Family Link Not Working: Quick & Proven Fix Solutions

Step 1Outdated iOS

Google Family Link runs on iPhones with iOS 11 or the latest version. Users with outdated iOS won’t be able to install and use this app on their devices. Hence, if you want to run Family Link on an iPhone, make sure your device has installed iOS 11 or the later version.

Step 2Limited Features

Although the Google Family Link app is compatible with iPhone, the iOS version gives limited access to features. Given below are some of Family Link settings that won’t work when your child signs in to Google apps on iPhone:

• Device location tracking
• App activity
• Screen time
• Website permissions and restrictions
• App permissions and restrictions

Hence, if you try to monitor your child’s iPhone with Family Link, you cannot limit screen time, track the device location, block or approve websites or apps, and check app activity.

Alternatively, you can use a cross-platform parental control app like FamiSafe, which gives parents the freedom to monitor their teenagers’ digital devices secretly on different platforms. Whether your child is using Android or iPhone, FamiSafe will provide you with complete information about his/her internet browsing history, apps and games installed, time spent on each app, device location history, and social media activities. You can also customize FamiSafe settings according to your preferences and use this app for remote account monitoring without any risk.

Problem 1Your Child’s Device is Powered Off

To locate your child’s device, it must be powered on. You won’t be able to find your kid’s live location if he/she has powered off the phone.

Solution

• Ask your child to power his/her phone.

Problem 2Your Child’s Device is Offline

The Family Link Location feature works only when your child’s device is connected to the internet. If the device is offline, it won’t show real-time location in Family Link.

Solution

• Make sure your child’s phone has a mobile data plan and is currently present in the area where mobile internet coverage is available. Besides, ask him/her to connect the device to the internet so that you can see his/her live location.

Problem 3Your Child’s Device hasn’t been Used Recently

Another factor that stops location tracking in Google Family Link is the inactivity of the target device. If your child’s device has been inactive for several hours, its location won’t appear on Family Link.

Solution

• If your child hasn’t used his/her device recently, ask him/her to perform some activity so that it can be traced from Family Link.

Problem 4“See your child’s location” Settings are Turned Off

Parents have to turn on “See your child’s location” settings in Family Link for real-time location tracking. Here’s how they can do this.

Solution

• Launch the Google Family Link app on your phone
• Select the child whose location needs to be tracked
• Click on Manage Settings, then Location
• Turn on See your child’s location settings
• Go to Device location settings and click on the device name
• Turn on Device location
• Select High accuracy

Problem 5Child’s Device Location Settings are Turned Off

Finally, the child’s device location settings must also be turned on to locate it via Family Link.

Solution

• Open Google Family Link App
• Select your child
• Go to Settings
• Tap Manage, then Location
• Select your child’s device, go to Settings, then Location Settings
• Turn on Device Location
• Select High accuracy

Method 1Try Hard Reboot

To hard reboot, press the Power and Home buttons located at the sides of Android mobile simultaneously and hold them for at least 10 seconds until the screen shows power off.

Release both buttons.

Press the Power button for a few seconds until the screen turns on.

Method 2Update Software

Family Link requires an Android device (5.0+), a Chromebook compatible with Android, an iPad (iOS 9+), or iPhone (iOS 9+).

If you have an older version of your device operating system, update it by going to the Settings, then Software Update. If any new update is available, download and install.

To install the latest updates on the Family Link app, go to Play Store, search Family Link, and tap Update. The newer version will be automatically installed and you will be able to use the Family Link app again.

Method 3Reinstall the App

• Press and hold the Family Link app icon for 5 seconds until two options appear
• Tap Uninstall and confirm the uninstallation
• Go to Play Store, type Family Link in the search bar, and tap Install
• Wait for a few minutes until the app is installed on your device.
• Open the Family Link app to see if it is working

Method 4Check Data Connection

If you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection, check the internet speed. You might have a slow internet connection or too many users connected to it. Hence, connect your device to a fast Wi-Fi connection or mobile internet and try using the app again

Method 5Enable App Permissions

• Go to Settings, then App Management, and then App Permissions.
• Scroll down and select Family Link and give all permissions to the app.

Method 5Check Device Storage

• If you are not been able to download the Family Link app or install the latest updates, your device might have limited storage
• Delete some files from your device or uninstall some apps to make some space and try downloading the Family Link app again

Unique Features of FamiSafe App

• Activity reporting
• Web filtering
• Internet browsing history
• App management
• Screen time control
• Explicit content detection
• Safe search and content management
• Location tracking and driving reporting
• Geo-fencing and location history
• Multi-user, multi-device compatibility
• Integrated user dashboard