The Google Family Link app just got completely redesigned and it looks much more user friendly

I’m a huge advocate of covering anything and everything Google does to support and enable families to use technology for improvements to their quality of life. When Family Link came out five years ago to assist parents with managing how their children interface with technology, I believed it was a step in the right direction.

Because the app itself has received little to no love since its launch, and because it’s been confusing as all hell to navigate, I stopped using it with my son. Add to that the fact that YouTube has been super restricted for the little ones and YouTube Kids is even more limited, and it’s enough to make parents pull their hair out or uninstall the app altogether.

In an interesting turn of events, I woke up this morning to find that the Google Family Link app has been completely redesigned and looks like it’s targeting many of those pain points I – and probably you as well – have been experiencing.

Today, we are announcing a new Family Link experience that offers the same flexibility and choice, and helps make it easier for you to keep your family safer online.

The Keyword

Quite honestly, the new design is both gorgeous and more functional. It features four main components – the “Highlights” tab, the “Controls” tab, the “Location” tab, and a notification section. Starting with Highlights, a new tiled layout shows you how much time your child has spent in each app and includes a progress bar that will fill up as they near their daily screen time limit. There are app recommendations and Family Link for parents tips and tricks as you scroll down.

Regarding the “Controls” tab, Google says it worked to bring the tools you use the most to the forefront. Things like screen time limits, placing age-appropriate restrictions in place, and blocking or approving apps, for example, are just a tap away now. Previously, these tools were buried and a lot harder to fully comprehend.

A new “Today Only” setting will also allow you to temporarily suspend app limitations in circumstances where you may want to be a bit more gracious with your kids for their good behavior (remember though, intrinsic rewards are always better than extrinsic ones!)

Lastly, the “Location” tab shows you all of your children on a visual map (Google Maps already does this) along with their devices, the battery percentage they have left, and the ability to ring those devices from your phone. More importantly, new toggles will allow you to be notified once your child arrives or leaves home, school, or any other family place you specify!

Google Family Link’s redesign is rolling out as we speak (or rather, as I speak to you). If you aren’t seeing an update for it on the Play Store, it may take a few weeks to fully appear. You can use the app badge below to navigate to the store and check for yourself.