Google Family Link bug blocks outgoing calls, but these workarounds might help

• A reported Google Family Link bug is blocking outgoing calls on supervised devices, while incoming calls and messages still work normally.
• Some users have found temporary workarounds, such as toggling supervision on and off, but these fixes are inconsistent and not available for accounts under 13.
• The issue has raised safety concerns because it may prevent emergency calls, and Google is reportedly aware of the problem and working on a fix.

Google’s Family Link is supposed to give parents a sense of control and, more importantly, peace of mind over how their kids use smartphones. But right now, it’s doing the exact opposite for some users.

A growing number of parents are reporting a bug that prevents children from making outgoing calls on supervised devices. The issue first surfaced in a Reddit post by user Ednolbbmud, who shared a screenshot of an error message that reads: “Calls can’t be placed by System Parental controls. Try using a different call redirecting app or contacting the developer for help.” According to the post, both of their children are affected. While their phones, in this case a Samsung Galaxy A16, can still receive calls and messages just fine, outgoing calls are completely blocked.