Adding a new number to your Verizon Kid Plan, often managed through the Verizon Smart Family (or simply Verizon Family) app, is a fantastic way to keep your child connected while giving you peace of mind with robust parental controls. Whether it's for their first phone or adding another child to an existing family plan, this guide will walk you through every step.
Ready to give your child the gift of connection with the peace of mind of Verizon's parental controls? Let's get started!
Understanding Verizon Kid Plans and Smart Family
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand what a "Verizon Kid Plan" typically entails. Verizon doesn't have a single plan explicitly named "Kid Plan" in the same way they have Unlimited Plus or Welcome. Instead, they offer features and services like Verizon Smart Family (formerly Verizon Family) which complement your existing Verizon mobile plan and are designed for managing children's devices.
Verizon Smart Family is a comprehensive parental control service that allows you to:
Monitor calls and texts (Verizon cellular activity, not iMessage or other third-party apps).
Track location (with Smart Family Premium).
Set content filters for web and apps.
Manage screen time and pause internet access.
Set purchase limits.
When you "add a number to a Verizon Kid Plan," you're essentially adding a new line of service to your overall Verizon account and then enrolling that line into the Smart Family service to enable the kid-specific features.
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| How To Add Numbers To Verizon Kid Plan |
Step 1: Determine Your Needs and Choose a Device
Before you touch any apps or websites, let's think about what your child actually needs!
What kind of device will your child be using? Is it a smartphone, a smartwatch like a Gizmo Watch, or a tablet? Each might have slightly different considerations.
Do you already have a device for them, or will you be purchasing a new one from Verizon?
What are your primary concerns as a parent? Do you mainly want location tracking, or are call/text monitoring and content filtering more important? This will influence whether you opt for Verizon Smart Family (basic) or Smart Family Premium.
Once you have a clear idea, you're ready to proceed!
Step 2: Add a New Line of Service to Your Verizon Account
This is the foundational step. Every device needs its own line of service with a unique mobile number. You can do this through the My Verizon app or the Verizon website.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sub-heading 2.1: Using the My Verizon App (Recommended for convenience)
Download and Open the My Verizon App: If you don't already have it, download the My Verizon app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS) on your parent device.
Sign In: Open the app and sign in with your My Verizon User ID and password. You must be the Account Owner or an Account Manager to add a new line.
Navigate to "Add a Line":
From the main screen, tap the "Devices" tab.
Scroll down and tap "Add a line."
Choose Your Device Option:
"Get a new device": If you're purchasing a new phone, tablet, or smartwatch from Verizon. Follow the on-screen prompts to select and customize your new device.
"Activate a device you already own (BYOD - Bring Your Own Device)": If you have an eligible device (unlocked and compatible with Verizon's network), select this option. You'll likely need to enter the device's IMEI number to check compatibility.
Select Your Plan: Verizon will present you with plan options. For a child, you might consider:
myPlan Unlimited Welcome: Often a budget-friendly option with unlimited talk, text, and 5G Nationwide data, suitable for a first phone.
myPlan Unlimited Plus: Offers more features like 5G Ultra Wideband, higher mobile hotspot data, and better video streaming quality.
Note: The "Just Kids" plan specifically geared towards children offered some tailored features, but Verizon has evolved its plans. You'll primarily rely on the Smart Family app for kid-specific controls on any suitable unlimited plan.
Choose Your New Number:
"Get a new number": Select this if your child needs a brand new phone number. You can often choose the area code and prefix.
"Bring your current number": If you're transferring a number from another carrier (porting), select this option. You'll need information from your old carrier (account number, PIN, etc.). Be aware that porting can take 4-24 hours for mobile numbers and longer for landlines.
Review and Complete Your Order:
Add any desired device protection or accessories.
Review your cart, plan details, and total cost.
Read and accept the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and Retail Installment Sale Agreement.
Tap "Place Order."
Activate the Device: Once your new device arrives (if purchased) or after completing the BYOD process, follow the activation instructions provided by Verizon. This typically involves inserting a SIM card (or eSIM setup) and powering on the device.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the My Verizon Website
The process is very similar to the app:
Go to Verizon.com and sign in to your My Verizon account as the Account Owner or Manager.
Navigate to the "Account" section, then "My Devices," and look for an option like "Add a line" or "Shop for a new device."
Follow the prompts to select a device (new or BYOD), choose a plan, get a new number or port an existing one, and complete the checkout process.
Step 3: Download and Set Up the Verizon Smart Family App
This is where the "kid plan" features truly come into play.
Download Smart Family App on Parent's Phone: Download the Verizon Smart Family app on your (the parent's) smartphone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Sign In: Open the Smart Family app and sign in with your My Verizon User ID and password.
Get Started:
Tap "Get started."
Select your desired Verizon Smart Family plan (e.g., Smart Family or Smart Family Premium). Premium includes location services and other advanced features.
Tap "Agree" to provide parental consent.
Add Your Child's Line:
The app will likely prompt you to select the lines you'd like to add to Verizon Smart Family. Choose the new line you just added for your child.
You can name the line (e.g., "Liam's Phone," "Sarah's Device") for easier identification within the app.
Tap "Sign up" or "Add."
Tap "OK" to confirm.
Step 4: Install and Pair the Smart Family Companion App on Your Child's Device
For the full suite of parental controls to function, especially content filtering and accurate location tracking, you must install and pair the companion app on your child's device.
Download Smart Family Companion App on Child's Phone: On your child's smartphone or tablet, download the Smart Family Companion app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Initiate Pairing from Parent App:
On your parent phone, open the Verizon Smart Family app.
