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Microsoft Family Safety
What it is
Microsoft Family Safety provides family controls for managing screen time, filtering content, approving downloads, and viewing activity across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices. Limits can apply to apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android, and to devices on Windows and Xbox. Filters can block inappropriate apps and games and restrict browsing to kid-friendly sites through Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android. When filters are active, other commonly used browsers are blocked. Family organizers can add or remove members, manage permissions and limits, and inspect activity details. On Windows and Xbox, children need approval to download apps or games above a chosen age limit. The Android and iOS app manages screen-time limits, although availability varies by country or region. A free plan is available; Microsoft 365 Family costs $12.99 a month, billed monthly, for 1 to 6 people. Microsoft says location and driving safety features are going away.
For and against
For
- Free plan available
- Screen-time limits across multiple devices
- Content and browser filtering
- Parent approval for age-restricted downloads
- Activity reporting for organizers
Against
- Web filters require Microsoft Edge
- Other browsers are blocked while filters run
- Mobile availability varies by region
- Location and driving features are going away
The verdict
Microsoft Family Safety covers screen limits, content controls, approvals, and reporting for family organizers. Its Edge requirement and changing location features are important considerations, while the free plan provides a starting option.
Who it suits
It suits families coordinating children’s screen time and content across Windows, Xbox, Android, and iOS. Microsoft 365 Family is designed for 1 to 6 people.
Plans and prices
Microsoft 365 Family
1 to 6 people
Read 22 Sep 2026 · microsoft.com
Microsoft 365 Family
1 to 6 people
Read 22 Sep 2026 · microsoft.com
On the record
- Activity reports
- Family members can view activity summaries and weekly activity reporting after devices are connected to the family group.support.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Age approvals
- When a child tries to download an app or game above the set age limit, they need a parent's approval; this setting applies to Windows and Xbox.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- App availability
- Microsoft directs users to download the mobile app through Google Play or the Apple App Store, and says mobile app availability varies by country or region.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- App blocking
- Yesmicrosoft.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Browser requirement
- Web and search filters work with Microsoft Edge, and other commonly used browsers are blocked while those filters are enabled.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Content filtering
- Yesmicrosoft.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Content filters
- Filters can block inappropriate apps and games and limit browsing to kid-friendly sites using Microsoft Edge on Windows, Xbox, and Android.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Family roles
- Family organizers can add or remove members, manage limits and permissions, and view activity reporting details.support.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Microsoft describes Family Safety as a way for families to encourage healthy online habits and manage schedules across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices.support.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Location feature limit
- Microsoft says location and driving safety features in Family Safety are going away.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Location tracking
- Yesmicrosoft.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Mobile management
- The Family Safety app on Android and iOS can be used to manage screen time limits.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Microsoft says people may access, modify, or delete their data, and that it will not use data without agreement.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Microsoft Family Safety provides digital family safety features, including content filtering and screen time limits.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Screen time
- Screen time limits can apply to apps and games on Windows, Xbox, and Android, and to devices on Windows and Xbox.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Screen-time schedules
- Yesmicrosoft.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Security
- Microsoft says it uses encryption to help protect data at rest and in transit, including encryption capabilities up to AES-256 and protocols such as TLS and IPsec.microsoft.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Paid from
- 12.99microsoft.com · read 22 Sep 2026
