Fix: Family Link Location Not Working On Child Phone

by Henrik Larsen 53 views

Experiencing issues with Family Link location sharing? You're not alone. Many parents rely on Family Link to keep track of their children's whereabouts, but sometimes, things don't work as expected. If you've installed a custom ROM like ExtremeXT or ExtremeROM on your child's phone, you might encounter problems with location sharing. This article dives deep into the common causes and solutions for Family Link location sharing issues, especially when using custom ROMs.

Understanding the Problem: Family Link and Custom ROMs

When Family Link location sharing isn't working on a child's phone, it can be frustrating and concerning. Custom ROMs, while offering flexibility and customization, can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of apps like Family Link. This is often due to modifications in the operating system that affect how Google services interact with the device. In this case, the user has installed ExtremeXT or ExtremeROM on their child's phone (a recycled Samsung S10+ 5G) and is facing issues with location tracking. The Family Link app displays an error, and the logcat reveals a specific exception related to fetching account information. Let's break down the error and explore potential solutions.

The Error Message and Its Implications

The error message within the Family Link application indicates a problem with location settings. This is often the first sign that something is amiss. However, the real clue lies in the logcat exception:

java.lang.IllegalStateException: Cannot obtain supervised account name.

This exception suggests that the Family Link app is unable to retrieve the necessary account information to properly track the device's location. This can stem from several underlying issues, which we'll discuss in detail below. The fact that location services work fine in Google Maps indicates that the phone's GPS is functioning correctly; the problem is specific to how Family Link interacts with the system.

Common Causes of Family Link Location Sharing Issues on Custom ROMs

Several factors can contribute to Family Link location sharing issues when using custom ROMs. Identifying the root cause is crucial for implementing the right solution. Here are some of the most common culprits:

  1. Incomplete Google Services Integration: Custom ROMs sometimes have incomplete or modified Google services packages (GApps). Family Link relies heavily on Google Play Services to function correctly. If the GApps package is missing crucial components or is outdated, it can lead to various issues, including location sharing problems.

  2. Permissions and Restrictions: Custom ROMs often come with advanced permission management features. While these features offer greater control over app permissions, they can inadvertently restrict Family Link's access to necessary permissions. For instance, if location permissions are not granted or are restricted in the background, Family Link won't be able to accurately track the device.

  3. Battery Optimization Settings: Battery optimization is a common feature in Android devices designed to extend battery life. However, aggressive battery optimization can interfere with apps that run in the background, such as Family Link. If Family Link is being optimized, the system might kill its processes, preventing it from updating the location regularly.

  4. Custom ROM Bugs: Like any software, custom ROMs can have bugs. These bugs can sometimes affect the functionality of specific apps or services. Incompatibilities between the ROM and Family Link can lead to unexpected errors and prevent location sharing from working.

  5. Account Synchronization Issues: Family Link relies on proper account synchronization between the parent and child devices. If there are issues with account sync, it can disrupt communication between the devices and cause location sharing to fail. This might be due to network connectivity problems or issues with the Google account itself.

  6. Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of Family Link or Google Play Services can lead to compatibility issues. It's essential to keep both apps updated to the latest versions to ensure optimal performance and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Family Link Location Sharing Back on Track

Now that we understand the common causes, let's explore the troubleshooting steps to fix Family Link location sharing problems. These steps are designed to address the issues mentioned above and get you back to tracking your child's location with confidence.

  1. Verify Google Play Services Installation and Updates:
    • Check Google Play Services Version: Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services and check the version number. Ensure it's the latest version available.
    • Update Google Play Services: If it's not the latest version, open the Google Play Store, search for