The application Google Family Link allows parents to control their children's activity on smartphones Androidby limiting time of use, blocking applications and tracking location. However, there are situations when a teenager needs it full access to the device without restrictions —for example, for school projects, installing specialized software, or simply as he grows older. In this article, we will look at all the legal and technical ways to remove parental controls, including bypassing locks, resetting settings and alternative methods for different versions Android.

It is important to understand: some methods may violate Google User Agreement or require confirmation from the parent. We do not encourage deception - the article is of an informational nature for cases where the child is already old enough (13+ years), and the parents have forgotten the password or have lost access to the account. If you are a parent and want consciously to remove restrictions, you will also find suitable instructions here.

Methods are divided into three categories: 1) Official (with the participation parent), 2) Technical (reset, bypass through settings), 3) Alternative (use of additional accounts or devices).

We will consider each option taking into account the versions Android 10–14 and features of different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and etc.).

📊 Why do you want to remove parental controls?
The child has grown up and restrictions are not needed
You need to install an application for study
Parents forgot the password
The phone has moved to another owner
Other

The easiest and most legal way is when the parent consciously removes restrictions through their device or web version Family Link. This method does not require technical manipulations and is suitable for children of any age.

What a parent needs to do:

  1. Open the application Family Link on your smartphone or go to the website families.google.com.
  2. Select the child’s profile in the managed list accounts.
  3. Go to section Manage settings → Child account.
  4. Find option Delete account from Family Link or Stop supervision (the name depends on the version of the application).
  5. Confirm the action with the password from the parent account Google.

After this, all restrictions will be lifted, and the child’s account will become normal.

  • ✅ Pros: does not require resetting the phone, saves everything data.
  • ⏳ Cons: requires the participation of the parent and access to his account.
  • 🔄 Alternative: if the parent has forgotten the password, you can recover it through accounts.google.com.
⚠️ Attention: If the child is already over 13 years old (in some countries - 14–16), he can independently initiate deletion from Family Link through his account. To do this, you need to open settings Google on your phone, go to Google account management → Family and press Leave family group. The parent will receive a notification and will be able to confirm or reject the request.

2. Resetting the phone to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If parental controls are configured via Family Link, but access to the parent account is lost, complete reset of the phone is one of the reliable ways to remove restrictions. However, this method has serious consequences:

  • 📱 Will be deleted all data (photos, messages, applications).
  • 🔒 After the reset, you will need to log in again account Google, but without linking to Family Link.
  • 🔧 On some phones (Samsung, Xiaomi) after resetting, you may need to enter the old account password Google (FRP protection).

How to do reset:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
    • Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (or Volume up + Power).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power.
    • Google Pixel: Volume down + Powerthen select Recovery Mode.
  • In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (use the volume buttons to navigate, the power button to confirm).
  • Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed.
  • Reboot the phone (Reboot system now).

    • Save important data to the cloud or computer|

    Write down the username/password from Google account|

    Make sure that the phone is charged at least 50%|

    Check if there is a link to Samsung Knox or Xiaomi Mi Account|

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    ⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 9 and newer after reset You may need to confirm your old account Google (FRP blocking). If you do not remember the data, you can bypass it only through official confirmation of ownership (receipts, box) or specialized services (risky).

    3 Bypassing restrictions through phone settings (without. reset)

    If resetting is too radical a method, you can try disable some restrictions through system settings. This method does not work on all phones, but sometimes allows you to temporarily gain access to blocked functions.

    Instructions for Android 10–13:

    1. Open Settings → Applications.
    2. Find in the list Family Link for children and teenagers (or Google Play Services).
    3. Click Storage → Clear data and Clear cache.
    4. Reboot your phone.
    5. Try logging into your account again Google —sometimes the restrictions are reset.

      6. Additional options:

      • 🔄 Deleting updates: In the settings Family Link click ⋮ → Delete updates, then reboot phone.
      • 📱 Developer mode: Activate it (click 7 times), then data-i="149">disable Settings → About phone → Build number press 7 times), then Developer settings turn off Restrictions on background activity for Family Link.
      • 🔗 Changing the date/time: Sometimes it helps to set the date a year in advance (for example, 2026), reboot the phone and try to delete Family Link.

    💡

    If after clearing the data Family Link the phone requires confirmation from parent, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using the mobile data. Sometimes changing the IP helps to bypass temporary blocking.

