Samsung Kids (Galaxy devices): the parent’s guide
Samsung’s built-in kid mode on Galaxy devices. Setup, comparison to Family Link, and Secure Folder watch-outs.
Samsung Kids, formerly Kids Mode, is a child-safe environment built into Galaxy phones and tablets, and it is separate from Google Family Link rather than a replacement for it. It suits younger children on a shared or handed-down Galaxy device. The Samsung-specific thing to know is Secure Folder, part of One UI, which hides apps and files behind a separate lock and is sometimes used by teenagers to keep apps out of view.
What Samsung Kids is
Samsung phones and tablets include Samsung Kids (formerly Kids Mode) — a built-in kid-safe mode separate from Family Link. Best for Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Galaxy phones used by young kids.
Setup
- Swipe down notifications › Samsung Kids icon. Or Settings › Samsung Kids.
- First launch: set a parent PIN (not the device unlock).
- Add apps the kid can use; everything else is hidden.
- Set time limits per day, bedtime.
- Add contacts the kid can call / text (on phones).
- Choose a themed kid-friendly UI skin.
Samsung Kids vs Family Link
- Samsung Kids is a contained kid UI, like Amazon Kids on Fire tablets. Best for under-9s.
- Family Link is account-level supervision. Best for 9+ with their own Google account.
- You can use both: Family Link on the kid account, Samsung Kids active on the Samsung device.
- Browser access — browsing inside Samsung Kids is limited to sites you approve, rather than the open web with a filter over it.
- Usage reports — Samsung reports what was used and for how long, which is the part most parents do not realise is there.
Galaxy Tab vs Galaxy phone
- Galaxy Tab: Samsung Kids pairs well with Kids+ content subscription. Solid for home tablets.
- Galaxy phone: Samsung Kids less common, since kids usually want the “regular” phone UI by their teens.
One UI vs Samsung Kids settings
Samsung’s One UI (the skin over Android) has extra settings beyond stock Android: Bixby routines, Secure Folder, Knox. Secure Folder is worth knowing about — teens sometimes use it to hide apps.
What was checked, and when. The turn-on path and the controls Samsung lists verified against the vendor’s own documentation on 2026-09-08. Not reached in that pass: Secure Folder behaviour.
Common questions
Should I use Samsung Kids or Family Link?
They solve different problems, and using both is reasonable. Samsung Kids is a contained kid interface, like Amazon Kids on a Fire tablet, and suits under-9s. Family Link is account-level supervision and suits 9+ with their own Google account. Family Link on the account plus Samsung Kids on the device covers both.
How do I turn on Samsung Kids?
Swipe down the notification shade and tap the Samsung Kids icon, or open Settings › Samsung Kids. On first launch set a parent PIN — make it different from the device unlock code — then add the apps your child may use; everything else is hidden.
What can I control in Samsung Kids?
Which apps are visible, daily time limits and bedtime, and on phones, which contacts your child can call or text. You can also pick a themed kid-friendly interface.
What should I watch for on a Samsung device?
Secure Folder. Samsung’s One UI adds features beyond stock Android, and Secure Folder hides apps behind a separate PIN — teenagers sometimes use it to keep apps out of view. Check it periodically.
When parental controls change
Platform controls change without notice. Roughly monthly we send new guides, changes to controls like these, and scams worth knowing about.
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