Verizon Family FAQs

Verizon Family is a service that helps manage your dependents' smartphone or connected tablet or Gizmo Watch use.

With Verizon Family Plus, you can manage all compatible devices on the same Verizon mobile account from a single app:

• Filter content
• Limit and monitor Verizon cellular call and text activity (smartphones only)
• Monitor web and app activity
• Supervise screen time
• Pause the internet
• Use location tracking, Pick me up and check-in features
• Get Roadside Assistance
• View driving activity and number of times the phone was used while driving
• Use 24/7 Assist professional monitoring service
• Locate family members using their smartwatches
• Share a single phone number with up to 5 smartphone devices using Family Line
• And more

Verizon Family is included at no additional cost with a standard Verizon monthly mobile account or a Gizmo Watch service. See the Verizon Family features included and plan tiers.

Verizon Family Plus cost varies based on account discount eligibility

• Verizon Family Plus is $14.99/month with legacy mobile plans
• Verizon Family Plus Perk is $10/month with any MyPlan
• Verizon Family Plus Perk is included with the new Unlimited Ultimate plan

Good to know: Gizmo Watch service is compatible with any Verizon Family subscription.

You can get Verizon Family or Verizon Family Plus if you have:

• A standard monthly Verizon mobile account with 10 or fewer lines
• An Android smartphone (8.1 and newer) or iOS (16.0 or newer)
• An Android tablet (8.1 and newer)
• An Apple iPad (16.0 or newer)
• Non-Verizon customers with a gifted Gizmo Watch from a Verizon mobile account (includes Gizmo Watch Verizon Family service, not the watch)

To check your eligibility, go to the Products & plan perks page in My Verizon. If Verizon Family is listed there, you can sign up for it.

Keep in mind: Business and prepaid accounts aren't eligible to get Verizon Family.

To subscribe to Verizon Family:

• Download the Verizon Family app on your Android smartphone or iPhone.
• Follow the steps to subscribe to Verizon Family.

For step-by-step instructions to subscribe, visit our Verizon Family - Add Service page. Or watch our Verizon Family overview video.

If you're having trouble signing in to the Family app, visit our How to use Verizon Family page.

You can upgrade from Verizon Family to Verizon Family Plus the Verizon Family app by selecting More > About > Account.

For step-by-step instructions, visit Verizon Family - Upgrade or Downgrade Subscription.

Dependents get notifications for:

• New members added to the account.
• Monthly reminders that their location and if enabled, web and app activity are being shared with the guardian and other designated Verizon Family account members*.
• Approaching or reaching data, call and text limits.

These notifications are legally required and can’t be turned off.**

*If using a tablet, make sure Family app notifications are enabled on your device’s settings.
**Learn what changes when a dependent turns 18.

Any text message sent for your Verizon Family service will come from one of these phone numbers:

• +1 929-339-1367
• +1 419-406-4837
• +1 913-444-6319

All calls made from your dependent's line to 911 or 988 are allowed regardless of any call restrictions on the line.

Learn more about 24/7 Assist professional monitoring services for you and the other members on your Verizon Family Plus account.

Good to know: Dialing 911 lifts all call restrictions from your dependent's line. You can turn the restrictions back on from the Verizon Family app or they'll reset after 4 hours have passed.

Learn about making emergency calls when using Family Line.

The Account Owner or Account Manager of your Verizon account can unsubscribe from Verizon Family through the Products & plan perks page in My Verizon.

Get step-by-step instructions on our Verizon Family - Remove Service via website page.

Keep in mind: To make changes to your subscription, you must change your plan in My Verizon.

To manage your account, open the Verizon Family app.

For step-by-step instructions, refer to our How to use Verizon Family page. You can also watch our Verizon Family Overview video.

Keep in mind: If you’re having trouble signing into the Verizon Family app, visit the Troubleshooting section of our How to use Verizon Family page.

In the Verizon Family app, you can add family members in the Manage profiles section on the Family Profiles tab, or by tapping the More tab and selecting Profile management.

Get step-by-step instructions on our Verizon Family - Add, Edit or Remove Guardian / Dependent / Member Roles page.

Yes, you can assign roles to other lines on your account, including another guardian device role in the Verizon Family app. Visit Verizon Family - Add, Edit or Remove Guardian / Dependent / Member Roles for steps.

