How to limit kids' app and game screen time on Windows 10, Xbox, and Android
You can enforce app and game limits on family members across devices (no matter the OS) using the Microsoft account family settings, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to do it.
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If you’re concern about your child spending a lot of time using apps and games on different devices, you can enforce screen time limits to promote a healthier and safer lifestyle through your Microsoft account.
Using the family settings on your Microsoft account, you can add new members, and access the necessary tools to establish the limitations you want acrossWindows 10and Xbox One as well as on Android devices using the Microsoft Launcher app.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure your Microsoft account to control app and game limits for your children no matter the device they use, including tablet, laptop, desktop, Xbox console, and even an Android phone.
How to create a family group on Microsoft account
To control your child screen time for apps and games, you first need to create a family group using these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can proceed to schedule screen limits for apps and games on any supported Windows 10, Xbox One, and Android devices linked with your child’s Microsoft account. (You can create a new Microsoft accountusing this page.)
How to limit app screen time on devices using Microsoft account
To set app and game limits from your Microsoft account across Android, Xbox One, and Windows 10 use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the user that you configured will only be able to use apps and play games during the times you specified.
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Once the new family settings are in place, when the child opens the app or game, they’ll get a notification letting them know the time they have left and when the time is almost up. When the time runs out, the account will no longer allow the child to open the game or app until the next time on any device signed in with the same Microsoft account. However, they’ll have the option to request additional time, which you can quickly approve or deny through email, phone notification, or using the family settings on the web.
How to add devices to family group Microsoft account
The screen time limitation feature on your Microsoft account will work as long as the member has their account is configured on the devices you want to control their activities, and they’ve previously logged in.
If you’re starting up with the family settings on your Microsoft account, the instructions below will help you add a Windows 10, Xbox One, and Android phone to the list of devices that you can control screen time for your child.
Set up a child account on Windows 10
To set up a new child account on Windows 10, which you can control using the family group settings, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, remember to sign in to the newly created account to register the device with your Microsoft account to start controlling the app and game limits.
Set up a new account on Xbox One
To set up an Xbox One account that you can limit screen time, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the console will appear in the “App and game limits” list on your Microsoft account, allowing you to control game limits.
Set up new account Microsoft Launcher
To set up Microsoft Launcher on your child’s phone that you can control using the family settings, use these steps:
In addition to setting up the Microsoft Launcher, you need to install the Microsoft Edge browser to take full control of the screen time using your Microsoft account.
Installing Microsoft Edge
To install Microsoft Edge on Android, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the phone will appear on the list to control the app and game limits.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
