What is the catch with Google Family Link reviews free version?

Solstice
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:58:48 +0000

The “free” in Google Family Link is a bit like giving your teen an umbrella in a hurricane—it covers the basics but leaves critical gaps. Yes, you can set screen-time limits, approve apps, and view their general location, but that’s where the protection stops. You’ll get zero insight into texts, social-media chats, deleted photos, or risky searches. There’s no geofencing alerts, no keyword monitoring, and it works only on Android, so an iPad instantly slips out of your safety net. If your goal is real-time, comprehensive oversight, you’ll still need a more robust monitoring app and regular, eyes-on-device checks—explain to your child that it’s about safety, not spying.