Keep in mind: Account Owners and Account Managers can only be assigned a guardian role. Account Members can be assigned a dependent, guardian or member role. Individuals not on your Verizon account can only be assigned a member role.

Learn how to pair and unpair devices:

• Verizon Family - Pair Guardian and Dependent Devices
• Verizon Family - Unpair Guardian and Dependent Devices

Yes, if you change the phone number of your guardian device, your Verizon Family account will be suspended. You'll need to re-subscribe to the service and set up all of your controls again.

If your dependent changes their phone number, all of their controls need to be reset.

If the dependent changes their device, you'll need to pair the Verizon Family Companion app on your dependent's new device.

If your dependents allow the companion app to be paired with their phone and the location permission is enabled, a map displays:

• The dependent's location
• Check-in and Pick me up buttons
• The location of other family members who are sharing location with the dependent

Good to know: If the Verizon Family Companion app isn't paired, a message displays reminding you to pair the phone with the app.

Yes, with Verizon Family, you can share your location with other guardian lines or all family members on the Verizon Family account.

Turn location sharing on and off by selecting More > Profile Management in the Verizon Family app. By default, your location sharing preferences are set to Not shared.

Keep in mind: If you allow location to be shared with others, and you turn off device location permissions, your approximate location from the wireless network will continue to be shared.

Learn more by visiting our Verizon Family - Locate a Family Member page.

No, Verizon Family doesn't collect, use or share this information for lines designated in Verizon Family as guardians or members.

Keep in mind: Your dependent can view their own web and app activity as you see it.

Notification differs based on the type of phone your dependent has.

When the Companion app is removed:

• Android
  • A text message immediately sends to the guardian and displays as a tamper error on the dependent's dashboard in the guardian's app.
  • Good to know: Guardians can install Parental Controls Protection on their dependents' Android devices. This prevents them from removing the Companion app or uninstalling the VPN that monitors online activity, without a PIN provided by the guardian.
• Apple - Guardians receive a notification within 48 hours.

Parental Controls Protection prevents dependents from removing the Companion app or uninstalling the VPN, which monitors online activity, without a PIN provided by the Guardian*.

Learn how to install or remove Parental Controls Protection on your dependent's device:

• Verizon Family (Android) - Enable Parental Controls Protection
• Verizon Family (Android) - Remove Parental Controls Protection
• Verizon Family (iOS) - Enable Parental Controls Protection
• Verizon Family (iOS) - Remove Parental Controls Protection

Keep in mind: When dependents turn 18, Parental Control Protections are disabled and Dependents can choose to delete their Verizon Family profile. Learn more about what happens when dependents turn 18.

*PIN does not apply to Apple iOS.

When a dependent turns 18, they can choose whether to share information with others in Verizon Family. This means:

• Dependents can stop sharing their GPS location by deleting their Verizon Family profile in the Companion app.
• All Parental Control Protections are disabled, allowing dependents to disable the VPN.
• Verizon Family stops sharing their estimated location from the Verizon network after dependents turn 18 (unless they've downloaded the app and agreed to share their location).

We recommend Guardians consider deleting the dependent's profile and adding them as a member. This allows them greater control while still enjoying the benefits of Verizon Family.

Learn more about our privacy policies.

Call and text detail information will still be available to the Verizon mobile Account Owners and Managers through the Verizon account. Does not include calls or messaging done through third-party services such as Apple iMessage, Apple FaceTime, Google Voice or WhatsApp, or through social media services such as Facebook Messenger or Instagram Direct Messages.

The Gizmo Watch is a kid-friendly smartwatch that features location tracking and alerts through the Verizon Family app, two-way messaging and voice and video calling, and SOS alerts.

Verizon Family will be the new companion application for all your Gizmo Watch wearables.

To add/pair a Gizmo Watch with the Verizon Family app:

1. Tap the Family Profiles tab.
2. Tap Add and select Add Child.
3. Enter the Child's name and date of birth.
   • If you see the watch listed on your Verizon account, select it under 'Select Primary Device'.
   • If you don't see the watch , select Gizmo Watch under 'Add other devices'.
     • Scan the QR code on the Gizmo Watch when prompted.
4. Follow the on screen prompts to complete pairing.

