Google Extends Android’s Parental Controls Beyond Pixel Phones With Android 17
Google has officially launched Android 17 and is expanding its built-in Android Parental Controls to all devices running Android 17not just Pixel phones. Originally introduced on Pixel devices last year in late 2025, these parental control settings are now available on any Android device that receives the Android 17 update, bringing family management tools to Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other Android brands.
Key Parental Control Features
The expanded parental controls are located directly within Android Settings and provide a single, convenient home for both built-in device controls and Google Family Link integration. Parents can now manage:
Screen time limits: Set the amount of screen time your child can spend on a device each day to help establish healthy habits
App limits: Set limits on specific app usage on your child’s device
Downtime schedules: Automatically lock the device during scheduled periods, ensuring children aren’t watching YouTube videos all night
Content restrictions: Block apps entirely or restrict usage time, with changes protected by a PIN
Google Play Store Content Filtering
Parents can select age rating limits for apps on the Play Store, with options including:
Everyone (most restrictive)
Everyone 10 Plus
Teen
Mature 17 Plus
Adult only 18 Plus
Allow all, including unrated (least restrictive)
Family Link Integration
The parental controls tie directly into Android’s Family Linkopening additional options such as School Timewhich helps ensure children focus on studies rather than scrolling during class. Parents can set up controls with a PIN without necessarily linking a Google Account, providing flexibility for family management.
Security and Privacy Enhancements
The new controls include PIN protection for all modifications, preventing unauthorized changes. Additionally, Android 17 includes new threat detection protections and expanded safety tools for families as part of Google’s broader security push.
Rollout Timeline
Android 17 is officially rolling out to Google Pixel 6 and newer devices starting today, with the parental controls expanding simultaneously to all devices that update. The rollout will continue to other Android brands over time as they receive the Android 17 update.
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