The application Google Family Link allows parents to control the activity of children on smartphones, but sometimes situations arise when it is necessary to delete it without the participation of adults. For example, if parents forgot their password, lost access to their account, or the child has reached the age of majority, but restrictions continue to apply. In this article we will look at how to remove restrictions, including bypassing the lock through Android settings, resetting to factory settings and using developer tools. Legitimate and technical methods It is important to understand that some methods may violate Google's terms of use, and incorrect actions will lead to data-i="35">or blocking the device. We recommend that you first try the official options (for example, restoring access to the parent account), and only then move on to radical measures. legal and technical methods removing restrictions, including bypassing the lock through Android settings, resetting to factory settings and using developer tools.

It is important to understand that some practices may violate Google's terms of service, and incorrect actions will result in data loss or blocking the device. We recommend that you first try official options (for example, restoring access to a parent’s account), and only then move on to radical measures.

If you are looking for a way to bypass Family Link due to age restrictions, please note: after 13 years old (in some countries - 16) the child can independently manage his Google account. Check the current settings in Family Link personal account —it may be enough to simply request access.

📊 Why do you want to delete Family Link?
The child has grown up, but the restrictions remain
Parents forgot the password
The device was purchased with root access
Other

The easiest method is disable control through the child's accountif you have access to the phone, but do not have a parent’s password. This method works if the device is not locked at the system level.

Open the child's phone Settings → Accounts → Google and select the profile to which Family Link is linked. In the "Family" section, the option "Manage family settings" or "Remove from family group"may be displayed. Click on it and confirm the action.

If There is no such option, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device and try again.
  • 📱 Log into your child’s account on another device (PC/tablet) and check the settings via myaccount.google.com.
  • 📧 Write to Google support from the child’s account, indicating the reason (for example, reaching the age of majority).
⚠️ Attention: If a child's account is linked to a school domain (for example, via Google Workspace for Education), the organization administrator can block self-deletion. In this case, you will need to contact the IT department of the educational institution.

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

Hard Reset is a radical but effective method that deletes all data, including Family Link. Suitable if:

  • 🔐 There is no access to the parent account.
  • 📱 The device is not linked to Find My Device (otherwise you will need to enter Google data after the reset).
  • 💾 Important data has been previously saved (photos, contacts, messages).

Instructions for most Android devices:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery mode (for example, Power + Volume up for Samsung, Power + Volume down for Xiaomi).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (control is carried out with the volume and power).
  4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, the device will start up as new. If it was previously turned on FRP (Factory Reset Protection), you will need to enter the Google account information that was on the phone before the reset. In this case, proceed to the next method.

☑️Preparing for Hard Reset

Done: 0 / 4

If the reset does not help due to FRP, you can try remove Family Link via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting the phone to the PC and having USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC.
  2. Enable on your phone Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to activate developer mode).
  3. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.
  5. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink

If the command is not worked, try an alternative: 

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

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

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may disrupt the operation of some Google services. After removing Family Link, it is recommended to restart the device and check the system stability.
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If ADB does not recognize the device, install drivers for your phone model. data-i="113">this Samsung This Samsung USB Driver, for Xiaomi — Mi PC Suite.

4. Method: Using alternative launchers and guest mode

If Family Link blocks the installation of applications, but does not restrict access to settings, you can try bypass the restrictions through guest mode or third-party launcher.

Steps to activate guest mode:

  1. Pull down the notification panel and click on the user icon (top right).
  2. Select "Add guest" or "Guest session".
  3. In guest mode, try installing an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) through the browser.
  4. After installing the launcher, return to the main profile and select it as the default launcher.

In some cases, this allows you to bypass Family Link restrictions on installing applications. However, the method does not work on all devices and may be blocked after a reboot.

Bypass method Difficulty Risk of data loss Efficiency
Deletion via account Low No Average
Hard Reset Average High High
ADB High Low High
Guest mode Low No Low

5. Method: Contact Google support with proof of age

If the child is over 13+ years (or 16+ in the EU), he has the right to manage his account independently. Google provides the opportunity to request removal from a family group through support.

How to do this:

  • 📧 Go to page Family Link support.
  • 📄 Select section "Manage your child's account" → "My child has grown up".
  • 📑 Fill out the form, indicating the date of birth and attaching a scan document (passport or birth certificate).
  • ⏳ Expect a response within 1-3 days.

After confirmation of age, restrictions will be lifted and the child’s account will become full. This method the safest, but it takes time.

What to do if Google rejected the request?

If support refused to remove restrictions, check:

- The correct date of birth in your Google account.

- The document meets the requirements (must be clear, with a visible date of birth).

- No link to a school account (in this case, you need to contact the administrator of the educational institution).

If everything is correct, repeat the request or contact support by phone (numbers are on the Google website).

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When trying to delete Family Link, users often encounter typical problems:

Error 1: After a Hard Reset, the phone requires you to enter the data from your previous Google account (FRP).

  • 🔑 Solution: If you know your login/password, enter it. If not, try the ADB method or contact a service center to unlock it.

Error 2: ADB command is not executed (device unauthorized or no devices found).

  • 🔌 Solution: Check if it is enabled If USB debugging, install drivers for your phone model and reconnect.

Error 3: Family Link is automatically restored after a reboot.

  • 🔄 Solution: This means that the application is installed as a system one. Try uninstalling it via ADB. with root access or perform a hard reset.
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If none of the methods worked, most likely deep Family Link integration is activated on the device at the firmware level (for example, on some models Samsung or Huawei. In this case, only this will help). flashing or contacting a service center.

Is it possible to remove Family Link without resetting the phone?

Yes, if you have access to your child's account or ADB capabilities. Try the methods from 1st or 3rd partition this article If Family Link. installed as a system application, you can’t do without a reset or root access.

What happens if you reset the phone with Family Link attached?

After Hard Reset the device will return to factory settings, but if it was activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection), you will need to enter the details of the Google account that was on the phone before the reset. If you do not know this data, the phone will remain locked.

Is it possible to deceive Family Link by changing the date of birth in the account?

No. Google checks the date of birth during registration, and changing it does not remove Family Link restrictions. Moreover, if the account was created through a family group, editing the date of birth may lead to account blocking until your identity is confirmed.

Do apps to bypass Family Link (for example, "Family Link Remover") work?

Most of these apps are fraudulent or contain malware. Google regularly updates its protection, so third-party “removers” not only do not work, but can also infect your device with viruses. Use only official methods from this one. articles.

How to restore access to your parent account if you forgot your password?

Go to the page recovering your Google account and follow the instructions. You will need access to the backup email or phone number associated with your account. If recovery is not possible, contact Google support with proof of account ownership (for example, a receipt for the purchase of the device).