Google's redesigned Family Link parental control app is now available

Google introduces the renewed Family Link parental control app, which comes with a new design, three tabs (Highlights, Controls, Location), and a central hub for notifications, while also launching its web version for both parents and children.

The company first introduced Family Link in 2017 to help parents monitor and set limits on their children's use of devices and apps. Plus, it lets them lock their Android devices and Chromebooks when it's time to go to bed.

The redesigned user interface includes three main tabs that present all information and offer ease of changing settings. The Highlights tab shows a summary of the child's device usage that day, recently installed apps, and most used apps. From the Controls tab, you can set a usage time limit, while from the Location tab you monitor the child's location and receive a notification when he is in another place.

In addition to the general settings defined by the parent, the Controls tab allows you to set different limits and conditions for the specific day, without affecting the general framework that you have originally thought of. This is especially useful when it comes to emergencies, e.g. holidays, weekends, public holidays, etc., so you don't have to set up the app from scratch. However, there is no way to allow a specific app to be used for a day.

The Location tab shows the child's location, the remaining battery on their device, and the option to call them. The new addition is the notification you receive when it arrives at a specific location (eg school).