Installation Android #
Play Store installation (recommended)
Special: Install via APK download
Multi-user setup specifics
Android TV specifics
Play Store Installation #
The easiest and fastest way to install is via the Google Play Store. Search for Salfeld Child Control and install the app. Due to Android’s security model, several specific Android permissions must be granted during setup. The following video shows an example installation on a recent Samsung device. You can find more device videos on our video page.
Video #
Installation via APK download #
Not all Android devices use a Google account or the Google Play Store (e.g., Amazon devices, Huawei, or Android TV). In these cases, Salfeld Child Control can also be installed as an APK. Setting up the required Android permissions is more involved here. Updates are not automatic; you must install them manually each time. We therefore recommend the APK version only if the child’s device does not have access to the Google Play Store. You can find the latest APK on our download page.
If the child’s device has the Google Play Store, we recommend installing from there.
Multi-user setup specifics #
Some Android devices (mostly tablets) allow multiple user profiles. This feature is not fully supported by all manufacturers. If you can and want to use multiple users on one device, please note: the app must be installed and configured separately for each user account. During setup, assign meaningful device names such as “Samsung Max” or “Samsung Paula” instead of just “Samsung Tablet.” This helps you distinguish devices later in the web portal. In the web portal, each user is treated as a separate device. As with the Windows version, only one license per child device is required (even with multiple users). When creating a new user account on some devices, you can choose between a “normal” account and a child/restricted account. Always choose a normal account. Child or restricted accounts are often limited so heavily by manufacturers that the app may not work correctly. If you set up multiple user accounts, ensure that each account is protected with a PIN, fingerprint, or gesture. Uncontrolled switching between accounts has often led to issues in the past.
Summary and tips for multi-user mode
- Install the app separately on each user account
- Use normal user accounts (not restricted or child accounts)
- With multiple users, avoid installing on the owner account
- Set a PIN, gesture, or fingerprint for every user account
If you’re buying a new smartphone, you can avoid multi-user complications by choosing a manufacturer that does not offer user management—this is the case with almost all Samsung smartphones (not tablets).
Android TV specifics #
Android TV usually has no browser app by default. Download the .apk file on another device
(e.g., Windows PC), copy it to a USB stick, and install Child Control on the TV from the stick.
Note that Android TV might not show the app on the home screen. You can launch it via
Settings (cog) → Apps → All apps. Android TV also lacks the Device Administrator feature
that prevents unauthorized uninstallations. Amazon Fire TV note: Fire TV sticks are
currently (not yet) supported.
Possible issues APK installation #
Why is all this so complicated? #
Android uses many individual permissions to protect users’ privacy. While this is good, it can make setting up Child Control more involved because several permissions must be enabled for full functionality. We explain exactly which rights are needed in Required Permissions. If you encounter problems during setup, that chapter offers initial solutions. We’re aware this can be complex and are happy to help—please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Action not allowed? Family Link active? #
If installing the Child Control app isn’t possible after download and the message above appears, Google Family Link is active on the device. Solve it as follows:
On the parent’s device, open the Family Link app. Tap the child’s device and enable Apps from unknown sources. After installing Child Control, you can reset this setting.
If there is no Family Link app on the parent’s device, you can also change the setting online at https://familylink.google.com/. Make sure you are signed in with the parent Google account that manages the Family Link child account. Click the child’s device on the overview page and enable Apps from unknown sources.
Setup issue: Restricted Setting #
The following issue can occur when enabling permissions such as Accessibility Service on newer Android versions:
Child Control needs the Accessibility Service to read the current browser URL for the web filter and potentially block a page. It also protects manipulation-critical areas (e.g., adjusting the clock). Because Accessibility Services can be misused, Google introduced this security feature in newer Android versions. You can solve the problem as follows:
Press the Android Back button (multiple times) to return to the Child Control setup. Temporarily skip enabling the Accessibility Service and complete the installation. Then, on the child’s device, go to Settings → Apps → Child Control. Tap the three dots (top right) and choose Allow restricted settings (the screenshot below is from Samsung; layout may vary). Return to Child Control, scroll down, and tap Missing Rights. Now the Accessibility Service for Child Control should be activatable. If you encounter problems, we’re happy to help—support contact.
