Samsung smartphones and tablets parental controls

1. Create a child account on a new device

Create a Google account for your child if they do not have one.

This account is essential to manage a range of Google services and apps through Google Family Link.

To get started, visit our step-by-step guide – Google Family Link parental controls.

For new devices

During the set-up of the device, follow the prompts to set up the initial settings

Log in with the child’s Google account on their device or create one for them.

Follow the prompts and log in with the parent or carer’s Google account

Please note that you will need your own account to authenticate both the Google account and the Samsung child account.

The required credit card details are just to verify it’s you. This process allows a more secure and tailored experience for your child while allowing you to oversee their digital journey.

Follow the prompts to finish setting up parental controls

Google Family Link will be automatically installed on the parent or carer’s device.

Family Album Sharing

Through linked Samsung Accounts you can also set up a shared photo album and select which family members can view, edit, and contribute to it.

How to check your child’s browser history

Your child’s browser history includes a record of the pages they visit.

Each browser has its own history, so if your child downloads a browser different from Samsung Internet, you might need to check that as well.

To check browser history on Samsung Internet:

Step 1 – Tap the Internet icon to open the browser then tap the Menu icon represented by 3 lines at the bottom right of your screen.

Step 2 – Tap the clock icon that says History. You can then view their video history and web history in chronological order.

If you notice they visit inappropriate sites or watch inappropriate content, it’s important to talk to them about it in a calm and open manner.

Get advice on tackling inappropriate content here.

How to set a password for Secret Mode

Secret Mode is available with Samsung Internet on Samsung smartphones. It allows users to browse without tracking the sites they visit.

You can set a password to access Secret Mode so that your child cannot access it. This will ensure they use the regular browser.

To set a Secret Mode password:

Step 1 – Tap on the Samsung Internet icon to open the browser, then tap on the tabs icon.

Step 2 – At the bottom of the screen, tap Turn on Secret Mode. A screen that says ‘Keep your browsing private and safe’ will appear. Next to Lock Secret Mode, change the toggle to blue and tap Start.

Step 3 – Set a password. It must have at least 4 characters, including at least 1 letter. Enter it, press continue and then re-enter it.

You can also choose to use biometrics (fingerprint or face, depending on smartphone model). This is a safer way to secure your phone.

Step 4 – When in Secret Mode, you can access the setting through the Menu button represented by the 3 dots on top right of your screen. Here, you can reset Secret Mode to restore settings or create a new password.

How do I create a Secure Folder?

The Secure Folder lets you keep your private files, images and apps in a separate secured folder. It is only available on devices running on the Android Nougat 7.0 operating system and above.

You can create a Secure Folder for your child to use on your device.

To create a Secure Folder:

Step 1 – To create a Secure Folder, you or your child first needs a Samsung account. Use the Samsung smartphone’s Search Bar and search Secure Folder. Tap on the result.

You can also access this through Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder.

Step 2 – Once in the Secure Folder, you’ll need to sign in with your Samsung account and agree to permissions. Then, you must select a way to access it. You can choose from a PIN, password or pattern. A password offers the highest level of security.

Step 3 – Your Secure Folder will be added as a shortcut to your home screen. Tap on it to open the folder.

Adding files and apps to your Secure Folder

Once you’ve set up your Secure Folder, you can add files and apps to keep secure. These will then only be accessible with your PIN, password or pattern you created.

To add files to your Secure Folder:

Step 1 – Open your Secure Folder and tap the 3 dots in the right corner of the folder.

Step 2 – Tap Add files. Then, choose the type of file you want to add. You can select multiple files to add at once. Choose to Move them completely or Copy them. If you Copy them, the files will still exist outside of the folder.

Step 3 – You can then access these files by opening your Secure Folder and tapping Gallery (for images) or My Files (for other files).

To add apps to your Secure Folder:

Step 1 – Open your Secure Folder and tap the plus sign (+) at the top of the folder.

Step 2 – Select the apps you want to add and tap Add.

You can also download new apps from the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store here. These will be added directly to your Secure Folder.

What is Find My Mobile?

Find My Mobile is a feature that helps you locate a lost Samsung Galaxy device. It also lets you lock or unlock the device or completely wipe the device data, including Samsung Pay payment information.

To set up Find My Mobile:

Step 1 – Open Settings > Tap your Samsung account at the top of the menu.

Step 2 – Tap Find My Mobile and toggle on (to blue) the options you’d like enabled. They include:

• Allow this phone to be found
• Remote unlock
• Send last location
• Offline finding

If this device goes missing, you can then remotely access these options. Learn more with Samsung UK.

How to manage your child’s privacy

Parents/carers can see an overview of their child’s device permissions for camera, microphone and location in the past 24 hours with the Privacy Dashboard.

To access the Privacy Dashboard:

Step 1 – Tap Settings > Privacy. Tap View all permissions to see a detailed view of the permissions. Scroll to manage permissions.

Step 2 – Tap Permission manager to edit permissions for all apps.

Each permission type will show you how many apps have access to that specific permission. Tap a permission type to go through your apps one by one and set your preferred permissions.