When Verizon announced updates to its family safety app, I wanted to understand what had changed and whether it’s actually useful for families.
I often test tools like this because people in my network ask for real, no-fluff answers. So here’s my honest breakdown of the Verizon Family app.
There is also a similar app from AT&T named Family Secure app.
Table of Contents
What is the Verizon Family App?
The Verizon Family app (previously called Verizon Smart Family) is built to keep families connected and safe. You can install it on both iPhone and Android. It brings together location tracking, parental controls, driving safety insights, and emergency features into one app.
The setup is based on three roles: Guardians, Members, and Dependents. Guardians manage the settings, Members are usually parents or adults, and Dependents are kids. This way, permissions are clear and everyone knows their role.
Free Features with Verizon Postpaid
If you already use a Verizon postpaid plan, you get a solid set of tools for free. These include:
- Real-time location sharing
- Call and text activity logs (numbers only, not the content)
- Safe Walk check-ins when kids are moving around alone
- SOS alerts for emergencies
I found these features enough for families who just want peace of mind without paying extra.
Verizon Family Plus (Premium at $14.99/month)
The paid plan, called Verizon Family Plus, adds more control and safety. It costs $14.99 a month, and here’s what it gives you:
- Unlimited geofence alerts when kids arrive or leave places
- Parental controls like app blocking, website filters, and screen-time limits
- Driving insights such as speeding or hard braking reports
- Crash detection alerts and roadside assistance (up to 4 times a year)
If you’ve got teenagers who are driving or younger kids who spend too much time online, these upgrades can make a real difference.
Setup and Security
Getting started doesn’t take long. You download the Verizon Family app, install the Companion app on your child’s phone, and link accounts through Verizon. If your child tries to delete or disable the app, you’ll get an alert right away. I like that part because it keeps parents in the loop.
Why Use Verizon Family App?
From my experience, these are the main benefits:
- Location and SOS features give peace of mind
- Parental controls are flexible and grow with your kids
- Driving reports are useful if you’ve got a new driver in the family
- Roadside assistance adds an extra safety layer
It really feels like a single safety hub instead of juggling multiple apps.
Is It Worth It?
Here’s my view. If you’re already a Verizon customer, the free version is worth turning on. No cost, decent safety tools, and quick setup. But if your kids are driving or need structured screen-time management, the paid plan is worth considering.
I checked this info using Verizon’s official documentation and some user feedback online. That way, I’m not just repeating the press release; I’m sharing what actually matters for parents deciding whether to use it.
Who Should Use It?
This app is mainly for Verizon customers. Families with younger kids may only need the free version, while those with teens (especially new drivers) will benefit from Family Plus.
Video Guide:
FAQs
Does Verizon Family App work outside the US?
No, it is designed for use in the United States.
Can kids bypass the app?
If they try, the Guardian gets an instant alert. So it’s hard for kids to bypass without parents knowing.