If you’re an AT&T customer or even on Cricket Wireless, you might have seen the AT&T Secure Family app. A lot of parents ask me the same questions: What does it really do? How does it work? And is it actually worth paying for?
I’m Rana, and I’m writing this because I’ve had to explain it more than once to friends and colleagues. I also checked AT&T’s official resources and read user feedback to make sure this is accurate.
Table of Contents
What is AT&T Secure Family App?
AT&T Secure Family is a parental control app. It’s built for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids’ online activity and safety. The app lets you:
- Track your child’s location in real time
- Set screen time limits
- Block certain websites or apps
- Send SOS alerts in emergencies
It’s not a spying tool. The idea is to create transparency in the family, not hide what’s going on.
How does it work?
The process is simple. Parents install the Secure Family Parent app on their phone. Kids install the Companion app on their device. Once paired, the parent can manage controls, set filters, and track locations.
The app needs permissions like GPS, Wi-Fi, and VPN access. That’s how it enforces restrictions and prevents kids from bypassing them.
Do kids know they’re being tracked?
Yes, they do. The app makes it clear that location tracking is active. This is important. It’s not designed as a secret tracker, but as a tool to keep everyone on the same page about safety.
Can it read texts or social media messages?
No. Secure Family does not give parents access to private chats. It focuses on location, web activity, and apps. If you’re looking for a tool that monitors texts, this isn’t it.
How accurate is the location tracking?
Accuracy depends on signals. With strong GPS or Wi-Fi, it’s usually within a few dozen feet. From my testing, it’s enough to confirm if someone is at school, home, or another common place.
What does it cost?
You get a 30-day free trial. After that, it’s $7.99 per month. One subscription covers up to 10 family members and 30 devices. That makes it cost-effective if you have multiple kids.
Key features at a glance
- Family map with live and past locations
- Alerts for when kids arrive or leave certain places
- Pause internet instantly
- Age-based filters for apps and websites
- Usage reports for apps and browsing
- SOS button, battery alerts, lost phone ring
Pros and cons
From my perspective:
✅ One flat price for the whole family
✅ Easy setup if you’re already with AT&T or Cricket
✅ Solid location tracking with geofence alerts
But,
❌ No monitoring for texts or calls
❌ Works only on mobile devices, not desktop
❌ Some users report minor glitches in setup or accuracy
Is AT&T Secure Family worth it?
If your main goal is to track location, set screen time, and block basic content, then yes, it’s a good option. Especially if you’re already an AT&T customer.
But if you want deep monitoring—like reading chats or social media—other apps may fit better.
For me, I think it’s best suited for parents who want peace of mind without going too far into surveillance.
Video Guide:
FAQs
Does AT&T Secure Family slow down devices?
Some users say the VPN feature can cause slight lag, but it’s not common.
Can non-AT&T users install it?
It’s designed for AT&T and Cricket users, so using it outside those networks is limited.
Can kids uninstall the app?
On iOS and Android, it asks for permissions that make removal difficult without parent approval.
