Everything You Need to Know About Gabb Phone
Everything You Need to Know About Gabb Phone
A common parenting frustration: the best technology today is clearly designed for adults, with kid-safety tacked on as an afterthought (if at all).
Gabb was created to change that and we started with Gabb Phone. With unlimited talk and text but no internet, social media, time-sucking games, or unsafe apps, it’s the ideal first phone for kids. Gabb Phone provides your kids with everything they need to stay safely connected, but nothing they don’t.
Gabb Phone Connectivity
No internet, no social media
It’s undeniable that unlimited access to the internet, social media, and other online platforms can cause children significant mental, emotional, and physical harm. Connection is a critical part of Gabb’s mission but never at the expense of protection.
Some apps allow users to access the internet through the app itself, making it relatively quick and easy to bypass internet blocking software. Gabb Phone does not give kids direct or indirect access to the internet, social media, or any apps that would allow kids to circumvent the protections parents want in place.
Unlimited talk + text
All Gabb devices come with plans that include coverage on a nationwide 4G LTE network. Under the Gabb Plan, users receive unlimited talk and text service on a great flexible monthly plan to fit their child’s needs. Image and group text can be added to Gabb Phone for a small additional fee ($2.00/month).
GPS location services
Gabb Phone comes equipped with an active GPS tracker so parents can check in while they’re out with friends, or use the Find My Phone feature to track down the device if it ever goes missing. Viewing the device location and triggering the Find My Phone sound are both simple to do through the parent’s Gabb Account (or MyGabb app) explained below.
Safe messaging with Gabb Messenger
Gabb Messenger was built from scratch to be the safest messaging app for kids and teens. It allows your child to text, send photos, and group chat without all the risks posed by other messaging apps.
Activity reporting and parental controls are easily accessible through the parent dashboard on your own phone. One unique aspect of Gabb Messenger, compared to other parental-controlled options, is that only questionable content displays in the parent dashboard so you get peace of mind while your child gets the messaging privacy they need to develop crucial digital communication skills.
Digital backup with Gabb Cloud
Gabb Cloud keeps your kid’s data safely and securely stored in the cloud. Through automatic data backup you can automatically protect favorite memories and preferred settings without any concerns about anything personal being leaked online.
Spam blocker with Gabb Guard
Gabb Guard provides spam blocking that stops over 90% of suspected spam calls from reaching your child’s Gabb Phone in the first place.
Gabb Phone Apps
Gabb Music
The impact of music, for good or bad, is well-known by now. And especially when it comes to kids and young teens who are in particularly impressionable stages. Gabb Music lets them listen their way with a clean music library curated from millions of songs from every genre and era.
Parent-enabled Safe Apps
With Gabb Phone, it’s effortless for parents to give their child access to a limited list of safe, curated apps. These optional apps are carefully developed, reviewed, and/or modified with safety as the top priority. That means no loopholes that a child might stumble upon to access outside websites or content.
Gabb Phone comes with the following apps preinstalled:
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Call
- Camera
- Clock
- Contacts
- Files
- Gabb Music (subscription required)
- Photos
- Message
- Radio
- Record (voice)
- Settings
- Video
The following apps are available for parents to add to their child’s Gabb Phone:
- Weather
- Bible Study
- Gospel Library (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Torah Study
- Quran
Gabb Phone Hardware
Kid-tough
Accidents happen, especially for kids just getting used to taking care of a phone. Gabb Phone was built to keep up with kids, this includes:
- 5.45 inch display (720×1440)
- 3.5 mm standard headphone jack
- MTK 6761 Quad Core CPU 2GHz processor
- 2GB RAM, 32GB ROM
- 2650 mAh battery
What to Expect
Gabb Phone is available for purchase online and includes free shipping and a 15-Day Money Back Guarantee (see full return policy in our Terms & Conditions).
What’s in the Box
When purchased directly from Gabb, Gabb Phone comes pre-activated so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Also included is a USB to USBc 3-foot cable and USB to wall outlet adapter for recharging.
Please note: when purchased through Amazon, or if purchased on gabb.com using “Buy with Prime,” Gabb Phone will not be pre-activated. In those cases, simple activation instructions are included in the box.
