PlayStation Family app brings unified parental controls to iOS and Android

Sony has unveiled a new PlayStation Family app for Android and iOS, designed to make it easier for parents to oversee their children’s gaming on PlayStation. Instead of navigating console menus, all controls now live in a single mobile app—an arguably overdue simplification.

The app consolidates parental-control features previously available on PS4, PS5, and the company’s website. Parents can view playtime reports, set daily and weekly limits, and respond promptly to requests for extra time or access to age-restricted games.

There are also tools to manage spending: add funds to a wallet, monitor balance, and set a monthly purchasing cap in the PlayStation Store. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses while letting families fine-tune their budget. If multiple children use the console, parents can create separate profiles with individual restrictions. Content filters by age, limits on voice chat and user-generated content are included, and exceptions can be made for specific titles.

PlayStation Family is already available in the App Store and on Google Play. Early reactions are mixed: some users see it as a helpful tool, while others question why Sony didn’t fold these features into the existing PlayStation app. Housing everything in a dedicated app looks practical, though the split naturally raises usability questions for those who prefer a single hub.