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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.

Platform guide·Last reviewed 2026-04-22·1 min read·by Lexeprint Inc.

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

  1. Swipe down notifications › Samsung Kids icon. Or Settings › Samsung Kids.
  2. First launch: set a parent PIN (not the device unlock).
  3. Add apps the kid can use; everything else is hidden.
  4. Set time limits per day, bedtime.
  5. Add contacts the kid can call / text (on phones).
  6. 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.

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.