Parental controls on Android is a useful feature for limiting children's access to inappropriate content, but sometimes it becomes an obstacle for adult users. Perhaps you bought a used smartphone with restrictions already configured, you forgot your password, or your child has grown up, and the restrictions are still in effect. In any case, there are several ways to remove these blockings, and we will tell you about the most reliable ones. Google Family Link, or your child has grown up, but restrictions are still in effect. In any case, there are several ways to remove these blockings, and we will tell you about the most reliable ones.

It is important to understand: the methods differ depending on what type of control is installed. This can be a built-in function Android (for example, Settings → Digital Wellbeing), a proprietary solution from Samsung or Xiaomi, or a third-party application like Kaspersky Safe Kids or Norton Family. We will analyze all the options - from simple to technically complex, including bypass without superuser rights (root).

If you are not sure what type of control is activated on your device, start with the section “How to determine the type of parental control”. This will save time and help avoid unnecessary manipulations with the system.

1. How to determine the type of parental control on Android

Before trying to remove restrictions, you need to understand which software has imposed them. Here are the key signs of different types of control:

  • 🔍 Google Family Link: a notification “Managed by Family Link” appears on the lock screen or in the application menu. Settings → Google Accounts the child’s profile is visible.
  • 📱 Branded solutions (Samsung Kids, Xiaomi Child Mode): in the notification panel there is a child mode icon, and in the settings there is a separate section with restrictions.
  • 🛡️ Application side (Kaspersky, Norton, Qustodio): in the list of installed apps there is corresponding software, and when you try to open blocked content, a window with the application logo appears.
  • 🔒 Android system restrictions: blocking via Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Parental Controls. Usually requires a PIN code to change.

If your device has several types of controls installed (for example, Family Link + Kaspersky Safe Kids), you will have to disable each one individually. Start from the “top” level - usually this is Google Family Link, since it blocks system capabilities at the account level.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor) use their own control mechanisms that may not be displayed in the standard settings. Check branded applications like Huawei Kids or AppGallery Parental Control.

If restrictions are set via Google Family Link, the most reliable way to remove them is to use official tools. To do this, you will need access to the account of the parent who set up the control.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the page on any device (even from a PC) Google Family Link and log in under the parent's account.
  2. Select the profile of the child for whom you want to remove restrictions.
  3. Go to section Manage settings → Device.
  4. Click Delete account child or Disable parental control (depending on the interface version).
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or backup email.

After this, all restrictions will be lifted within 5-10 minutes. If you do not have access to your parent's account, proceed to the next section with alternative methods.

Make sure the device is connected to the Internet

Battery charge is at least 30%

Know the email of the parent account

Have access to a backup phone/email for confirmation -->

If, when you try to disable control, the error “Device is blocked by the administrator” appears, it means that third-party parental control software is additionally installed on your smartphone. It must be removed manually (see section 4).

3. Resetting parental controls through Android settings

If restrictions are set through standard settings Android (without Family Link), they can be removed directly in the device menu. This method works on most smartphones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and others.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Digital well-being and parental controls (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → Users and accounts → Parental controls).
  2. Select the profile for which you want to remove restrictions.
  3. Enter the current one PIN code parental controls (if you forgot, see section 5 about resetting the password).
  4. Disable all active restrictions: usage time, application blocking, content filtering.
  5. Save changes and restart the device.

On devices Samsung may need to be further disabled Samsung Kids:

  1. Go in Settings → General management → Samsung Kids.
  2. Press Disable Samsung Kids and enter the PIN.
  3. Confirm deactivation.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi), after disabling parental controls, you may need to relink your account. MiMake sure you have access to the email associated with it. device.
What to do if the "Parental Controls" section is missing in the settings?

If there is no "Parental Controls" item in the menu, then the restrictions are set through third-party software or Google Family LinkCheck the list of installed applications for apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family or Qustodio. Also try logging into Settings → Applications → Special access → Device administrators and disabling unnecessary services there.

4. Uninstalling third-party applications for parental controls

If restrictions are imposed by apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family or Qustodio, they need to be removed like regular applications. However, many such apps are protected from uninstallation, so additional steps will be required.

Removal methods:

  • 📲 Through Android settings:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications.
    2. Find the application (for example, Kaspersky Safe Kids) and select Delete.
    3. If the button is inactive, press Disable, then try to delete again.
  • 🔧 Through device administrators:
    1. Open Settings → Security → Device Administrators (or Special access → Device Administrators on new versions Android).
    2. Uncheck the parental control application.
    3. Go back to the list of applications and delete it.
    4. 💻 Via ADB (for advanced users): 
      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.kaspersky.safekids

      (replace com.kaspersky.safekids with the package name of your application).

    If the application is not deleted even after disabling the administrator, it may be password protected. In this case, resetting the settings (see section 6) or using ADB.

