Google Family Link connects a parent’s account with a supervised child’s Google Account. Through the Family Link app, parents can manage selected Google Play settings, including whether approval is required for downloads and purchases.
The approval feature is particularly useful when your child wants to install a new game, purchase an app, or make an in-app purchase. Instead of allowing every transaction automatically, you can choose when your permission is needed.
Keep in mind that Google Play purchase approvals apply to transactions processed through Google Play’s billing system. They are not a universal approval system for every payment made through an app or website.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to manage purchase approvals on Google Play with Family Link, including how to change approval settings, review purchase requests, and troubleshoot common issues.
How To Manage Purchase Approvals On Google Play With Family Link
To manage purchase approvals on Google Play with Family Link, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Family Link app on your parent device.
- Select your child’s account from the family profile list.
- Open Controls > Google Play.
- Find Purchases & download approvals and tap Require approval for.
- Choose your preferred approval setting, such as All content, Paid content only, In-app purchases only, or Never.
- Review and approve or deny purchase requests when your child sends them.
These settings help you manage your child’s Google Play downloads and purchases.
Step 1: Open Google Family Link and Select Your Child
The first step is to open the Google Family Link app on your phone. Make sure you’re signed in with the parent account that supervises your child’s Google Account.
After opening the app, look for your child’s profile on the main screen. If you manage more than one child, select the account for which you want to change purchase approvals.
Family Link > Select your child
Selecting the correct child is important because purchase approval preferences are managed for individual family members. Changing settings for one child does not necessarily change the settings for another child in your family group.
If you don’t see your child’s account, check that you’re signed in to the correct Google account and that the child’s account is connected to your family supervision setup.
Step 2: Open Google Play Controls
Once you’ve selected your child, open the Controls section in Family Link. Look for the Google Play settings, where you can manage content restrictions and purchase-related permissions.
Follow this navigation path:
Family Link > Your child’s profile > Controls > Google Play
The Google Play section provides access to relevant controls for the child’s downloads and purchases. Depending on your app version and account configuration, the wording or placement of settings may differ slightly.
Take a moment to review the available settings before making changes. Purchase approvals and content maturity restrictions serve different purposes. Approval settings determine when your permission is required, while content restrictions help limit access to content based on maturity levels.
Step 3: Find Purchase and Download Approval Settings
Inside the Google Play controls, locate Purchases & download approvals. Tap Require approval for to see the available choices.
Use the following navigation path:
Family Link > Your child’s profile > Controls > Google Play > Require approval for
This is the key setting for controlling when your child needs your permission. Google provides several approval options, allowing you to choose a level of control that suits your family.
Before selecting an option, consider how your child uses Google Play. For example, you might want approval for every new app download, or you may prefer to focus on paid content and purchases that could affect your budget.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Purchase Approval Option
After opening Require approval for, review the available choices. The Family Link app provides options that can include All content, Paid content only, In-app purchases only, and Never.
All Content
The All content option is designed for parents who want to review requests for Google Play content, including free downloads. This can be useful when you want to know which apps and games your child is attempting to install.
For example, if your child wants to download a free puzzle game, the request may require your approval under this setting. It can give you an opportunity to check the app before allowing the download.
Paid Content Only
With Paid content only, approval focuses on paid content rather than every free download. This option may be convenient if you want to reduce unnecessary spending while allowing your child more flexibility with free apps.
However, review the precise setting displayed in your Family Link app, since the approval options and scope can vary by account and platform.
In-App Purchases Only
The In-app purchases only option focuses on purchases made inside apps through Google Play’s billing system.
This can be relevant for games where children might want to buy virtual currency, additional levels, or other digital items. Requiring approval for these purchases gives you an opportunity to review the request before authorizing the transaction.
Never
The Never option removes the Family Link purchase approval requirement for the applicable Google Play content. If you want your child to request permission before purchases, don’t select this option.
Review your choice carefully, especially if your concern is unapproved spending. Purchase approvals are only one part of managing a child’s Google Play access, so consider using content restrictions and other parental controls when appropriate.
Step 5: Review Your Settings and Test the Approval Process
After selecting your preferred approval option, check that the setting is saved in your child’s Google Play controls.