Gizmo Watch 3: Activate / Set Up Device

Once the Gizmo Watch is paired with the Verizon Family app, select the profile with the Gizmo Watch from the Home or Family Profiles tab. Use this screen to manage the Gizmo Watch, including to change settings, send messages, make calls and add contacts.

To manage Gizmo Watch contacts in the Verizon Family app:

1. Select your Gizmo Watch from the Family Profiles tab.
2. Select Profile Name’s Connections.
3. Add, remove and view the contacts related to this Profile on the page.

Contact limits:

• Gizmo Watch 3 and Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure allow up to 20 contacts, including the primary guardian.
• Earlier Gizmo watches allow up to 10 contacts, including the primary guardian.

You can invite Gizmo Buddies, Members and Guardians. Each pending invitation counts toward the total number of approved contacts until the invitation is accepted or declined.

IMPORTANT: You can't add 911 as a contact in the Gizmo Watch. Gizmo Watches cannot call 911 or similar emergency telephone number systems.

To call emergency contacts from the Gizmo Watch:

1. Hold the power on/off button on the Gizmo Watch. A screen will appear showing the option to call your emergency contact.
2. Swipe to call.

Guardians create Gizmo Group Chats in the Verizon Family App to let Guardians, Caregivers and Gizmo Buddies send group messages.

You must use a Gizmo Watch 2, Gizmo Watch 3 or Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure.*

• All buddies must be a contact on the users you want to add to the group chat.
• A group requires a minimum of 3 participants, including one compatible Gizmo watch.
• A group supports a maximum of 20 contacts.

To create a group chat:

1. Tap Chat/Call from the Verizon Family app home screen on your smartphone.
2. Select the Gizmo chat option.
3. Tap +.
4. Select at least one Gizmo Watch for the group.
5. Tap the contacts you want to add.
6. Enter a group name.
7. Tap Next.

Guardians can add or delete group members, or delete the group entirely. Group members start a group chat by selecting the group name from the watch or the Verizon Family app.

*GizmoWatch Disney Edition does not support Group Chat.

Gizmo Ask & Learn uses generative AI to answer questions about Math, Science and History. You can enable this feature in the Verizon Family app:

1. Open the profile that has the Gizmo Watch paired.
2. Select the device from the Devices card.
3. Under Smart Features Toggle Gizmo Ask & Learn On.

You can obtain up to 60 days of your child's Ask & Learn interactions in the Verizon Family app. Here's how:

1. Navigate to the profile that has the Gizmo Watch paired.
2. Select the Gizmo Watch device from the Devices card.
3. Tap Get interaction data.

The application will show you the interaction data between the child and Gizmo Ask & Learn.

Keep in mind: Gizmo Ask & Learn uses generative AI, so responses may not always be correct. We recommend you double-check the answers. Learn how to talk to your kids about generative AI.

To delete your Gizmo Watch from the Verizon Family app:

1. Charge and turn on your Gizmo Watch.
2. From the Family app, open the profile that has the Gizmo Watch paired.
3. Select the Gizmo Watch device from the Devices card.
4. Navigate to the bottom of the Gizmo settings page and select Remove device.

Keep in mind: Deleting the Gizmo resets the watch and all of the settings and data will be deleted.

To learn how to factory reset your specific watch model, visit these pages:

• GizmoWatch
• GizmoWatch 2
• Gizmo Watch 3
• Gizmo Watch3 - Adventure
• GizmoWatch Disney Edition

A video call on the Gizmo Watch 3 or GizmoWatch Disney Edition ends after 3 minutes to prevent overheating. The call also ends if your watch's internal temperature gets too warm.

What you can do to prevent overheating:

• If the watch starts to overheat during a video call, a thermometer icon appears. You can end the call to keep the watch from getting warmer.
• If the thermometer reaches its maximum level, the call ends, and the device enters cool-down mode.
• Cool-down takes several minutes, depending on the device and air temperature.
• After the watch cools down, you can use it as usual.

If your watch doesn't charge, the metal contacts on the watch or charger may be dirty or corroded. Turn off the device, unplug the charger, and clean the contacts with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe.

Protect your watch from damage by reading the User Guide's Caring for Your Device instructions.

The Gizmo Watch 3 automatically deletes files after 30 days or when storage is full. Turn on Photo Gallery Backup in the Verizon Family app to automatically save your photos and videos to the Gizmo Cloud. Guardians on the account can then share and download these files through the Verizon Family app.

