10 Critical Facts About the Google Family Link Call Blocking Bug

<p>Google’s Family Link is designed to give parents peace of mind by managing their children’s smartphone use. However, a recent bug has turned this tool into a source of frustration and worry. Reports have emerged that supervised devices are suddenly unable to make outgoing calls, while incoming calls and messages work fine. This glitch has left parents scrambling for fixes and raising safety alarms. Below, we break down the 10 most important things you need to know about this issue, including affected devices, potential workarounds, and what Google is doing to resolve it.</p> <h2 id="item1">1. What the Bug Does</h2> <p>The bug prevents supervised devices from placing any outgoing calls. When a child tries to dial out, an error message appears: “Calls can’t be placed by System Parental controls. Try using a different call redirecting app or contacting the developer for help.” Incoming calls and text messages continue to work normally. This selective failure suggests a permission or routing issue within the Family Link app itself, rather than a broader network problem.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Google-Family-Link-logo-on-smartphone-stock-photo-6.jpg" alt="10 Critical Facts About the Google Family Link Call Blocking Bug" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: www.androidauthority.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="item2">2. First Reported by Frustrated Parents</h2> <p>The issue first gained attention through a Reddit post by user Ednolbbmud, who shared a screenshot of the error on behalf of their children. Both kids were affected on their Samsung Galaxy A16 phones. The post quickly attracted dozens of replies from other parents experiencing the same problem on various devices, confirming it’s not an isolated incident.</p> <h2 id="item3">3. Affected Devices and Operating Systems</h2> <p>While initial reports focused on Samsung Galaxy A16 models, the bug appears to be device-agnostic. Users have reported it on Google Pixel, Motorola, and Xiaomi phones as well. All affected devices are running Android 13 or later, suggesting the bug may be linked to recent updates in Google Play Services or the Family Link app itself, which handles parental controls at the system level.</p> <h2 id="item4">4. Temporary Workarounds That Sometimes Work</h2> <p>Some parents have found that toggling child supervision off and then back on in the Family Link app can temporarily restore outgoing call functionality. However, this fix is inconsistent—it may work for a few hours or days, then the bug returns. Other reported workarounds include clearing the cache of the Phone app or reinstalling Family Link entirely. None of these offer a permanent solution.</p> <h2 id="item5">5. No Solution for Accounts Under 13</h2> <p>Children with supervised Google Accounts that are managed as “under 13” (based on the child’s date of birth) face an additional hurdle. These accounts cannot be temporarily unsupervised by the parent—Google’s policies prevent removing supervision for minors in this age group. As a result, the toggle workaround is unavailable for the most vulnerable users, leaving them stuck until an official fix arrives.</p> <h2 id="item6">6. Serious Safety Concerns Raised</h2> <p>The inability to make outgoing calls raises critical safety issues. If a child needs to call emergency services (911 in the US, 112 in Europe) or a parent in an urgent situation, the bug could have dangerous consequences. Although emergency calls are often exempt from parental controls, this bug appears to override that exception. Parents worry that their children could be stranded without a lifeline.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/child-cant-make-outgoing-calls-v0-199k1cnaosyg1.jpeg.webp" alt="10 Critical Facts About the Google Family Link Call Blocking Bug" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: www.androidauthority.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="item7">7. Google Is Aware and Working on a Fix</h2> <p>According to multiple reports, Google’s support team has acknowledged the issue and indicated that a fix is in development. No official timeline has been provided, but the company is reportedly prioritizing it due to the safety implications. Users are advised to keep Family Link and Google Play Services updated to receive the patch as soon as it rolls out.</p> <h2 id="item8">8. How It Undermines Parental Control Trust</h2> <p>Family Link is marketed as a reliable way for parents to manage screen time, app permissions, and communication. This bug undermines that trust by demonstrating that a core phone function—calling—can be bugged due to the very software meant to safeguard children. Parents may hesitate to rely on such tools in the future, opting for less granular third-party solutions.</p> <h2 id="item9">9. Alternative Parental Control Options</h2> <p>While waiting for a fix, concerned parents might explore alternatives. Samsung’s built-in Kids Mode offers call restrictions without affecting outgoing calls. Additionally, Apple’s Screen Time (for iPhones) and third-party apps like Qustodio or Norton Family provide similar supervision without the current bug. However, switching devices or ecosystems is not practical for everyone.</p> <h2 id="item10">10. What Parents Should Do Now</h2> <p>Until Google releases a permanent fix, parents of affected children can try the toggle workaround (if the child is over 13) or contact Google Support directly to escalate their case. Disabling the “Calls” permission in Family Link’s app settings may also help in some instances. Most importantly, teach your child to call emergency services using alternative methods, such as using a neighbor’s phone or a smartwatch with cellular capability.</p> <p>The Google Family Link call-blocking bug serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned technology can have unintended flaws. While the workarounds offer temporary relief, nothing replaces a reliable, official patch. Keep an eye on app updates and community forums for announcements. In the meantime, stay proactive about your child’s safety by discussing emergency plans and backup communication methods.</p>