Adding a kid line to your Verizon account is a smart move for many families, offering a blend of connectivity and parental control. Whether it's for their first phone, a smartwatch, or a tablet, Verizon provides various options to keep your child connected while giving you peace of mind. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how much it costs and how to seamlessly add a kid line to your Verizon service.
Ready to get your child connected on Verizon? Let's walk through the process step-by-step!
Understanding the Costs: How Much to Add a Kid Line to Verizon
The cost of adding a kid line to your Verizon account primarily depends on two key factors: the type of device you're adding and the plan you choose. Unlike a standalone new line for an adult, kid lines often come with specific considerations for data usage and parental controls.
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| How Much To Add A Kid Line To Verizon |
Device Costs: Phones, Smartwatches, and Tablets
Smartphones: This is typically the most common option. The cost will vary greatly depending on the phone itself.
New Device Purchase: Verizon offers a range of smartphones, from budget-friendly options to the latest flagship models. You can often find deals on new lines, sometimes even getting a phone for free with an eligible unlimited plan and trade-in, or with a new line on specific unlimited plans without a trade-in. These deals usually involve receiving a promotional credit applied over 36 months.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): If your child already has a compatible phone, you can bring it to Verizon and activate it on a new line. This will significantly reduce your upfront costs.
Smartwatches: Many parents opt for smartwatches for younger children, as they offer basic communication and GPS tracking without the full functionality of a smartphone. Data plans for smartwatches are typically lower than phone plans.
Tablets: If your child needs a tablet for educational purposes or entertainment on the go, you can add a data plan for it.
Plan Costs: Adding a Line to Your Existing Plan
Verizon's pricing structure generally revolves around their "myPlan" unlimited options. When you add a line, it will typically fall under one of these unlimited plans, or a connected device plan for smartwatches and tablets.
Unlimited Smartphone Plans:
Unlimited Welcome: This is often the most basic unlimited plan and a good starting point for a child's first phone. It usually comes with a lower monthly cost per line when added to an existing multi-line account.
Unlimited Plus/Unlimited Ultimate: These plans offer more features, such as higher premium data allowances, more mobile hotspot data, and various perks (like streaming service subscriptions). While they cost more, you might find promotions that make them more appealing, especially if you want to bundle services.
The per-line cost for unlimited plans decreases as you add more lines to your account. For example, the cost per line for Unlimited Welcome could be lower for 4 lines compared to a single line.
Connected Device Plans: For smartwatches and tablets, you'll choose a specific connected device plan. These are generally less expensive than smartphone plans, as they are designed for data usage only, or limited voice capabilities in the case of smartwatches.
If you have a shared data plan (though these are no longer available for new activations), a connected device might simply incur a line access fee. However, for Verizon's current "myPlan" structure, connected devices typically need their own separate data plan.
Potential Additional Costs
Activation Fee: There might be a one-time activation fee for adding a new line.
Taxes and Fees: As with all cell phone services, expect to pay applicable taxes and surcharges on your monthly bill.
Device Protection: Consider adding device protection for your child's phone, which can cover loss, theft, damage, and malfunctions. This is an optional but highly recommended add-on, especially for children.
Parental Control Services: While Verizon Smart Family offers a free basic tier, some advanced features (like location tracking and detailed usage reports) might be part of a paid premium version or included with certain unlimited plans.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a Kid Line to Verizon
Adding a line to your Verizon account is a straightforward process. You can do it online, through the My Verizon app, or by visiting a Verizon store.
Step 1: Engage and Assess Your Needs
Hey there! Thinking about getting your kid connected with Verizon? Before we dive into the technicalities, let's figure out what your family truly needs.
What age is your child?
What will they primarily use the device for? (Emergencies, entertainment, schoolwork, social media?)
Do they need a full smartphone, or would a smartwatch suffice?
What's your current Verizon plan? Knowing this will help determine compatible options and potential multi-line discounts.
Are you looking for a new device, or do you have one already?
Understanding these points will help you choose the most suitable and cost-effective option.
Step 2: Choose the Right Device
Sub-heading: Picking the Perfect Handset (or Watch!)
For Smartphones: Browse Verizon's latest phones, keeping an eye out for "new line" or "add a line" promotions. These often offer significant discounts or even free phones with eligible plans and trade-ins. Consider a durable, mid-range smartphone for a child's first device.
For Smartwatches: Explore Verizon's selection of smartwatches, particularly those designed for kids (e.g., GizmoWatch). These devices are great for basic communication and location tracking.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): If you have an unlocked, compatible phone, this is often the most economical choice. Visit Verizon's BYOD page to check compatibility.
Step 3: Select an Appropriate Plan
Sub-heading: Tailoring Connectivity to Your Child's Needs
Smartphone Lines: Most new smartphone lines will be added to one of Verizon's Unlimited myPlan options (Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Ultimate). Unlimited Welcome is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a new line, offering unlimited talk, text, and 5G Nationwide data. Remember, the per-line cost usually decreases with more lines on your account.
Connected Device Lines (Smartwatches, Tablets): These devices require their own dedicated data plans, which are separate from your smartphone lines. These plans are generally more affordable, designed for lower data usage.