Tap the "Settings" icon (usually a gear icon) in the top right corner.
Tap "Family settings."
Select the child's line you want to pair.
Tap "Smart Family Companion" or "Pair with child's app."
The parent app will send a text message with a link to your child's phone.
Complete Pairing on Child's Phone:
On your child's phone, open the text message sent from the parent app.
Tap the link in the message.
Follow the on-screen prompts on your child's device to allow necessary permissions (e.g., location access, phone management, web/app activity monitoring, VPN profile for content filtering). It's crucial to allow all requested permissions for the features to work correctly.
You may see screens like "Verifying phone" and "Pair phone." Tap "Show me how" and follow the instructions.
Once permissions are granted and the tutorial is viewed, tap "Got it" or "OK."
Congratulations! Your child's line is now added and the Smart Family features are ready to be customized.
Step 5: Customize Parental Controls within the Smart Family App
Now that everything is set up, it's time to tailor the controls to your family's needs.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Sub-heading 5.1: Managing Trusted Contacts
Open the Smart Family app on your parent phone.
Select your child's profile at the top of the screen.
Scroll down to "Manage controls" and tap "Contacts."
Tap "Trusted contacts."
Tap "Trust a number" to add phone numbers your child can always communicate with, even during time restrictions. Account members are often automatically added.
You can also remove numbers from this list.
Sub-heading 5.2: Setting Up Content Filters
In the Smart Family app, select your child's profile.
Scroll to "Manage controls" and tap "Content filters."
You can filter by category (e.g., Social Media, Gaming, Mature Content) or add specific trusted/blocked websites.
Toggle the switches to turn filters on or off.
Tap "Save." Remember, the Smart Family Companion app must be paired for these to be effective.
Sub-heading 5.3: Implementing Time Restrictions
In the Smart Family app, select your child's profile.
Scroll to "Manage controls" and tap "Limits", then "Time restrictions."
You can set:
School hours: Restrict phone usage during school.
Night hours: Limit phone use before bed.
Custom time restrictions: Create your own schedules for specific days and times.
During restricted times, your child generally won't be able to use cellular data, make calls/texts to non-trusted contacts, or use Wi-Fi (if the companion app is paired).
Sub-heading 5.4: Managing App and Web Activity
The Smart Family app allows you to view a list of websites and apps accessed by your child and the time spent on them.
In the Smart Family app, select your child's profile and look for sections related to "Web and App Activity."
You can also pause internet access completely.
Sub-heading 5.5: Location Tracking and Alerts (Smart Family Premium)
If you have Smart Family Premium, you can:
Locate your child on a map by selecting their line in the app.
Set up "Places & Alerts" to get notifications when your child arrives at or leaves specific locations (e.g., school, home).
Use "Check-in" and "Pick Me Up" features (your child can send these requests).
Step 6: Ongoing Management and Communication
Regularly review the Smart Family app for activity reports and adjust settings as your child grows and their needs change.
Communicate openly with your child about the purpose of these controls and why they are in place. Transparency builds trust.
Keep both the My Verizon and Smart Family apps updated on your parent device, and ensure the Smart Family Companion app on your child's device is also updated for optimal performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
How to add a new device to an existing Verizon Kid Plan?
You don't "add a device to a kid plan" directly. Instead, you add a new line of service to your overall Verizon account (as described in Step 2), and then enroll that new line into your existing Verizon Smart Family service (as described in Step 3 and 4).
How to activate a device I already own for my child on Verizon?
You can bring your own device (BYOD) by going through the "Add a Line" process in the My Verizon app or website (Step 2), selecting the "Activate a device you already own" option, and checking its compatibility.
How to get Verizon Smart Family Premium for location tracking?
When you're setting up Verizon Smart Family (Step 3), you'll be given the option to choose between the basic Smart Family plan or Smart Family Premium. Select Premium to unlock location tracking and other advanced features.
How to set up content filtering on my child's Verizon phone?
After adding the line and pairing the Smart Family Companion app (Steps 2-4), open the Verizon Smart Family app on your parent phone, select your child's profile, go to "Manage controls," and tap "Content filters" to customize.
How to block specific websites on my child's Verizon phone?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Within the "Content filters" section of the Verizon Smart Family app, you can add specific websites to a "Blocked Websites" list.
How to monitor my child's call and text activity on Verizon?
The Verizon Smart Family app (available with both basic and Premium plans) allows you to view Verizon cellular call and text activity for your child's line. Note that it does not monitor content of messages from iMessage, Google Messages, or other third-party apps.
How to set time limits for phone usage on a Verizon Kid Plan?
In the Verizon Smart Family app, select your child's profile, go to "Manage controls," tap "Limits," then "Time restrictions" to set up school hours, night hours, or custom usage times.
How to get notifications when my child arrives at a location with Verizon?
This feature is part of Verizon Smart Family Premium. Within the app, select your child's profile, go to "Manage controls," then "Location," and set up "Places & Alerts" to define specific locations and get arrival/departure notifications.
How to remove a number from trusted contacts on Verizon Smart Family?
Open the Verizon Smart Family app, select your child's profile, go to "Manage controls," tap "Contacts," then "Trusted contacts." You'll see an option (often a delete icon) to remove numbers from the list.
How to ensure all Verizon Smart Family features are working correctly?
Ensure both your parent Verizon Smart Family app and your child's Smart Family Companion app are up to date. Regularly check the app's settings on both devices, especially permissions on the child's device, to confirm everything is enabled as intended. If issues persist, try unpairing and re-pairing the devices.
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