How to Set Up Parental Controls on Samsung Galaxy: Restrict Apps & Content

Parental controls on a Samsung Galaxy help limit access to inappropriate apps, websites, and content for children. This guide walks you through different methods to enable parental controls and restrict specific content on your device.

1. Use Samsung Kids Mode

Samsung Kids Mode provides a child-friendly environment with restricted access to apps and content.

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy.
Go to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Scroll down and select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.”
Tap on Samsung Kids: Select “Samsung Kids” and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Customize Allowed Apps: Choose which apps and features are accessible in Kids Mode.
Set a PIN: Create a secure PIN to prevent unauthorized changes.
Activate Kids Mode: Open Samsung Kids from the Quick Settings panel whenever your child uses the device.

2. Enable Google Family Link

Google Family Link allows you to manage your child’s screen time and restrict app usage remotely.

Download Google Family Link: Install the “Google Family Link” app from the Google Play Store on both your device and your child’s device.
Set Up a Child Account: Open the app and follow the steps to create a supervised Google account for your child.
Link the Devices: Connect your child’s Google account to your Family Link account.
Manage App Access: Use the Family Link app to approve or block apps installed on your child’s device.
Restrict Content & Set Filters: Navigate to “Content Restrictions” to limit web browsing, YouTube content, and in-app purchases.
Monitor Screen Time: Set daily usage limits and remotely lock the device when needed.

3. Block Inappropriate Content Using Google Play Store Restrictions

Google Play parental controls allow you to block apps, movies, and other content based on age ratings.

Open Google Play Store: Launch the Play Store app on your Samsung Galaxy.
Access Settings: Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
Go to Family Settings: Under “Family,” select “Parental Controls.”
Enable Parental Controls: Toggle the switch to turn on parental controls and create a PIN.
Set Content Restrictions: Adjust content ratings for apps, games, movies, TV shows, and music.
Save Changes: Exit the settings, and the restrictions will now be enforced.

4. Use Samsung Secure Folder for Restricted Apps

Samsung Secure Folder allows you to hide apps and sensitive content behind an extra security layer.

Open Settings: Go to “Settings” on your device.
Select Biometrics & Security: Scroll down and tap on “Biometrics and Security.”
Enable Secure Folder: Tap “Secure Folder” and follow the setup process using your Samsung account.
Choose Lock Method: Set up a PIN, password, or biometric lock for Secure Folder.
Move Apps to Secure Folder: Open Secure Folder, tap on “Add Apps,” and select the apps you want to restrict.
Exit Secure Folder: Once locked, the apps inside the folder will require authentication to access.

5. Use Screen Time Limits in Digital Wellbeing

Samsung’s Digital Wellbeing feature helps restrict screen time and control app usage for children.

Open Settings: Navigate to “Settings” on your Samsung Galaxy.
Go to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Tap on “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.”
Select Dashboard: View a list of apps and their usage time.
Set App Timers: Tap on an app and set a daily usage limit to restrict excessive screen time.
Enable Focus Mode: Use Focus Mode to temporarily block access to distracting apps.
Monitor Usage: Check the dashboard regularly to ensure your child is following healthy screen time habits.

6. Restrict Access with App Lock

An app locker prevents unauthorized access to certain apps using a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.

Download an App Lock App: Install a third-party app like “AppLock” from the Google Play Store.
Open the App: Launch the app and grant necessary permissions.
Set Up a Security Lock: Choose a PIN, password, or fingerprint lock.
Select Apps to Lock: Pick the apps you want to restrict, such as social media, messaging, or YouTube.
Activate App Lock: Once enabled, the selected apps will require authentication to open.

7. Restrict Websites Using Samsung Internet Browser

You can block access to specific websites using Samsung Internet’s parental control features.

Open Samsung Internet: Launch the default Samsung Internet browser.
Go to Settings: Tap on the three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner and select “Settings.”
Enable Safe Browsing: Navigate to “Privacy and Security” and turn on “Safe Browsing” to block harmful sites.
Use Add-ons: Install an ad blocker or parental control add-on from the Samsung Internet extension store.
Manually Block Websites: Use third-party parental control apps to blacklist specific websites.

8. Turn Off App Installations from Unknown Sources

Restricting app installations from unknown sources prevents children from downloading unauthorized content.

Open Settings: Navigate to “Settings” on your Samsung Galaxy.
Go to Security & Privacy: Select “Apps & Security” or “Privacy.”
Find Install Unknown Apps: Tap on “Install Unknown Apps.”
Restrict Permissions: Disable the toggle for all apps except the Google Play Store.
Verify Settings: Try downloading an app from an external website to ensure the restriction is in effect.

9. Use Carrier-Level Parental Controls

Most mobile carriers provide parental control options to restrict internet access and app downloads.

Check Carrier Services: Visit your carrier’s website or customer support page to see available parental control options.
Enable Content Filtering: Log into your carrier’s online account and enable content filters for web browsing and apps.
Set Data Usage Limits: Restrict mobile data access for specific apps or during certain times of the day.
Manage Account Access: Some carriers allow parents to monitor and approve purchases made on the child’s device.
Apply Changes: Save the settings, and they will be enforced at the network level.