You can use this navigation path to return to the setting:
Family Link > Your child’s profile > Controls > Google Play > Require approval for
The exact way the change is displayed may vary by app version. If you’re unsure whether the change took effect, reopen the setting and confirm the selected option.
It’s also useful to explain the approval process to your child. Let them know that when they want to download certain content or make a purchase, they may need to send a request for your review. This helps set expectations and avoids confusion when a download doesn’t happen immediately.
Remember that previously installed or approved apps, and certain content available through Google Play Family Library, may not require additional approval to download. Therefore, approval settings should be considered alongside your other parental controls.
Step 6: Review and Approve or Deny Purchase Requests
Once purchase approvals are enabled, your child can submit a request when approval is required. How you respond depends on whether the request is for paid content or content at no charge.
Approving a Request Through a Notification
For eligible requests, you may receive a notification on your phone. Open the notification to review the request, then select the app or content name if you need additional details.
Use the following process:
Family Link notification > Open the request > Review details > Approve request or Deny
Review the app name and the type of purchase before making a decision. If you approve a request, follow the instructions shown in the app to complete the process.
Approving Paid Content on Your Child’s Device
For certain paid purchase requests, Google Play may ask for your Google Account password on your child’s device. Review the request and enter your password if you decide to approve it.
Child’s device > Purchase request > Review > Enter parent password > Approve
Only enter your password when you’re intentionally reviewing an approval request on a trusted device. Avoid sharing your Google Account password with your child.
Google’s approval workflow differs depending on the request type and whether the content is paid or free.
Step 7: Find Pending Approval Requests
If you missed a notification, you may still be able to locate pending requests through Google Play or Family Link.
On your Android phone, open the Google Play Store and look for the approval request management section:
Google Play Store > Profile picture > Settings > Family > Manage approval requests
You can also open Family Link and check the notifications section for pending requests.
If you don’t see a request, confirm that you’re using the correct parent account and that the request is still pending. Notifications can also be affected if notifications for Family Link or Google Play have been turned off.
Common Problems When Managing Purchase Approvals
Purchase Approval Notifications Are Not Appearing
If you’re not receiving approval notifications, check whether notifications are enabled for the Family Link app and the Google Play Store. Google notes that turning off notifications for these apps can prevent you from receiving alerts about requests.
Family Link app notifications > Phone settings > App notifications > Allow notifications
The exact navigation depends on your phone model and Android version. After checking notifications, ask your child to submit a new eligible request so you can confirm whether alerts are working.
Your Child Can Still Download an App Without Approval
If your child can download an app without requesting permission, check whether the app was previously installed or approved. Google explains that certain previously installed or approved apps may not require additional approval.
You should also review whether the app is available through Google Play Family Library, as some content shared through the library may not require another approval.
Family Link > Your child’s profile > Controls > Google Play
Review the approval settings and consider whether additional app restrictions are needed.
FAQs
Can I require approval for every app my child downloads?
Yes, Google Family Link offers an All content approval option for supervised accounts, allowing you to require approval for eligible Google Play content, including free downloads. The exact behavior depends on the account and content type.
Can I approve in-app purchases using Family Link?
Yes, eligible in-app purchases processed through Google Play’s billing system can be subject to approval. You can select an approval setting that includes in-app purchases and review requests before approving them.
Can I manage Google Play purchase approvals from a computer?
Yes. You can manage applicable settings through Google’s family management website. Sign in to your parent account, select your child, and open the Google Play controls.
Google family management > Select your child > Controls on Google Play > Require approval for
The available controls depend on your account and family setup.
Does Family Link control every payment made inside an app?
No. Google Play purchase approvals apply to purchases processed through Google Play’s billing system. They don’t automatically cover every transaction completed through an external website or a different billing system.
For this reason, parents should also consider reviewing app-specific payment settings and other available account protections.
What happens if I don’t approve my child’s purchase request?
If you deny an eligible request, the requested content or purchase won’t be approved through that request. If your child still wants the content, they may need to submit another request, depending on the situation.
You can review the request details before deciding whether to approve or deny it.
Can I change purchase approval settings later?
Yes. You can return to the Require approval for setting in Family Link and choose a different approval option. This lets you adjust the level of supervision as your child’s needs change.
Family Link > Select your child > Controls > Google Play > Require approval for
Review the new setting carefully after making the change.