerts, and more.
- Android 17 has started rolling out to Pixel devices, with an expected rollout to the rest of the Android ecosystem smartphones over the course of 2026.
- Google is increasing its US digital well-being fund to $50 million, coinciding with the expanded parental controls, as part of its efforts to promote healthy device usage and digital well-being.