Keep in mind:

• You can only use Photo Gallery Backup on the Gizmo Watch 3.
• The feature may already be on.

To confirm it's turned on:

1. Navigate to the profile with your Gizmo Watch paired on the Verizon Family app.
2. Find the Gizmo photo gallery card on the profile and select Details.
   • On the top of the screen you'll see a toggle to activate or deactivate the photo gallery on your Gizmo Watch device.

The Gizmo Watch 3 automatically backs up photos and videos when:

• The watch is plugged in and charging with more than 50% battery life.
• More than 24 hours have passed since the last backup, and the watch has more than 60% battery life.

When the storage limit is reached:

• Photo Gallery Backup automatically turns off.
• The Gizmo Cloud stops saving files until you delete previous files to free up storage.

To share and save files you can:

1. Navigate to the profile with your Gizmo Watch paired on the Family app.
2. Find the 'Gizmo photo gallery' card on the profile and select Details.
3. Tap an image to view the picture or video. To select multiple images, tap the Multi-select icon.
4. Do any of the following:
   • Tap Share then tap the desired option.
   • Tap Delete.

Keep in mind: After you free up storage, remember to turn Photo Gallery Backup back on to continue saving files to the Gizmo Cloud.

Medical ID is a dedicated profile on the Gizmo Watch that stores your child's critical health information for instant access in an emergency. You, as the Primary Guardian, manage this feature through the Verizon Family companion app. This puts crucial, life-saving information immediately on your child's wrist.

Use the Medical ID based on your role:

• Guardian: You input vital details, including the child's first name, last name, date of birth, blood type, height, weight and critical medical notes like allergies and current medications.
• Child: Your child accesses their Medical ID by pressing and holding the SOS button on the watch, then navigating to the Medical ID screen.

To start real-time tracking:

1. Go to the profile with your Gizmo Watch.
2. Tap turn on on the Real-Time Tracking card.
3. A screen appears. Select turn on to start a real-time tracking session.

The Verizon Family app shares location data differently depending on your Verizon Family account role and your specific device settings.

Using the Companion app, dependents can:

• If your parent has added you as a dependent to Verizon Family, your location is shared with your parent(s) and those your parents allow. This includes GPS location from your device if you have it turned on and location information based on your network if your device is connected to the Verizon wireless network. Your network location, which can be precise, is shared even if you do not have the Verizon Family companion app installed.
• If you want to see who has access to your location, you can download the Verizon Family Companion app and the relevant information can be found within the Location Tracking Indicator section. If you are on a smartwatch, you can see who can access your location under Location Sharing in Watch Settings.
• If you want to stop sharing your location, you'll need to ask a parent to delete your Verizon Family profile. Once you turn 18, you'll be able to delete your profile directly from the Verizon Family Companion app.

Using the Verizon Family app, users with Member and Guardian roles can:

• If you go to your Verizon Family app settings you can choose whether to share your location with other Verizon Family users.
• This location information will include GPS and estimated location information based on our wireless network if you are a Verizon wireless customer and have chosen to “always” share your location in your device settings. The accuracy of network location depends on a number of factors. It can be accurate to within a few hundred feet, but can also vary by a few miles.
  • If you change your location device settings to something other than “always share” or you uninstall your Verizon Family app we will stop sharing estimated location based on wireless network within seven days.
• If you are not a Verizon Wireless customer, the location information will only include GPS information.

No, your dependent won't know when you've located them.

Keep in mind: They'll get a monthly text message, or push notification if the device is a Verizon connected tablet, informing them that their location may be shared with account members.

If your dependent's device or smartwatch is paired with the Companion app and the location permission is enabled, the location results indicate a street address and approximately how many yards away the device is from that location.

However, location accuracy depends many factors, including but not limited to:

• Pairing status of the Companion app with guardian device
• Dependent device has good connectivity to data network
• Dependent device has location ON and set to high accuracy
• Companion app has permission to always access dependent's device location
• Companion app has Background App Refresh turned ON (iOS devices only)

We recommend you turn on location permissions for your dependent's device as described above for better location accuracy.

Verizon Family is designed to be used within Verizon coverage areas in the continental US and Hawaii. Some features may be unavailable outside this service area.

