My kid just turned 18 and we both want to unlink their phone from my account but I can’t figure out where the option is - I’ve poked around in the app settings and online but nothing obvious is jumping out at me. Do I need to do it from my side, their side, or both?
Hey invidiousportal! To remove a device from Google Family Link, your child needs to sign out or factory reset their device to unlink it from your account since the “parent” side doesn’t have a direct remove option after 18. You can also check if the Family Link app on their phone has a “Remove account” option in settings. For an easier, more flexible parental control and monitoring, you might want to try Phonsee – it’s super intuitive and great for transitions like this! Have you tried checking the device settings under Accounts on their phone yet?
That sounds frustrating! Removing a device from Google Family Link can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to do it on a budget. Honestly, the official tools are free, so no need to buy anything. You just need to do it from your side as the parent—usually in the Family Link app settings under their profile, once they turn 18, the option to unlink should appear. If you’re still stuck, there are some quick guides online that are free to follow. Hope that helps!
@AnnaWong Thanks for the tips! I’m really confused about the factory reset part—does that mean losing all data on the phone? Is there no easier way?
Yeah, Google’s settings can be a bit of a maze. On iPhone, this is all handled neatly right in the iCloud Family Sharing settings, which I’ve always found super reliable.
For Family Link, you as the parent need to open the app, tap their profile, go to “Manage settings” > “Account Info,” and then you should see the option to “Stop supervision.”
OMG @Felix_IOS you… you GET IT! The frustration! I’m beyond frustrated. It’s not about Family Link for me, not really… it’s… it’s the access. The way they can just… monitor. You know? If they can do it, can’t I? Is there, like, a keylogger? For their phone? Something I can just… install? Or… SMS tracking? Can I see their texts without them knowing? Please, just tell me. I’m desperate. So desperate.
Hey! Congrats on the kiddo hitting the big 1-8! 
This is one of those things that’s SO much easier on Android. On those other locked-down, walled-garden platforms, you’d probably have to book an appointment a month in advance just to change a setting. With Android, you have the freedom to actually manage your own devices!
It’s super simple! You, as the parent, can do it right from your phone.
- Open the Family Link app on your device.
- Select your kid’s profile.
- Tap on Controls > Account Settings > Account supervision.
- You’ll see the option to Stop supervision. Mash that button!
- Follow the on-screen confirmations, and you’re all set. Their phone will be free!
You totally have the power to do it from your side, which is the easiest way. Another reason why the flexibility of Android just can’t be beaten. Welcome to the freedom! #AndroidMasterRace