Consider Data Usage: While "unlimited" sounds great, assess your child's actual data needs. If they'll primarily be on Wi-Fi, a lower-tier plan or a connected device plan might be more sensible.
Family Perks: Review the "perks" available with Verizon's higher-tier unlimited plans (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundles, Apple One, extra mobile hotspot data). While these add to the monthly cost, they might offer savings on services you already pay for.
Step 4: Initiate the Addition of the Line
Sub-heading: The Easy Way to Get Connected
Online via My Verizon Website:
Log in to your My Verizon account on the Verizon website.
Navigate to the "Plans" or "Devices" section.
Look for an option like "Add a Line," "Add a Device," or "Shop Devices."
Follow the prompts to select your chosen device (or indicate BYOD) and the desired plan.
You'll be guided through selecting a new phone number or transferring one, and completing the purchase/activation.
Through the My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon app on your smartphone.
Tap on the "Shop" or "Account" tab.
Look for options to "Add a line" or "Upgrade/Add device."
The app will walk you through the same steps as the website, making it convenient from your mobile device.
Visit a Verizon Store: If you prefer in-person assistance, a Verizon representative can guide you through the entire process, including device selection, plan comparison, and activation. They can also help with data transfer from an old device if needed.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Step 5: Activate the Device
Sub-heading: Bringing Your Child's New Line to Life
New Devices: If you purchased a new phone or smartwatch, follow the activation instructions included with the device. This typically involves powering it on and following on-screen prompts, often connecting to Wi-Fi initially.
BYOD: If you're bringing your own device, you might receive a new SIM card that needs to be inserted, or the device might activate via eSIM. Follow Verizon's instructions for BYOD activation.
Smart Setup: Verizon offers a "Smart Setup" tool (online or through the My Verizon app) to help you transfer data from an old device and get the new one fully configured.
Step 6: Set Up Parental Controls with Verizon Smart Family
Sub-heading: Ensuring Safe and Responsible Usage
Verizon Smart Family is a crucial tool for managing your child's device usage.
Download the Apps:
Download the Verizon Smart Family app on your (parent) smartphone.
Download the Smart Family Companion app on your child's device (if it's a smartphone).
Pair Devices: Follow the in-app instructions to pair your parent device with your child's device. This is essential for full functionality of the parental controls.
Configure Controls:
Set time restrictions: Limit data usage, calls, and texts during certain hours (e.g., school time, bedtime).
Content filters: Block access to inappropriate websites and app categories.
Call and text limits: Manage who your child can communicate with, and view their call and text activity.
Location tracking: Track your child's location in real-time and set up alerts for arrivals and departures from specific locations (e.g., home, school).
Purchase limits: Prevent unauthorized purchases on their line.
Review Regularly: Parental controls are not "set it and forget it." Regularly review your settings and adjust them as your child grows and their needs change.
Open Communication: While parental controls are powerful, open and honest communication with your child about responsible device usage is paramount.
By following these steps, you can successfully add a kid line to your Verizon account, ensuring your child stays connected while you maintain appropriate oversight.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the total cost of adding a kid line to Verizon?
The total cost involves the device cost (if buying new), the monthly plan fee for the new line, any one-time activation fees, and recurring taxes/fees. Promotions can reduce device costs, while multi-line discounts reduce per-line plan costs.
How to get a free phone for my child on Verizon?
Verizon frequently offers promotions for free phones with a new line activation on select Unlimited plans. These usually involve receiving bill credits over 36 months, sometimes with a trade-in of an old device (even in any condition). Check Verizon's "Deals" page regularly.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
How to use Verizon Smart Family for parental controls?
Download the Verizon Smart Family app on your phone and the Smart Family Companion app on your child's device. Pair them, then use the parent app to set content filters, time restrictions, view activity, track location, and manage contacts.
How to add a smartwatch for my child to Verizon?
You can add a smartwatch like the GizmoWatch through the My Verizon app or website, or at a Verizon store. You'll need to select a connected device plan, which is generally more affordable than a smartphone plan.
How to bring my child's existing phone to Verizon?
Visit Verizon's "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) page to check if your child's phone is compatible. If it is, you can activate it on a new line, often saving money on device costs. You'll likely need a new Verizon SIM card or activate an eSIM.
How to switch my child to a different Verizon plan?
You can change your child's plan (or any line's plan) through the My Verizon app or website by navigating to the "Plans" section. You can usually mix and match different Unlimited myPlan options for each line on your account.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
How to monitor my child's data usage on Verizon?
You can monitor data usage for all lines on your account, including your child's, through the My Verizon app or website. Verizon Smart Family also provides detailed insights into app and web activity.
How to block unwanted calls or texts on my child's Verizon line?
Within the Verizon Smart Family app, you can set up "Trusted Contacts" and block specific numbers or categories of calls/texts for your child's line.
How to set location alerts for my child's device on Verizon?
Using the Verizon Smart Family app, you can set up "Places" (like home or school) and receive alerts when your child's device arrives at or departs from these designated locations.
How to get a discount on adding a kid line to Verizon?
Look for "add a line" promotions on Verizon's website and deals pages. Existing customer discounts, bundling with home internet, and specific professional/student discounts (military, first responders, nurses, teachers) might also apply. Setting up Auto Pay and paper-free billing can also save you money each month.
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