Keep in mind: If your dependent's device is paired with the Companion app and is connected to Wi-Fi when it's outside the Verizon network or roaming internationally, you'll be able to see the device's location.

Data usage may apply when roaming.

If a dependent can't be located, the dependent's device may be off or the phone or smartwatch's GPS functionality is deactivated.

If the phone or smartwatch can't be located for an extended period of time, have your dependent check their device settings to ensure:

• Dependent device is paired
• Dependent device has good connectivity to data network
• Dependent device has location ON and set to high accuracy
• Verizon connected tablet has push notifications for the Companion app enabled
• Companion app has permission to always access dependent's device location
• Companion app has Background App Refresh turned ON (iOS devices only)

If the device still can't be located after 24+ hours (and the settings are accurate), contact Verizon Customer Service at 800-922-0204.

Keep in mind: When dependents turn 18, their estimated location from the Verizon network is no longer shared if they haven't downloaded the Companion app and consented. They can also choose to delete their Verizon Family profile in the Companion app, which will also stop location sharing. Learn more about what happens when dependents turn 18.

You can view location history for the preceding 7 days.

Boundary alerts should occur close to the time they were triggered. They are occasionally delayed for various reasons, including:

• Dropped pairing between dependent and guardian devices
• Pairing lost or tampered on the Companion app status
• Network connectivity

The Primary Guardian can change the time zone for all family members in the Verizon Family app. On the Verizon Family app, go to Family Profiles. Click your name and then Edit Profile to select your required time zone.

See step-by-step instructions on our Verizon Family - Change Time Zone page.

Yes, you can invite an individual who is not on your Verizon mobile plan as a Member role on your Verizon Family account. The Member will have to accept the invite and download the Verizon Family app to allow location sharing.

Safe Walk is available when you have Verizon Family and Verizon Family Plus.

You and any family member who wants to use Safe Walk must also have the latest Verizon Family app version on your phone. Learn how to set up and use Safe Walk on our How to use Verizon Family page.

When you send a SOS in Safe Walk:

• You'll get notified from the Family app of who's seen your alert and see when someone is on their way to help.
• Once you're safe, tap the Mark as Safe button. This lets everyone know you're okay and ends the Safe Walk session.

Important: Safe Walk SOS (free service) doesn't contact 911. It only sends an alert to your personal emergency contacts.

Keep in mind: When you have Verizon Family Plus, you can enroll in 24/7 Assist, which connects you to live agents who can notify emergency contacts and request emergency services be dispatched upon your request.

24/7 Assist gives loved ones access to live agents for assistance during a medical or unsafe outdoor walk situation. Only available to users over 18.

24/7 Assist:

• Involves family and friends - Helps you connect with family members or caregivers during an emergency. This helps seniors or young adults make emergency dispatch decisions with the support of loved ones.
• Useful for less serious situations - It's helpful for situations where you might need support but not necessarily an ambulance, like if you feel unsafe walking alone.
• Keeps loved ones informed - Family and friends are kept updated through text messages, phone calls, and messages in the Verizon Family app.

You can opt-in to enable 24/7 Assist when you sign up for the Safe Walk feature.* 24/7 Assist is available on smartwatches for guardian and member subscribers over 18.

Good to know:

• If you choose to opt-in, the 24/7 Assist button replaces the Safe Walk SOS button.
• The Primary guardian can opt into 24/7 Assist and invite other family members 18 years and older. Dependents using Family Companion app do not see this feature.

Learn how to set up and use 24/7 Assist on our How to use Verizon Family page.

*The 24/7 Assist feature is only available with a Verizon Family Plus subscription ($14.99). For Verizon Family free tier, the Safe Walk SOS feature remains the same.

Safe Walk with SOS is a free service where Safe Walk session status and SOS alerts are sent to your personal emergency contacts.

When you subscribe to Verizon Family Plus and opt in for 24/7 Assist professional monitoring service, SOS alerts are sent to a live agent. The agent can loop in emergency contacts and request emergency services on your behalf.

The 24/7 Assist feature is only available with a Verizon Family Plus subscription. For the Verizon Family free tier, the Safe Walk SOS feature remains the same.

You can use 24/7 Assist while in a Safe Walk session or as a standalone service on your smartphone or smartwatch.