Installing a children's banking application SberKids on a child's smartphone via Google Family Link is a task that many parents face. On the one hand, this is a convenient way to teach children to manage finances under control, on the other hand, the setup process often raises questions. Why is the application not installed directly? How to bypass Family Link restrictions? Do I need to confirm the child's identity? In this article we will look at all the nuances - from preparing the device to solving common errors.

It is important to understand that SberKids is not just a game, but a full-fledged banking product linked to a card. Therefore, installation requires more steps than downloading a regular application from Google Play. We will consider two main scenarios: when the child already has an account Google through Family Link and when he does not yet have one. You will also learn how to set up parental controls so that the child cannot uninstall the application or change security settings on his own.

Let us note right away: the process is absolutely free, but it will require you identity verification (via Sberbank Online) and settings Family Link on both devices - yours and your child's. If you haven't used Family Link yet, don't worry: we'll explain every step in detail, including creating a child's Google account.

📊 Have you used Google Family Link yet?
Yes, I set it up for my child
No, but I plan to
I tried it, but there were difficulties
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1. Preparation: what you need before installing SberKids

Before starting the installation, make sure that all prerequisites are met. Without them, the process may be blocked at one of the stages.

Basic requirements:

  • 📱 Child's device: Android version 7.0 and above (on older systems, Family Link works with restrictions).
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Your account: verified Google account with the function enabled Family.
  • 💳 Sberbank Online: you must have an active Sberbank card and access to the mobile application (to confirm your identity).
  • 🔒 Family Link: the application must be installed on both devices (yours and your child's).

If the child does not yet have a Google account, you will have to create one through Family Link. This will take 5–10 minutes, but will require you to provide real data (date of birth, name). It is impossible to install SberKids without a verified child Google account - the application checks age restrictions.

⚠️ Attention: If the child is under 13 years old, a Google account can only be created through Family Link. An attempt to bypass this restriction (for example, by specifying a false age) will lead to blocking of SberKids functions.
Component Requirement Where to check
Android version 7.0 or later Settings → About phone → Android version
Family Link Installed on both devices Google Play (search "Family" Link")
Sberbank Online Active card and verified account Application Sberbank Online
Children's Google account Created via Family Link Settings → Accounts → Add account

If your child does not yet have a Google account, start by creating one. This step is required - without it you will not be able to install SberKids.

Instructions:

  1. Open Family Link on your phone.
  2. Click Add a child or teenager → Create a Google account.
  3. Enter the first name, last name and real date of birth child (this will affect age restrictions).
  4. Follow the instructions until a message appears indicating successful account creation.

After creating an account, you need to link it to the child’s device:

  • 📲 On the child’s phone, open Family Link and log into the new account.
  • 🔗 Confirm the linking on your device (a notification will be sent).
  • ⚙️ Set up basic restrictions (time of use, blocking purchases).
⚠️ Attention: If the child has already used the device with another Google account, before linking a new account be sure to delete the old one via Settings → Accounts. Otherwise, Family Link will not be able to control the device.

A child's Google account has been created via Family Link|Family Link is installed on both devices|The child's device has been updated to the latest version of Android|Sberbank Online has confirmed your identity-->

Now let's move on to the main thing - installing the application. There are two options here: via Google Play on the child's device or remotely via your Family Link.

Method 1: Install directly on the child's phone

  1. Open Google Play on the child's device.
  2. In search enter SberKids and select the official application from PJSC Sberbank.
  3. Click Install. If a confirmation request appears, allow installation in Family Link on your phone.

Method 2: Remote installation via Family Link

  1. Open Family Link on your phone.
  2. Select the child's profile → Manage settings → Manage applications.
  3. Click Add application, find SberKids and confirm installation.

After installation, the application will appear on the child’s screen, but for full operation it will be required card link. This can only be done through your Sberbank Online:

  • 💳 Open Sberbank Online → Cards → SberKids.
  • 👤 Select a child (if he is not on the list, add him via Profile → Family).
  • 📱 Confirm linking the card to the application on the child’s phone (a push notification will be sent).
What to do if SberKids is not installed?

If the application does not install, check:

1. Age restrictions — Family Link may have blocking enabled applications for the child's age (configurable in Manage settings → Content restrictions).

2. Region Google account — SberKids is available only for Russian accounts. If the region is specified differently, change it in the Google Play payment settings.

3. Free space —the child’s device must have at least 200 MB free memory.

4. Family Link restrictions —if the settings prohibit the installation of new applications, temporarily disable it (Manage applications → Allow installation).

4. Setting up parental controls for SberKids

Installing the application is half the battle. So that the child cannot delete it or change the settings on his own, you need to do it correctly configure Family Link and SberKids.

