Microsoft Family Screen Time

Question

Hello,

As the time limit on Microsoft Family for my kids did not work, I restarted the whole process last week.

The time limit worked for 14h, and now my kid can use the computer as long as he wants without a warning, despite the limit being set to 30mn.

Furthermore, I wanted to remove/add my kids to the family, to see if it changes anything, but I got the message

""You can't remove zzzzz from the family group Family members under statutory age need an adult's consent to join a family group. Only the adult that granted consent for zzzzz can remove this family member. Ask the family organizer who granted zzzzz consent to remove zzzzz from the family group."

when the account that granted them the consent was mine, less than a week ago!

Is there a solution, or should I just give up trying to use this program?

Answer 1

Thank you. I am going to check all this and let you know.

Thierry

Answer 2

Hi Thierry Lutz,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

Thank you for sharing your experience with Microsoft Family Safety screen time limits, and I understand how frustrating it is, especially when it involves children. This often happens because of sync issues (accounts, time zones, devices, etc.) or glitches in parental consent verification. Below are some steps you can try to fix this issue:

1 - Verify settings and make sure they are synced properly:

• Access Microsoft Family Safety and make changes via website instead of app.
• Check if your account is listed as Organizer
• Select your child’s account > Screen time:
  • Ensure Device limits and App/game limits are enabled
  • Apply the settings for Everyday
  • If needed, turn off all limits > Save > then re-enable them.
  • Set Device usage limits specifically for the PC (not just general time).
• Confirm the time zone is correct for both your account and your child’s device.
• Re-check the Always allowed section to see if anything was accidentally added.

2 - Force sync on child’s device

• Sign in to the child’s device with their account
• Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
• Click Manage family settings online > Restart the device

3 - Create a new group

• Try removing all members in the old group via website (if possible)
• Create a family group > Re-invite your child with fresh settings.

If the issue persists despite these steps, uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Family Safety app on both parent and child devices. In case Microsoft Family Safety remains unreliable, consider third-party alternatives.

BE CAREFUL: The unofficial tools may be dangerous or/and break after Windows updates. Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

For real time and more personalized support, reach out to chat service to have someone look directly into your account: 

1. Visit Contact Us - Microsoft Support > Sign in.
2. Choose a category based on your problem. 
3. Type your problems in the search box.  
4. Now click on Get Help > Contact Support > Confirm.   
5. Chat with a support representative or request a call back.  

Note: The support contact team only works at certain times, so if the last window shows that it's unavailable, try opening it again the next day. If you prefer phone support, you can leave a phone number. This way, they can call you and help you. 

Let me know if you'd like help checking your account setup or navigating the support site. We’re here to help you regain control of screen time limits and better supervise your child.

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Warm Regards,

Lychee-MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist