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Android Tablet safety

Step-by-step guide

Creating restricted profiles limits the access your children have to content on Android Tablets and restricts in-app purchasing.
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Quick advice

Get your child’s Android smartphone set up safe quickly with these top controls.

Set up a child account

Setting up a restricted user means that you get automatic safety settings which you can then customise later.

Set up a password

Setting a password that only you know means your child can’t remove restrictions without your permission.

Video guide

How to set parental controls on Android Tablet

You will need your Google account email and password for the device. You might also wish to create a Google account for your child.

If your child has their own device you may set up Digital Wellbeing or Google Family Link which allows more advanced parental controls and management. You can link your device with your child’s to view insights such as app usage and time spent to build healthy digital habits together.

Set up screen lock

If you already have a screen lock, go to the next section. A screen lock must be set on your own profile before you can create a restricted profile for your child. 

Step 1 Go to Settings. Scroll down to and tap Lock screen. 


Step 2 Tap Screen lock type, set password, confirm and tap continue. You can set up a password or biometrics depending on your device.

Android tablet lock screen settings

A screen lock ensures that only you can adjust and manage app restrictions on the device. 

Create a restricted profile

Step 1 Go to the tablet home screen.

Android tablet homepage

Step 2 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel. Select the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.

Android table drop down menu

Step 3 –  In Settings, select Accounts and backup.

Android Accounts and backup

Step 4 Tap Users then Add user or profile

You’ll see your profile as Owner, and a Guest option which is for one-time use. Tap Add user or profile then select Restricted profile.

Android tablet add user or profile

If your tablet has no screen lock set, you may be prompted to create one.

Step 5 Enter a name for the profile and tap OK.

Android tablet add restricted profile

Step 6   Switch on the apps you want your child to use. It is also recommended to check the privacy and safety settings separately for the individual apps and browsers. A restricted profile does not restrict content for all apps, which have their own advanced parental controls.

Android tablet  toggles

Step 7   Switch profiles

You can now switch between your profile and the restricted profile via the Home screen or under Users in the main settings. A password is needed to access your profile each time.

Android tablet lock screen

How to set parental controls on Android Tablet