What can be limited:

  • 🔐 Deleting the application: in Family Link, prohibit deleting SberKids (Manage applications → SberKids → Block).
  • ⏰ Use time: set a limit for working with the application (for example, 30 minutes a day).
  • 💰 Spending limits: v Sberbank Online set monthly spending limit on the child's card.
  • 📵 Notifications: turn off unnecessary push messages in the SberKids application settings.

We also recommend enable two-step authentication for your account Sberbank Online. This will protect the funds on the child’s card, even if someone gains access to his phone. To do this:

  1. Open Sberbank Online → Profile → Security.
  2. Select Two-step authentication and follow the instructions.
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If a child loses their phone, immediately block the SberKids card via Sberbank Online (Cards → SberKids → Block). The new card will be issued free of charge within 1-2 days.

5. Typical errors and how to fix them

Even with proper configuration, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to solve them.

Error Cause Solution
"The application is incompatible with your device" Old version of Android or lack of Google Play Services Update Android or install Google Play Services manually
"Parental approval required" Family Link blocks installation Go to Family Link on your phone and allow installation
"Do not managed to link the card" Incorrect child data in Sberbank Online Check the full name and date of birth in the child's profile
"The application disappeared after reboot" Family Link reset settings Install SberKids again and block its deletion

If the card binding does not work, make sure that:

  • 📱 On the child's phone enabled Internet (SberKids checks the connection upon activation).
  • 🕒 Time on the device coincides with the real one (a discrepancy may block confirmation).
  • 🔄 You use the latter version Sberbank Online and SberKids (update both applications).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation SberKids asks for re-confirm the child's identity, do not ignore this step. Without confirmation, the card will not be linked, and the application will stop working after 3 days.

In rare cases, Family Link may not allow you to install SberKids due to technical failures. Then you can use workarounds.

Method 1: Installation via APK

If Google Play blocks installation, download APK file SberKids from the official Sberbank website (section "Mobile applications"). To do this:

  1. On the child's phone, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  2. Download the APK and install it.
  3. After installation, turn on blocking of unknown sources again.

Method 2: Temporarily disabling Family Link

If none of the methods worked, you can temporarily remove your child’s account from Family Link, install SberKids, and then reconnect the control:

  1. In Family Link on your phone. select the child's profile → Manage settings → Delete account.
  2. Install SberKids via Google Play on the child's phone.
  3. Add the child's account to Family Link again.
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Installation via APK is a last resort. Official Google Play guarantees the security of the application, and third-party sources may contain viruses. Always check the hash of the file (MD5) on the Sberbank website.

7. Security: how to protect your child’s money

SberKids is not only about teaching financial literacy, but also about real money. To avoid unauthorized spending, follow these rules:

  • 🔑 Do not store the card PIN code in your child’s phone. Better write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place.
  • 📊 Set up SMS notifications about each card transaction (in Sberbank Online → Cards → Notifications).
  • 🛡️ Enable geolocation blocking: If the child’s phone is outside the zone (for example, school or home), the card will be automatically blocked.
  • 💸 Use a virtual card for online purchases (it can be created in Sberbank Online and linked to the main SberKids card).

Also discuss with your child safety rules:

  • 🚫 Never hand over a phone with the SberKids application open.
  • 🔍 Check the amount before confirming the payment.
  • 📞 Notify you of any suspicious messages (for example, about “money won”).

If the card lost or stolen, immediately block it via Sberbank Online and order a reissue. A new card will be issued free of charge, and the funds will remain safe.

Is it possible install SberKids without Family Link?

Technically, yes, but this violates the rules of Sberbank. The application requires confirmation of the child’s age, and without Family Link this is impossible. In addition, without parental control, the child will be able to freely delete the application or change the card settings.

SberKids is not visible on Google Play - what to do?

Check the region of the Google account (must be Russia) and the age of the child (under 18 years old). If everything is correct, clear the Google Play cache (Settings → Applications → Google Play → Memory → Clear cache) and repeat the search.

How to limit spending in SberKids?

Set limits in Sberbank Online:

  1. Open the SberKids card.
  2. Select Limits and prohibitions.
  3. Set a monthly/daily limit or prohibit transactions in certain categories (for example, games, entertainment).

Can I use SberKids on iPhone?

Yes, but with restrictions. For iOS, you need Apple ID a child with Family Sharingenabled. However, some functions (for example, geolocation blocking) only work on Android.

How to remove SberKids if the child has grown up?

Close the card via Sberbank Online (Cards → SberKids → Close card), then delete the application from the phone. The money will be transferred to your main account.