    Bypass method Works on Android Risk of blocking Saving data
    Clear cache Family Link 10–13 Low Yes
    Delete updates 9–12 Medium Yes
    Change date/time 8–11 High (may block account) Yes
    Developer mode All versions Low Yes

    4. Using a second Google account (to bypass restrictions)

    If the child’s main account is linked to Family Linkyou can create a second account Google use it to install applications. This method does not completely remove parental controls, but it allows you to bypass some. restrictions.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Open Settings → Accounts.
    2. Click Add account → Google.
    3. Create a new account (indicate age 18+ years, otherwise you will again be subject to restrictions).
    4. Log in Google Play under the new account.
    5. Install the necessary applications.

    Limitations of this method:

    • 🚫 Some system functions (for example, Screen time) will still be monitored Family Link.
    • 📵 Applications installed under the second account may not have access to contacts or main profile files.
    • 🔄 On phones with Android 12+ Google can block switching accounts in Family Link.

    What happens if you delete the child’s main account?

    Deleting the main account Googlelinked k Family Linkwill lead to complete loss of access to the phone on some devices (due to FRP locking). After rebooting, the phone may require you to enter the login/password for the remote account. Without this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

    5. Bypass via ADB (for advanced users)

    If USB debugging is enabled on your phone USB debugging, you can try to remove Family Link via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for users with technical skills and requires a computer.

    What you will need:

    • 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
    • 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
    • ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → Developer settings → USB debugging).

    Commands to execute (enter in Command Prompt or Terminal): 

    adb shell

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink
    

    pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms.kids.familylink

    If the commands do not work, try stopping the services first:

    adb shell pm disable-user com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink

    adb shell pm disable-user com.google.android.gms.kids.familylink

    ⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may disrupt the operation of system applications GoogleOn some phones (Samsung, Huawei) these commands may not work due to additional manufacturer restrictions. Before execution make a backup copy of your data.

    6. Alternative methods: temporarily disabling or replacing the device

    If none of the methods help, consider alternative options:

    • 📱 Using a tablet or second phone: If the main device is locked, you can temporarily use another gadget without restrictions.
    • ⏳ Waiting for automatic removal of restrictions: In some countries Family Link automatically turns off when the child turns 13–16 years old (depending on local legislation).
    • 🔧 Contacting Google support: If the parent account is deleted or blocked, you can write to support Google with a request to unlock the device (proof of ownership will be required).
    • 🛠️ Flashing the phone: The last resort method is installation custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). This will remove all restrictions, but will void the warranty and may lead to unstable operation.

    For flashing you will need:

    1. Unlock Bootloader (on most phones this erases all data).
    2. Install TWRP Recovery or another custom recovery.
    3. Flash alternative firmware via fastboot or ADB sideload.

    This This method is recommended only for experienced users!

    💡

    Flashing the phone is the most reliable way to remove all restrictions, but it is only suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. On phones with Samsung With Knox or Xiaomi with a locked bootloader this can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability).

    7. What to do if nothing helps?

    If all of the above methods did not work, there are two options left:

    1. Contact your parents: Explain the reason why you need full rights (study, work, personal projects). Perhaps they will agree to remove restrictions through their account.
    2. Use the phone without a Google account:
      • Create a local profile (not linked to Google).
      • Install applications via APK-files (for example, from the site APKMirror).
      • Use alternative application stores (Aurora Store, F-Droid).

    Disadvantages of working without Google:

    • 🚫 No access to Google Play, YouTube, Gmail and other services.
    • 🔒 Some applications (for example, banking) require Google Play Services.
    • 📱 There are no automatic security updates.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing parental controls

    Is it possible to remove Family Link without parental consent?

    Technically yes, but legally - only if you are 13+ years old (depending on the country). Removing restrictions on your own without your parents' knowledge may violate the user agreement GoogleIf you are a minor, it is better to discuss this with your parents.

    What happens if you reset your phone via Recovery?

    Everything the data will be deleted, including applications, photos and settings. After resetting, the phone will require you to enter the account data Googlethat was on it previously (FRP lock). If you do not remember the login/password, it will be difficult to unlock the phone.

    Does the method with changing the date work on Android 14?

    On new ones versions Android (12+), changing the date rarely helps to bypass Family Linksince Google added additional checks. This method can only work on older devices (Android 9–11).

    Is it possible to bypass FRP after. reset?

    Bypassing FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is possible, but requires special tools or proof of ownership (receipts, box). There are instructions for specific models on the forums (Samsung, Xiaomi), but they are often associated with the risk of blocking the device.

    How to completely remove a child’s account from Family Link?

    The parent can delete the child’s account from Family Link through the website families.google.com or application. After deletion, all restrictions are removed, but the account Google remains active. If the account is no longer needed, it can be deleted completely in the settings Google section Data and personalization).