Giving your child a smartphone or tablet feels like a big step. You want them to learn, explore, and have fun, but you also want to make sure they’re safe.
That’s where Samsung’s built-in solution, Samsung Kids Mode, comes in. It’s a dedicated, fun environment that lets you control exactly what your child sees and does on your Galaxy device. This complete guide shows you how to set it up in just a few minutes and manage all the key parental controls.
What Exactly is Samsung Kids Mode?
Think of Samsung Kids as a friendly “play zone” inside your Galaxy phone or tablet. It’s a separate space that hides all your adult apps, files, and settings. Once inside, your child can only use the apps, websites, and features you’ve specifically approved. Most importantly, they can’t leave this safe zone without your unique PIN, putting you fully in control.
How do I Set Up Samsung Kids Mode?
The whole setup process takes less than five minutes.
1. Find Samsung Kids in Quick Settings
Swipe down twice from the very top of your screen to open the full Quick settings panel. Look for a button called “Kids.”
If you don’t see it, tap the edit (pencil) icon. On the edit screen, find “Kids” and drag it into your active buttons panel. Tap “Done” to save.
2. Launch and Create a PIN
Tap the new “Kids” button to launch the mode for the first time. Tap “Continue” or “Start” to move forward. You’ll be asked to create a secure PIN. This PIN is the key to parental controls and exiting the mode, so use one your child will never guess.
3. Set Up Your Child’s Profile
After setting the PIN, create a profile for your child. Tap “Create profile” or a similar button to get started. Here, you can do two main things:
- Add their name and pick a fun avatar.
- Enter their age. This is important because the system will use it to suggest age-appropriate content for them.
Samsung lets you create up to six different profiles on one device, which is perfect for families with multiple kids.
How to Exit Samsung Kids Mode (For Parents Only)
Exiting is simple but requires your PIN. From the main Samsung Kids home screen, tap the three-dot menu (More options). Then select “Close Samsung Kids” and enter your PIN to return to the normal home screen.
A Quick Look: The Key Parental Controls
Advanced Management: Tailoring the Experience
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can fine-tune the settings to create an even better experience.
Manage Specific Apps and Content
To control which apps your child can use, open Kids Mode, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Parental controls” (entering your PIN if needed). Inside, you’ll find an “Allowed content” or “Apps and games” section. Here, you can see a list of all available apps and individually turn them on or off.
Access the Kid-Friendly App Store
The “More apps for kids” option, found within the Parental controls screen, is a special store with only child-appropriate apps, both free and paid. This is the only store your child can browse from within Kids Mode, adding another layer of security.
Set Up Browser Safely
Samsung Kids includes a safe browser that you can control. From the Parental controls, you can choose to block all internet access, allow only a list of pre-approved websites, or allow browsing with a content filter.
Samsung Kids vs. Google Family Link: A Quick Comparison
While Samsung Kids is a powerful tool, it’s different from Google Family Link. Google Family Link lets you remotely manage an older child’s entire device, which is great for managing app downloads and purchases across Google services. For younger children, Samsung Kids is often the better starting point because it creates a fully custom, heavily restricted “play zone.” For older kids, you might eventually switch to using Family Link.
FAQs
Do I need to pay for Samsung Kids Mode?Â
No, it is a completely free feature built into all Galaxy devices running Android 9.0 and above.
What if I don’t see the “Kids” button in my Quick Settings?Â
First, check that your device software is up to date. If it’s still not there, you may need to download the “Samsung Kids Installer” from the Galaxy Store, especially for some tablet models.
Can my child call or text from within Samsung Kids?Â
Yes, you have full control. A feature called “My Phone” lets you select specific contacts from your list. Your child can only call or text those people and no one else.
How do I uninstall or remove Samsung Kids completely?Â
To remove it, exit Kids Mode, go to your phone’s main Settings, search for “Samsung Kids,” and you will find the option to uninstall it.
Final Thoughts
Samsung Kids Mode puts the power back in your hands. It’s not about spying on your child; it’s about giving them the freedom to explore a fun, educational digital world within a secure, protective bubble. By taking a few minutes to set it up properly, you can have real peace of mind and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What’s the one app or website you’d be most excited for your child to discover in a safe environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

