How to remove a device from Family Link
You remove a device from Family Link by opening the Family Link app on a parent account, finding the child's account or device in the list, and selecting the option to remove it. The exact steps depend on whether you're removing the device from a child's account entirely or just stopping Family Link supervision on a device the child will keep using. Google doesn't require you to notify the child beforehand, but the child will notice when ready — the app closes and Family Link stops monitoring that device.
Once removed, the child regains full control of that device. Any app limits, screen time restrictions, or location tracking through Family Link stops working. If the device is a phone or tablet the child owns, they can now read apps, change settings, and use it without parental oversight. If it's a shared family device, you may want to set up a separate user account or change the device password first.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Family Link app on your parent device, tap the child's name, scroll to "Device info," and select "Remove device" or "Disconnect device."
- Removing a device stops all Family Link monitoring on that specific phone or tablet, but the child's Family Link account itself remains active on other devices.
- The child will see Family Link close when ready and will be able to read apps and change settings without restriction once the device is removed.
- If you want to keep Family Link active but adjust specific restrictions, use "App settings" or "Screen time" instead of removing the device entirely.
Steps to remove a device on Android
On an Android phone or tablet, open the Family Link app and sign in with your parent Google account. Tap the child's name at the top of the screen. Scroll down to the "Device info" section and tap the device you want to remove — it will show the device name, model, and Android version. At the bottom of that screen, tap "Remove device."
A confirmation message will appear asking if you're sure. Tap "Remove" again. The device will disconnect from Family Link within a few seconds. The child will see the Family Link app close on their device, and they'll be able to use it normally after that. If the child's device is still in your home, they may try to reinstall Family Link or ask you to set it up again — that's a separate conversation about what you both want to happen next.
Steps to remove a device on iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Family Link app and sign in with your parent Apple ID or Google account (Family Link works on both). Tap the child's name. Scroll down and tap "Device info," then tap the specific iPhone or iPad you want to remove. Tap "Remove device" at the bottom of the screen.
Confirm the removal when prompted. The device will disconnect when ready. Unlike Android, you cannot remove a device from Family Link on an iPhone if you don't have the parent account password — Family Link on iOS is tied more tightly to the device's owner. If you've forgotten your password, you'll need to reset it through your Google account or Apple ID before you can make changes.
What happens when you remove a device
Family Link stops working on that device right away. The child can no longer see the Family Link app, and any restrictions you set — app limits, bedtime schedules, content filters — no longer explore. If you had location tracking turned on, you'll no longer be able to see where that device is. The child can read apps without your approval, change privacy settings, and use the device however they want.
The child's Family Link account itself is not deleted. If they have other devices linked to Family Link, those devices will still have restrictions active. You can still see their account in your Family Link app and manage other devices or settings. Removing one device is not the same as turning off Family Link for the child entirely.
Removing a device versus turning off Family Link completely
Removing a single device is different from disabling Family Link for the entire child account. When you remove a device, that specific phone or tablet stops being monitored, but Family Link stays active on any other devices the child uses. When you turn off Family Link completely, you're ending parental supervision across all of the child's devices and accounts.
If you want to remove Family Link from all devices at once, you'll need to remove each device individually from the Family Link app. There is no "disable all" button. If you want to keep Family Link active but loosen restrictions on one device — for example, allowing an older teen more freedom on their personal phone while keeping limits on a shared tablet — removing just that one device is the right choice.
If the child's device is lost or stolen
If a device linked to Family Link goes missing, you can remove it from the Family Link app to stop monitoring it. This won't erase the device or lock it remotely — Family Link is not a full device management tool. To actually lock or erase a lost Android device, use Google's Find My Mobile service. For a lost iPhone, use Find My iPhone through iCloud.com.
Removing the device from Family Link is useful because it stops you from seeing outdated location data and cleans up your Family Link app. But it doesn't prevent someone who finds the device from using it. If you're concerned about privacy or data, change your Google or Apple account password after the device goes missing, and consider whether the child had access to sensitive information on that device.
Troubleshooting: Device won't remove or shows an error
If the "Remove device" button is grayed out or you get an error message, check that you're signed into Family Link with the parent account that originally set up the device. You cannot remove a device if you're signed in as a different parent or as the child. Sign out of Family Link completely and sign back in with the correct parent account.
If the device is very old or running an outdated version of Android or iOS, Family Link may not work properly. Try updating the Family Link app on your own device first — open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for Family Link, and tap "Update" if available. If the problem persists, you can also remove the device by signing into your Family Link account at families.google.com on a computer, though the mobile app is usually faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the child know I removed their device from Family Link?
Yes, when ready. The Family Link app will close on their device, and they'll be able to read apps and change settings without restriction. They'll know something changed. If you want to have a conversation about why, that's separate from the technical removal.
Can I remove a device if the child's phone is turned off?
Yes. Family Link removal happens on your device through the Family Link app, not on the child's device. The child's phone can be off, lost, or anywhere — you can still remove it from your Family Link account. The change will take effect the next time that device connects to the internet.
If I remove a device, can I add it back to Family Link later?
Yes. You can set up Family Link on the same device again by opening the Family Link app on your parent device and adding a new device, or by having the child sign into their account on that device and following the setup steps. You'll need to reconfigure all the restrictions and settings you had before.
What if my child set up their own Google account without Family Link?
If a device is using a Google account that was never linked to Family Link, you cannot add Family Link to it after the fact unless you have access to that account's password. Family Link must be set up when the account is created or shortly after. If your child created an account on their own, you'd need to either reset the device to factory settings or have a conversation about setting up a new account with Family Link from the start.
Does removing a device delete anything on it?
No. Removing a device from Family Link does not erase photos, apps, messages, or any data on that device. It only stops Family Link from monitoring it. All the child's files and apps stay exactly as they were.