Curious about keeping your family safe in the digital world? Let's dive into Verizon Smart Family!
Are you a parent navigating the ever-evolving landscape of your children's digital lives? Do you worry about screen time, online content, or simply knowing where your kids are when they're out and about? If you answered yes to any of these, then Verizon Smart Family might be a tool you've considered. But the big question often is: How much does Verizon Smart Family cost, and what do you really get for your money?
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Verizon Smart Family, from its pricing and features to how to set it up and make the most of it. We'll also address common concerns and provide a handy FAQ section to answer your most pressing questions.
Understanding Verizon Smart Family: The Core Offerings
Verizon Smart Family, now often referred to simply as Verizon Family, is a suite of parental control tools designed to give parents greater visibility and control over their children's smartphone usage. It aims to foster a safer digital environment and offer peace of mind.
Verizon offers two main tiers for its family monitoring services:
Verizon Family: This basic service is included at no additional cost when you have a Verizon standard monthly mobile account. It provides essential features like managing your family's wireless activities, sharing location, and viewing call and text activity.
Verizon Family Plus (formerly Verizon Smart Family Premium): This is the enhanced version, offering a more robust set of features. It costs $14.99/month per account.
Let's break down what each tier generally offers:
Verizon Family (Included)
Call and Text Activity: See logs of calls and texts made and received on your child's Verizon device. Important Note: This typically applies to activity over the Verizon network and may not monitor third-party messaging apps like iMessage or WhatsApp.
Basic Location Sharing: View the general location of family members on a map.
Safe Walk and SOS (Newer Feature): Allows a child to request a "Safe Walk" where a guardian can virtually monitor their journey, and an SOS button for emergencies to quickly notify a designated contact.
Device Agnostic: Works with both iOS and Android devices.
Verizon Family Plus ($14.99/month per account)
Verizon Family Plus includes all the features of the basic Verizon Family service, plus a significant upgrade in capabilities:
Advanced Location Tracking: Get more accurate, real-time GPS tracking of your child's device. This often requires the "Smart Family Companion" app to be installed on the child's device for optimal performance.
Location Alerts (Geofencing): Set up virtual boundaries (geofences) around specific locations (e.g., school, home, a friend's house). You'll receive notifications when your child arrives at or leaves these designated areas.
Content Filtering: Customize content filters to block inappropriate websites and apps based on categories (e.g., violence, adult content, social media, games, dating).
Screen Time Management & Usage Controls:
Set daily limits for device usage.
Schedule specific "pause internet" times (e.g., during homework, dinner, or bedtime). This works even if the device is on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Block or limit specific apps.
Monitor app usage breakdown by category and individual app.
Driving Insights (for Teen Drivers): If you have a teen driver, this feature provides insights into driving habits like hard braking, rapid acceleration, and sharp turns. It can also alert parents to potential crashes.
Roadside Assistance: Access roadside assistance services directly through the app.
Eligibility: To get Verizon Family or Verizon Family Plus, you typically need a standard monthly Verizon mobile account with 10 or fewer lines. Your devices will need to meet certain operating system requirements (e.g., Android 7.0+ or iOS 15.0+).
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Started with Verizon Smart Family
Ready to take control and provide a safer digital experience for your family? Let's walk through the setup process.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Empower Your Parenting? Check Your Eligibility and Download the Apps
Before you begin, ensure you meet the basic requirements and have the necessary apps.
Verify your Verizon Account: You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager on a standard monthly Verizon mobile account.
Device Compatibility: Ensure both your device (the "Guardian" device) and your child's device (the "Dependent" device) meet the minimum operating system requirements (Android 7.0+ or iOS 15.0+).
Download the Apps: You'll need two key applications:
Verizon Family app: Download this on your smartphone (the parent/guardian device). This is where you'll manage all settings and view insights.
Verizon Family Companion app: Download this on your child's smartphone or tablet. This app is crucial for enabling more precise location tracking and content filtering features.
Where to download: You can find both apps in the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).
Step 2: Activating and Setting Up Your Guardian Device
This is where you establish your role as the primary manager of your family's digital safety.
Activate Your Line First: If you're setting up new lines, ensure your parent/guardian line is activated on your Verizon account before activating your child's line.
Sign In to the Verizon Family App:
Open the Verizon Family app on your smartphone.
Sign in using your My Verizon User ID and password. This should be the same credentials you use to manage your overall Verizon account.
You may receive a text message with an authorization code to verify your login. Enter this code when prompted.
Understand Guardian Role: When you add a line to Verizon Family, the role is automatically assigned based on your My Verizon account. Account Owners/Managers are typically designated as "Guardians."
Step 3: Adding Your Child's Device and Pairing
This is a critical step to enable comprehensive monitoring and control features.
Add a Family Member/Dependent:
Within the Verizon Family app on your device, follow the prompts to "Add a Family Member" or "Add Dependent."
You'll likely select the phone number associated with your child's device from your Verizon account.
Install and Pair the Companion App:
Once you've added your child's line in your app, it's time to set up their device. You will need physical access to your child's device for this step.
On your child's device, open the Verizon Family Companion app.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your child's device with your Guardian account. This often involves scanning a QR code from your Guardian app or entering a pairing code.