    💡

    Before deleting third-party parental control software, check whether it is tied to the manufacturer's account (for example, Huawei ID or Samsung AccountSometimes, to completely remove it, you need to unlink the device from the account in the settings.

    5. Resetting the parental control password

    Forgot your PIN from Google Family Link or built-in parental controls? There are several ways to restore or reset it:

    • 🔑 Recovery via email:

      If you try to enter an incorrect PIN in Family Link a link “Forgot” will appear. password?" remove the child’s device from the trusted list.

    • 📧 Reset via Google Account:

      If control is configured via Family Link, sign in to your parent's account at myaccount.google.com, go to section Security → Device management and remove the child’s device from the trusted list.

    • 🔄 Reset via factory settings (extreme case):

      If other methods do not work, perform hard reset (see section 6). This will delete all data, including parental control passwords.

      • On some devices (for example, tablets Amazon Fire), parental controls are tied to the account Amazon. To reset it, you need to delete the child's profile through the web interface Amazon Parent Dashboard.

      ⚠️ Attention: If the device was purchased second-hand and linked to someone else's account Google Family Link, it is impossible to reset the password without the consent of the previous owner. In this case, only a complete reset will help (section 6).

      6. A complete reset (Hard Reset) is a last resort

      If no other methods work, the last option remains - factory reset. This will delete all data from the device, including applications, photos and settings, but also remove all restrictions.

      How to do hard reset:

      1. Back up important data (contacts, photos, documents).
      2. Open Settings → System → Reset settings (on some devices: Settings → General management → Reset).
      3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
      4. Enter the device PIN code (if required).
      5. Confirm the reset and wait for the reboot.

      If the device is locked and you cannot enter the settings, use recovery mode:

      1. Turn off your smartphone.
      2. Hold down the button combination (usually Volume up + Power or Volume down + Power + Home, depending on the model).
      3. In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (control with volume buttons, confirmation with the power button).
      4. After reset, select Reboot system now.
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices c FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after the reset you will need to enter the account data Googlethat was linked before the reset. If you do not know this data, the smartphone will remain blocked. In this case, contact the service center.

    Official shutdown via Family Link

    Removing third-party software

    Password reset via email

    Full reset (Hard Reset)

    Haven't tried it yet-->

    7. users)

    If standard methods do not help, you can try more advanced methods. They require technical skills and can damage the system if used incorrectly.

    • 🖥️ Using ADB:

      Connect the device to the PC, enable USB debugging in the developer settings and run command:

      adb shell pm clear com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink

      This will reset the settings Family Link, but does not guarantee complete removal of restrictions.

    • 🔓 Removal via Safe Mode:

      Boot the device into Safe Mode (usually hold down the power button → "Reboot into Safe Mode"). In this mode, third-party applications will not work, and you will be able to uninstall parental control software.

    • 🛠️ Editing system files (requires root):

      Using Root Explorer or ADB you can delete parental control configuration files (for example /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml). This method is risky and can lead to system instability.

      • Before using these methods, make sure you have a backup copy of your data and understand the possible consequences. On devices with Android 12+ many system changes are blocked, so the effectiveness of these methods may occur. be limited.

      💡

      ADB and root methods should be used only as a last resort. They can break the operation of the device, void the warranty and lead to data loss. On modern versions of Android (13+), many system changes are blocked at the kernel level.

      Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

      You can Is it possible to bypass parental control without resetting the settings?

      Yes, in most cases. If control is installed via Google Family Link, it can be disabled through the web interface of the parent's account. If through third-party software, delete it in the settings or via ADB. A full reset is only needed if the password is forgotten and there is no access to the account. parent.

      What to do if the old Google account (FRP) is required after resetting the settings?

      This is protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you do not know the details of the previous account, you cannot officially bypass it. Unofficial methods (for example, through FRP bypass tools) may not work on all devices and often require connection. to the PC. The most reliable option is to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

      How to find out which application is blocking access?

      Check:

      1. List of installed applications in Settings → Applications.
      2. Section Device administrators in the security settings.
      3. Notifications on the lock screen or in the notification panel (the name of the blocking software is often displayed there).

      Do these methods work on tablets Amazon Fire?

      No, devices Amazon Fire use their own parental control system (Amazon Kids+To disable it:

      1. Log into your parent's account at Amazon Parent Dashboard.
      2. Select the child's profile and click Delete profile.
      3. Confirm the action.

      On the tablet itself, you may need to reset the settings if the password is forgotten.

      Is it possible to disable parental controls remotely?

      Yes, if the controls are configured via Google Family Link or similar services (Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family). To do this:

      1. Log in to your parent's account on any device.
      2. Go to the service control panel (for example, Google Family Link).
      3. Disable restrictions for the desired one device.

      If control is installed locally (via Android settings), remote disabling is not possible.