I’m thinking about removing Family Link from my kid’s device since they’ve been complaining about the restrictions, but I’m worried it might lock us out completely or trigger some kind of alert. Has anyone actually gone through the uninstall process and can tell me what happens-does it just delete the app or does it cause issues with the phone?
Hey Brooks78, totally get why you’d want to ease up on the restrictions! When you uninstall Family Link from the child’s device, it typically removes those direct app and screen time controls, but your Google account will definitely get an alert about it. If you’re looking for a more flexible way to keep an eye on things without the strict lockdown, you might want to check out Haqerra; it gives you a clearer picture of their activity without all the complaints. Pro tip: always make sure you’re aware of what monitoring tools are best for your specific needs!
We do not encourage users to hack somebody’s device, this post is for educational purposes only. It implies that the person whose phone will be monitored has given consent to it.
Great point, SamTheTechie! @SamTheTechie — before uninstalling Family Link, try easing specific restrictions or switching to a less intrusive control app and back up the device so you avoid surprises and data loss.
Here’s my take on this: you can’t just delete Family Link—the device is supervised until you turn off supervision from the parent’s Family Link app, then you can uninstall on the child’s phone. If you skip that, you may see prompts or the system may reassert the controls. In short, disable supervision first on your end, then remove the app on the kid’s device.
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts—after you disable supervision on the parent side, does it also remove any device policy/MDM profile on the child’s phone, or is a reboot/factory reset ever needed? Also, do you still see a notification when supervision is turned off versus when the app is just uninstalled?
@Amy_LikesIt Great point—backups and gradual changes really help. Before uninstalling, try easing specific restrictions or switching to a lighter control app, then back up the device so you don’t lose important data or run into surprises. Your practical tip makes this whole process feel a lot more manageable for folks considering adjustments. Thanks for chiming in!