Cost
Gabb Phone retails at $149.99 and requires a phone plan that carries a monthly fee. You can pick from one of three options for that plan:
- 2-year contract (lowest monthly fee)
- 1-year contract
- No contract (highest monthly fee)
Payment
As part of the online purchasing process, you will set up a free Gabb Account that allows you to view payment details, update payment information, and more (see below). Your plan’s billing cycle begins on the day you complete the online purchase and the card you use at checkout will be charged 3 days later, then monthly for the length of the contract.
Gabb Account
In addition to managing payment details, your Gabb Account will allow you to take advantage of key Gabb features like adding subscriptions (e.g. Gabb Music) tracking your child’s device location, and adding optional apps to your child’s Gabb Phone (see below).
You can log in to your Gabb Account on any internet-enabled device and can also download the MyGabb app (on Apple or Android) using the same login credentials. Most parents prefer using the app for things like location tracking because it’s quick and convenient.
How to Add Apps to Gabb Phone
Once you’ve set up a Gabb Account, follow these steps to add apps to your child’s Gabb Phone:
- Log into your Gabb Account
- Select “App Management” from the left side menu
- Choose which apps you want to enable and click “enable”
- Ensure your child’s device is connected to WiFi, open the GabbID app on their device, sign in (if you are not already), and select “Check Updates.” This will begin the app download.
You can remove access to these apps under “App Management” on your Gabb Account at any time.
Customer Support
Gabb employs a full Customer Support team ready to answer questions via text, call, or email Monday-Saturday. We also have a robust library of helpful articles and videos about common Gabb Phone questions so you can find answers as quick as you can click, 24/7.
Questions? Comments?
Did we miss anything? If you still have questions about Gabb Phone, let us know in the comments below.
Sherrie on Jun 09, 2023 11:20 AM
Can kids call 911 from the phone?
Gabb on Jun 12, 2023 01:09 PM
Good question! Yes, our Gabb users are able to call 911 on the Gabb Phone devices.
Veronica on Jun 27, 2023 12:58 AM
Can parents put time restrictions on the child phones?
Gabb on Jun 28, 2023 02:45 PM
Great question! You are able to set these restrictions on our Gabb Watch devices. With our Gabb Phones, there comes a little more responsibility on the Gabb users end. This feature has not currently been added to our Gabb Phone devices.
Bonnie Wiseman on Jul 12, 2023 09:42 AM
We are loving GABB! It has taken off the constant stress for my children and me! I have 2 comments/feedback. 1. The App is a waste. E have to login online to do almost everything. You need to add the dashboard and more to the App. 2. The video quality is HORRIBLE! It is worse than the original/first videos on old flip phones. This needs to be upgraded FAST. It’s not worthwhile to use at all.
Gabb on Jul 12, 2023 12:57 PM
Thanks Bonnie for your feedback! We will be sure and pass this along to the correct teams to have them take a look into it.
Gemma Schroeder on Jul 25, 2023 01:39 PM
does your parent have to have a iphone to work your phone or can they have a samsung
Gabb on Jul 26, 2023 11:57 AM
Great question! Parents do not need to have an iPhone device to track their Gabb users. Android devices work as well!
Danielle on Aug 02, 2023 08:38 PM
Are kids able to delete their call/text history?
Brandon Jewett-Hall on Aug 06, 2023 01:59 PM
As a parent, do I have to use a phone to track my child's Gabb phone, or can I use my laptop (MacOS)?
Gabb on Aug 07, 2023 01:42 PM
Good question! Parents are able to access the Gabb user's call summary through their MyAccount on our website! Gabb users cannot delete this information.
Gabb on Aug 07, 2023 01:49 PM
Hi there! Good question! You will need to connect the Gabb device to your Parent Gabb app (on the parent's device) in order to track your Gabb device.
Brandon Jewett-Hall on Aug 08, 2023 10:47 AM
If the parent's phone is lost or inoperable, can the parent track their child's Gabb phone location using only the website?
Roni on Aug 09, 2023 03:27 PM
Can I call or text to Canada?
Gabb on Aug 14, 2023 11:00 AM
Good question! You wont be able to track the device through the website, but our customer support team will be to help further with this issue if needed!
Gabb on Aug 14, 2023 11:02 AM
Hi there! At this time, we do not support any international / roaming service. We are hoping to offer a solution for our customers in this regard in the future! Please note that connecting Gabb Phones to WiFi while outside of the country will allow for some services to function.
