The PlayStation Family App: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

In September 2025, Sony launched the PlayStation Family App, a dedicated mobile application designed to empower parents with enhanced control over their children's gaming experiences on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Available for free on both the App Store and Google Play, this app offers a suite of tools to manage playtime, spending, content access, and privacy settings, all from the convenience of your smartphone.

What Is the PlayStation Family App?

The PlayStation Family App is a mobile solution that allows parents and guardians to oversee and manage their child's gaming activities remotely. While PlayStation consoles have long included parental control features, this app provides a more accessible and user-friendly interface to monitor and adjust settings on the go.

Key features of the app include:

• Real-time Activity Monitoring: View what games your child is playing and for how long.

• Playtime Management: Set daily or weekly playtime limits and approve or deny requests for additional playtime.

• Spending Controls: Establish monthly spending limits on the PlayStation Store to manage in-game purchases.

• Content Restrictions: Apply age-based filters to control access to games, apps, and online content.

• Privacy Settings: Customize who can interact with your child online, including friend requests, messages, and party invitations.

Setting Up the PlayStation Family App

To get started with the PlayStation Family App:

1. Download the App: Install the PlayStation Family App from the App Store or Google Play

2. Sign In: Use your PlayStation Network (PSN) account credentials to log in.

3. Set Up Family Management:

   • Navigate to the "Family Management" section within the app.

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to add family members, including children and other guardians.

   • Assign roles such as "Family Manager" or "Parent/Guardian" to designate control levels.

For detailed guidance on setting up family accounts, refer to Sony's official support page: How to set up family accounts on PSN.

Managing Parental Controls

Once your family is set up, the app allows you to manage various parental controls:

• Playtime Limits: Set specific time frames during which your child can play, and receive notifications when limits are reached. You can also approve or deny requests for additional playtime.

• Spending Limits: Define a monthly spending cap for the PlayStation Store to prevent unauthorized purchases.

• Content Restrictions: Apply age-based filters to restrict access to games, apps, and online content that may not be appropriate for your child's age group.

• Online Communication: Control who can communicate with your child online, including friend requests, messages, and party invitations.

To adjust these settings:

1. Select the child from the top of the home screen.

2. Tap the settings icon next to the child's name.

3. Choose the category you wish to modify (e.g., "Parental Controls," "Playtime Settings," "Privacy Settings").

For more information on managing parental controls, visit: How to manage your family on PlayStation Family app.

Monitoring Activity and Reports

The app provides comprehensive activity reports to keep you informed:

• Activity Summary: View a weekly overview of your child's gaming activities, including the most played games and total playtime.

• Playing Now: See in real-time what game your child is playing and its age rating.

• Game Requests: Receive notifications when your child requests access to a restricted game, allowing you to approve or deny the request.

To access these reports:

1. Select the child from the top of the home screen.

2. Scroll down to the "Activity" or "Playing Now" widget.

Privacy and Security

Ensuring your child's privacy and security is paramount. The PlayStation Family App allows you to:

• Customize Privacy Settings: Control who can see your child's activities, send friend requests, or interact with them online.

• Manage Linked Accounts: View and manage any third-party accounts linked to your child's PSN account.

• Approve Apps: Review and approve applications that your child wishes to download or use.

To modify privacy settings:

1. Select the child from the top of the home screen.

2. Tap the settings icon next to the child's name.

3. Choose "Privacy Settings" to adjust who can interact with your child and view their activities.

Download the App

The PlayStation Family App is available for free on both iOS and Android devices:

• Download for iOS

• Download for Android

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation Family App represents a significant step forward in parental control tools, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to manage your child's gaming experience. By providing real-time monitoring, customizable settings, and detailed activity reports, the app empowers parents to make informed decisions about their child's gaming habits.

For more information and updates, visit the official PlayStation Family App page: Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management.