Important: Ensure your child accepts the invitation to have their device paired.
Step 4: Configuring Parental Controls and Features
Now for the customization! This is where you tailor Smart Family to your family's unique needs.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Content Filters for Safe Browse
In the Verizon Family app on your device, navigate to the "Content Filters" section.
You'll find various categories (e.g., social media, games, violence, adult content).
Toggle filters on or off based on your child's age and your family's rules.
Remember: The Companion app on your child's device must be paired for these filters to work effectively.
Sub-heading: Managing Screen Time and App Usage
Go to the "Usage Controls" or "Screen Time Management" section in your app.
You can:
Set daily time limits for overall device use or specific app categories.
Schedule "Internet Pause" times: For example, you can set the internet to automatically turn off during school hours, dinner, or bedtime.
Block specific apps entirely or set time limits for individual applications.
Sub-heading: Harnessing Location Tracking and Alerts
Within the app, select your child's profile to view their location on a map.
To set up location alerts (geofencing):
Go to "Places & Alerts" or a similar section.
Add a new place: Enter a name for the location (e.g., "School," "Grandma's House") and its address.
Set arrival and/or departure alerts: Choose whether you want to be notified when your child arrives at or leaves that location.
Tip: Accurate location tracking is greatly enhanced when the Companion app is properly paired.
Sub-heading: Adding Trusted Contacts and Watchlists
Navigate to the "Contacts" section.
Trusted Contacts: These are numbers your child is always allowed to call or text, even during restricted times. Account members are often automatically added here. You can add up to 20 trusted contacts.
Watchlist Contacts: You can add specific contacts to a watchlist to receive notifications about calls or texts exchanged with them.
Blocked Contacts: Prevent certain numbers from calling or texting your child.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Call & Text History
From your child's profile in the app, you can view their Verizon call and text history. This provides an overview of their communication patterns.
Keep in mind: As mentioned earlier, this generally applies to activity over the Verizon cellular network and may not include third-party messaging app content.
Step 5: Regular Monitoring and Open Communication
Setting up Smart Family is just the first step. Consistent engagement and open dialogue are key to its success.
Review Activity Regularly: Check the app periodically to review your child's web and app activity, call/text logs, and location history.
Discuss Rules and Expectations: Talk to your children about why you're using Smart Family. Explain that it's about their safety and well-being, not just about restricting them. Discuss screen time limits, appropriate online behavior, and the importance of digital boundaries.
Adjust Settings as Needed: As your children grow and their needs change, be prepared to adjust the Smart Family settings. What's appropriate for an 8-year-old might be too restrictive for a 14-year-old.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues, refer to Verizon's support resources or the FAQ section below. Common problems can often be resolved by updating the app, clearing the cache, or reinstalling the app.
FAQs: Your "How To" Questions Answered Quickly!
How to check my child's location with Verizon Smart Family?
You can check your child's current location by opening the Verizon Family app on your device, selecting their profile, and viewing the map. For more accurate tracking and location alerts, ensure the Verizon Family Companion app is installed and paired on their device.
How to set screen time limits using Verizon Smart Family?
In the Verizon Family app, navigate to the "Usage Controls" or "Screen Time Management" section. Here you can set daily limits for device usage or specific apps, and even schedule "Internet Pause" times for designated periods.
How to block specific websites or apps with Verizon Smart Family?
Go to the "Content Filters" section in the Verizon Family app. You can then choose categories of content to block or specifically block individual apps or websites. Remember to have the Companion app paired for full functionality.
How to view my child's call and text history on Verizon Smart Family?
From your child's profile within the Verizon Family app, you can access their "Call & Text Activity" logs. This will show incoming and outgoing calls and texts made over the Verizon cellular network.
How to remove Verizon Smart Family from a device or account?
To remove Verizon Family service, sign in to My Verizon on a web browser with Account Owner/Manager access. Go to "Services & Perks," find "Verizon Smart Family," and select "Unsubscribe." This removes all limits and filters.
How to troubleshoot if Verizon Smart Family isn't working correctly?
Common troubleshooting steps include: updating both the Verizon Family and Companion apps to the latest versions, clearing the app cache, force-closing and restarting the apps, disabling and re-enabling your internet connection, or uninstalling and reinstalling the apps.
How to add a trusted contact in Verizon Smart Family?
In the Verizon Family app, go to the "Contacts" section. You should find an option to "Add Trusted Contact" where you can enter the phone numbers of individuals your child is always allowed to communicate with.
How to set up location alerts (geofencing) in Verizon Smart Family?
Within the Verizon Family app, navigate to the "Location" section, and then look for "Places & Alerts." You can add new locations with addresses and choose to receive notifications when your child arrives at or leaves those specific areas.
How to pair the Verizon Family Companion app with the Guardian app?
After installing the Verizon Family Companion app on your child's device, open it and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll typically be guided to scan a QR code displayed in your Guardian Verizon Family app or enter a pairing code to link the devices.
How to get roadside assistance through Verizon Smart Family Plus?
If you have Verizon Family Plus, the app includes roadside assistance features. Look for the "Roadside Assistance" section within the app, where you can request help for things like towing or jumpstarts.