Justice Ford on Sep 15, 2023 11:07 PM
Are kids able to delete photos or texts? We would like to monitor this and ensure nothing is able to be deleted to deter inappropriate texting behavior or picture taking. If they are able to delete, then they will simple delete the messages or pictures before handing the phone over to us. This is a big flaw if deletion of texts/pictures can't be controlled on the parent side of things.
Ruth on Sep 16, 2023 11:58 AM
I was woundering how you can report a scam number on the gabb phone
Gabb on Sep 22, 2023 11:45 AM
Great question! Within the Parent messenger app, you are able to adjust the deletion settings on your Gabb device! Here is a direct link to more information about the Parent Messenger app: https://gabb.com/gabb-messenger/ . If you have any other questions or concerns, be sure and reach out to our Customer Support team and they would be happy to help assist!
Gabb on Sep 22, 2023 11:49 AM
Hi Ruth! Thanks for reaching out! You are able to block any phone numbers on your Gabb Phone device by going to the phone icon > three dots > click on settings > then click on blocked numbers…. That should give you the options to block any numbers that are not on your contacts list. If you are having any issues with spam numbers contacting your device, please be sure and contact our Customer Support team so they can help take a further look into that for you!
amy on Oct 11, 2023 01:41 PM
Does the Gabb phone come with a headphone port?
Gabb on Oct 13, 2023 10:03 AM
Yes it does!
Tanner Larsen on Oct 13, 2023 10:02 PM
With the new gabb messenger app, the ability to send contact Vcards was removed. Since I am getting a better phone soon, I am wondering how I can export contacts, or where they are stored on the phone.
Gabb on Oct 16, 2023 10:10 AM
All of the devices information can be saved to a computer (using its charging cord) and be transferred from the computer to the next device! 👍
Mike on Oct 31, 2023 11:21 PM
I'm considering switching to a phone without social media, but I would like to send and receive emails. Could I still use Gmail or is that not possible on the gabb phone? (I don't need the parental controls necessarily, I just don't want to waste time online anymore).
Gabb on Nov 01, 2023 10:58 AM
Good question! Sending emails is not currently available on our Gabb devices and would have to done from a computer or laptop at this time. That being said, we appreciate the feedback on this and will be sure and share this with our team to take a look into!
Sherrie on Nov 08, 2023 10:57 AM
Does Gabb Messenger only work with other Gabb users (i.e., my daughter would only be able to message with friends that have a Gabb device)?
Gabb on Nov 08, 2023 11:57 AM
Good question! With our Gabb Phone and Gabb Watch devices, you are able to call and text other devices. You will not only have to contact other Gabb devices.
Joy on Nov 10, 2023 08:03 PM
Do Gabb phones have a map app?
Gabb on Nov 15, 2023 10:36 AM
Yes! This will be a 3rd party app needed to be added onto the device from the parent.
Jacob on Nov 18, 2023 05:03 PM
If you don’t purchase the tier with data package, can the phone still call/text without being on wi-fi?
Gabb on Nov 21, 2023 08:45 AM
Correct!
Amanda on Nov 26, 2023 02:31 PM
Hello! A couple questions... 1. If a message is inappropriate is it completely blocked from coming through or sending out? Also, I don't have an iPhone so how can I manage the Messanger? 2. Is the Gabb user able to call any number or does parent need to approve first. 3. Is there video call? Thank you!
Heather on Nov 27, 2023 11:42 AM
Can this phone be added to my AT&T wireless plan?
Gabb on Nov 30, 2023 03:45 PM
Hi Heather! Sadly the device cannot be added to another carrier. We have our own Gabb plans on our own carrier that must be used for the devices. We apologize about that!
Gabb on Nov 30, 2023 03:48 PM
Hi Amanda! All great questions! We hope this answers these: 1. We have our very own spam and inappropriate content blocker on our devices. Inappropriate content cannot be sent through or out with our Gabb Guard blocker software. 2. For the Gabb Phone 3 Pro, your child can add what contacts they are wanting. However, with our Gabb Watch 3, the contact list is created by the parents and a child cannot add contacts. 3. Currently we do not have video call! We are sorry about that!