Gardion
What to use when Family Link does not cover the computer
Family Link is free and does its job on Android. It stops in one place: it does not manage a Windows computer at all. Below is what follows from that — and when you should not switch.
Try for freeWhat each one does
| Feature | Family Link | Gardion |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone and tablet | yes, free | yes |
| Windows computer | no | yes |
| Child’s iPhone or iPad | no | no |
| Daily limit per app | yes, on Android | yes, on Android and Windows |
| Break with a warm-up | no | yes, every half hour |
| Tasks, stars and rewards | no | yes |
| VPN and Safe Mode blocking | no | yes, on Windows |
| Reading messages | no | no — and never will |
| Price | free | 14 days free, then a yearly plan |
Family Link data comes from its official pages, as of July 2026.
What Gardion adds
The computer. Daily limits, schedules and game blocking on Windows 10 and 11 — where Family Link does not work at all. More on the PC controls page.
A limit on one game. Not “an hour at the computer” but “forty minutes of Roblox”. Homework and drawing do not eat the limit. See how it works for Roblox.
Breaks with a warm-up. Every half hour the screen locks and the helper shows an exercise. In strict mode the screen stays locked until the child does it. Family Link has nothing like this.
Tasks instead of bans. The child completes tasks, earns stars and trades them for time or a reward. It is the one part kids actually like.
When you should stay on Family Link
It is free, and in four cases there is no point swapping it for a paid Gardion.
- Your child only has Android, and there is no computer or it is the family one.
- A single daily limit and bedtime are enough.
- You do not want to pay, and the free option covers you.
- Your child has an iPhone. We do not support it, and neither does Family Link — only Apple Screen Time will help.
Common questions
Can I use Family Link and Gardion together?
Yes. Keep Family Link on Android and put Gardion on the computer. Nothing needs to be removed, they do not conflict.
Why does Family Link not work on a computer?
Family Link is built for Android and Chromebooks. It does not manage a Windows PC — that is the scope of the service, not a settings limitation.
What about Microsoft Family Safety?
It is free and does the basics: overall time and site filtering in Edge. There are no per-game limits, no warm-up breaks and no VPN blocking.
Will my child see that Gardion is installed?
Yes, deliberately. The child sees a helper on screen: minutes left, when the break is, a button to ask for more. We do not do hidden monitoring.
Add the computer to what you already have
14 days of full access, no card needed. You do not have to remove Family Link.
Try Gardion