Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft Family Safety gives families tools for managing screen time and filtering content across Windows, Xbox, and Android.
What Microsoft Family Safety is
Microsoft Family Safety gives families tools for managing screen time and filtering content across Windows, Xbox, and Android. 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. Web and search filters require Edge, and other commonly used browsers are blocked while those filters are enabled. On Windows and Xbox, a parent’s approval is needed when a child tries to download an app or game above the chosen age limit. Family organizers can add or remove members, manage permissions and limits, and view activity reports. The Family Safety app for Android and iOS can manage screen time limits; mobile app availability varies by country or region. Microsoft describes the service as a way to support healthy online habits and manage family schedules. 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.
Good
- Free plan is available.
- Screen-time limits cover apps and games.
- Organizers can manage permissions and activity reports.
- Age-limit downloads require approval on Windows and Xbox.
Watch out
- Web and search filters require Microsoft Edge.
- Other commonly used browsers are blocked while filters are enabled.
- Location and driving safety features are going away.
- Mobile app availability varies by region.
Who it suits
Family Safety suits families who want to manage screen schedules, app access, and browsing rules across supported devices. Its organizer tools are aimed at parents or guardians managing family members’ permissions and activity.
Verdict
Family Safety offers screen-time controls, content filters, and family management tools, with a free plan and a paid Microsoft 365 Family option. Check the Edge requirement and the stated limits on device coverage before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From Microsoft Family Safety's own pricing page, checked 22 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Family | $12.99 a month | 1 to 6 people · billed monthly |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $129.99 a year | 1 to 6 people · billed yearly |
The facts
Each one read from Microsoft Family Safety's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Activity reports
- Family members can view activity summaries and weekly activity reporting after devices are connected to the family group.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Content filtering
- Yeschecked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Family roles
- Family organizers can add or remove members, manage limits and permissions, and view activity reporting details.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Location feature limit
- Microsoft says location and driving safety features in Family Safety are going away.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Location tracking
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Mobile management
- The Family Safety app on Android and iOS can be used to manage screen time limits.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Paid from
- 12.99checked 22 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- Microsoft says people may access, modify, or delete their data, and that it will not use data without agreement.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Microsoft Family Safety provides digital family safety features, including content filtering and screen time limits.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Screen-time schedules
- Yeschecked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- For technical support, Microsoft directs users to Contact Microsoft Support, enter the problem, select Get Help, and then Contact Support if needed.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- 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.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- App blocking
- Yeschecked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
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