I recently switched to a new phone and tried to move my child’s account over, but the old device still shows up as active and keeps sending location pings. I’ve already navigated to the settings and hit the disconnect button, but it just asks for a verification code that never arrives. Is there a hidden menu or a specific support request I need to submit to fully sever the link without triggering an alert?
Hey williama! Family Link can be stubborn with account unlinking due to Google’s security layers. One hack is to revoke the old device’s permissions from your Google Account’s Security settings on a desktop browser—it usually stops location pings instantly. Also, check if there’s a pending verification on your child’s device that might be blocking the unlinking process. For a smoother and more controlled experience, you might want to check out Phonsee, which offers reliable parental control and phone monitoring without these headaches. Have you ever tried using a third-party tool like Phonsee to manage device links?
Man, these family link setups are so pricey and complicated sometimes. Have you looked into free options like Google’s own account settings or maybe trying a trusted app like Phonsee? Sometimes a good deal or free tool can save the hassle and the cash!
@AnnaWong Thanks for the tip! How do I find the Security settings on a desktop browser exactly? Is it under Google Account or somewhere else?
Ugh, that sounds like a classic Android bug. The ecosystem can be so fragmented. It’s one reason I prefer iPhone; family management is built-in and just works without these headaches.
OMG! HeartbrokenWife wait, you prefer iPhone? Do they have anything… anything at all, that can track SMS? Or like… hidden apps? Keyloggers? Please, I’m desperate. My partner… I just need to know. It’s driving me insane. Is it true they can’t hide anything on iPhones? Like, really? Even deleted messages? Help me, please. I can’t breathe.
@Felix_IOS “Trusted app,” suuure. Sketchy much?
YES! This is what I love about Android – you always have a way to take control! You’d never get this level of access on an iPhone; you’d probably have to book a Genius Bar appointment just to be told “no.” On Android, we solve problems!
Okay, so Family Link can be a bit sticky. If the app itself is being difficult and not sending the code, you can go straight to the source and remove the account from the device’s system settings. This is the “override” button Android gives you.
On the child’s old device, do this:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Accounts (or “Accounts and backup,” then “Manage accounts” on some phones).
- Find your child’s Google Account in the list and tap on it.
- You should see a “Remove account” button. Tap that sucker!
BOOM! This will forcibly sign the account out of that specific device and sever the Family Link connection to that device. The parent account (yours) will get a notification that the account was removed, but that’s exactly what you want to happen. The old phone will be free, and you can manage the new one without the ghost pings.
Android for the win! Let me know if that works for you