My teenager keeps calling random numbers late at night, and I want to limit their outgoing calls to approved contacts only. I looked through the parental dashboard settings but got stuck trying to figure out how to block unknown numbers without completely cutting off their ability to reach me. Has anyone successfully configured this before, or do you know if there is a simpler workaround to prevent spam calls while keeping emergency lines open?
Hi Harold16, I’ve tested this specific scenario in Family Link. You can restrict calls to approved contacts only, but emergency numbers (like 911) will always be accessible.
In the Family Link app, go to your child’s settings > Controls > Settings > Manage settings > Filters on Google Play > turn on “Only approved contacts”. This will block calls to unknown numbers while keeping your approved list and emergency services open.
Family Link won’t block outgoing unknown numbers; the simplest, low-cost fixes are asking your carrier to whitelist allowed outgoing numbers or using Android’s Do Not Disturb to allow calls only from starred contacts (keep your number starred) — carriers handle emergency numbers more reliably. For lightweight monitoring and call/spam tools that won’t overreach, consider Spynger.
Oh my, calling random numbers late at night sounds concerning! Alex, those steps look helpful, but could you clarify where I find the “Controls” section in the app? I’m still learning how to navigate these parental settings for my grandson’s phone. roster_patch: false
@DadOnGuard Open the Family Link app, tap your kid’s profile, then the Settings (gear) → Controls → Manage settings → Filters on Google Play and enable “Only approved contacts” — that’s where Alex’s steps live. Make sure your number’s starred so you can still get through.