Google Play

Enabling Parental Controls

To start managing your child’s activity on the Google Play app, you’ll need to turn on parental controls.

To enable parental controls:

1. Step 1 – Tap the profile icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

2. Step 2 – From the menu, choose Settings.

3. Step 3 – In the Settings menu, scroll down and select the Family section.

4. Step 4 – Once the Family section opens, tap on Parental Controls.

5. Step 5 – On the Parental Controls screen, switch the toggle ON next to “Parental controls are off.”

6. Step 6 – You will be asked to create a content PIN. This PIN will be needed whenever you try to make changes to the parental controls. Enter your chosen PIN and press OK to confirm.

Parental controls are now active, and you can start setting restrictions for your child.

Restricting Apps & Games

You can set age-based limits for apps and games using PEGI ratings, so your child only has access to age-appropriate content.

To apply age limits for Apps & Games:

1. Step 1 – Go to the Parental Controls settings and tap on Apps & Games.

2. Step 2 – From the list, choose the PEGI age rating that matches your child’s age group. Then click Save to apply the restriction.

Your child will now only be able to download apps and games within the selected rating.

Restricting Films and TV

You can control which films and TV shows your child can watch by applying age restrictions.

To restrict films:

1. Step 1 – From the Parental Controls screen, select Films.

2. Step 2 – Choose the appropriate age rating for your child and press Save to confirm.

To restrict TV shows:

1. Step 1 – In the Parental Controls screen, tap on TV.

2. Step 2 – Select the most suitable age rating for your child and click Save to apply the setting.

Restricting Books

Book restrictions in Google Play are not based on age ratings. Instead, you can block access to books that contain sexually explicit material.

To restrict sexually explicit books:

1. Step 1 – In the Parental Controls screen, tap on Books.

2. Step 2 – Tick the box next to “Restrict sexually explicit books” and press Save to apply your choice.

Managing Spending

Spending controls are not available within the Google Play app’s own settings.

However, you can manage your child’s purchases using the Google Family Link app. For full details, refer to the Google Family Link parental control guide.

If your child is using Google Wallet, you’ll also need to adjust the settings directly in the Wallet app.