Family Link: List of blocks and how to bypass them
Want to use your phone without annoying restrictions? Here is the solution. Keep in mind that some of these methods can put your phone at risk; I am not responsible for anything.
1. Methods for Bypassing Time and Schedule Restrictions.
- Changing the Time Zone Region (Safe): Family Link evaluates the trigger based on the local time displayed on the screen. Changing the region and time zone backwards mathematically delays the trigger, because the local clock never reaches the minute at which the restriction is supposed to activate. To do this, simply go to Settings, enter "System", and in whatever appears, scroll down to "Date & Time". Then disable Automatic Time Zone and change your region to a country whose time is behind yours. The times will appear out of sync; it will only lock when the time goes back to matching the restriction time in that country.
https://reddit.com/link/1vp4113/video/f3fjv39rrjjh1/player
- What if my phone is already locked? Don't worry, reset your phone and speedrun the first step. Depending on the device's processing speed, you have 15 to 40 seconds before it takes effect, because it takes some time to open.
2. Methods for Bypassing App Restrictions
App blocking is based on continuously monitoring the package ID (the package ID is something like com.zionhuang.music; each app has its own) that is currently in the foreground.
- Changing the Signature and Package (Depending on the app, it may stop working or lose data): If an app such as Instagram or a game is blocked, the method consists of using an APK cloning tool (such as APK Editor) to change the package name (e.g., from
com.zionhuang.musictocom.badfamilylink.appyou can put whatever you want). Family Link will not recognize the new name in its block list and will allow the app to run freely. Your parents may block the new app, but you can repeat this indefinitely. - Accessing Internal WebViews (if all browsers are blocked): Many applications that are not browsers have built-in browsing windows (WebViews). If the user can open a link or a login screen inside an allowed secondary app, they can browse the internet or access social media through that hidden window, bypassing the main browser restriction.
3. Methods for Bypassing Installation and Settings Restrictions
- Removing the Helper via ADB (VERY DANGEROUS, IT CAN BREAK THE ENTIRE ANDROID SYSTEM): Family Link is divided between the Google account and the background app that monitoRs the phone (com.google.android.apps.kids.familylinkhelper). Using the PC command line with ADB (
pm uninstall --user 0) breaks the local monitoRing. Although the account remains under control, the phone no longer has the "monitorr" active to close the screen or block menus. - Using Activity Launchers: If Family Link greys out a menu in Settings, apps such as Activity Launcher allow you to create direct shortcuts to hidden Android sub-menus, bypassing the main Settings interface restriction.
4. Methods for Bypassing Network Filters and GPS Monitoring
Content filters depend on Google's DNS servers and on reading the coordinates provided by the hardware's location chip.
- Fake Location Applications (Mock Location): Android has a developer setting that allows GPS coordinates to be simulated through third-party apps (Fake GPS). If this option is enabled before the Settings are blocked, the user can set their location to any point on the map (e.g., at home), and the parents' dashboard will continue to receive that static coordinate, even if the phone changes location.
- Changing DNS/Private VPNs: To bypass Chrome's browsing filters that block websites, changing the DNS in the network settings to an encrypted DNS (DoH) or using a strong VPN encrypts the traffic. This prevents Family Link from filtering keywords or URLs on the local Wi-Fi network.
This post may contain something that was not mentioned or something that is incorrect. If you notice anything, leave a comment 👇 (worked on my device Discovery 2 SE idk if works in yours)