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Kid-Safe Tech
6 min read

Everything You Need to Know About Gabb Phone

By Jake Cutler

One common parenting frustration is that 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. Our lineup of kid-safe tech started with the Gabb Phone (and now includes Gabb Watch and Gabb Phone Pro).

With unlimited talk and text but no internet, social media, time-sucking games, or unsafe apps, Gabb Phone is the ideal first phone for kids. It provides your kids with everything they need to stay safely connected, but nothing they don’t.

Gabb Phone Connectivity

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 vital to Gabb’s mission — but without ever compromising on 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 reliable nationwide network that allows users to receive unlimited talk and text service. We offer three plan options — Starter, Standard, or Advanced — to give families flexibility to fit their child’s needs. Image and group text can be used on Gabb Phone through the Standard or Advanced plans.

Gabb Phone also allows users to make calls to emergency services if necessary.

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.

hand holding messenger

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

With Gabb Phone, it’s effortless for parents to give their child access to a limited list of safe apps. These 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.

hand holding safe messenger

Safe Apps Come Standard

Gabb Phone comes with the following apps preinstalled:

  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Call
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Contacts
  • Gabb ID
  • Gabb Messenger
  • Gabb Music (subscription required, more info below)
  • My Files
  • Notes
  • Phone (by Gabb)
  • Photos (by Gabb)
  • Settings
  • Video
  • Voice Recorder (voice)
  • Weather (by Gabb)

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 Apps

Gabb Phone allows for the addition of several apps that can be enabled through the parent’s account. Those apps are: 

  • Chabad.org Daily Torah Study
  • Bible App by Olive Tree
  • Chess (by Gabb)
  • Gabb Maps
  • Gospel Library
  • Quran
  • Sora

Gabb Phone Hardware

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:

  • Crisp 6.1 inch display (720×1560)
  • 8MP front camera and 12MP video recording resolution
  • 3.5 mm standard headphone jack
  • 1.8 GHz Quad Core processor
  • 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM
  • 3120 mAh battery
  • USB C charging
  • Bluetooth 5
  • Fingerprint, proximity, ambient light, and digital compass sensors

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, a battery, and a pair of earbuds

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.

Hand holding credit card

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:

  1. Log into your Gabb Account
  2. Select “App Management” from the left side menu
  3. Choose which apps you want to enable and click “enable”
  4. 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.

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Comments

  • Sherrie Jun 09, 2023 11:20 AM

    Can kids call 911 from the phone?

  • Gabb Jun 12, 2023 01:09 PM

    Good question! Yes, our Gabb users are able to call 911 on the Gabb Phone devices.

  • Veronica Jun 27, 2023 12:58 AM

    Can parents put time restrictions on the child phones?

  • Gabb 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 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 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 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 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 Aug 02, 2023 08:38 PM

    Are kids able to delete their call/text history?

  • Brandon Jewett-Hall 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 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 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 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 Aug 09, 2023 03:27 PM

    Can I call or text to Canada?

  • Gabb 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 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 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 Sep 16, 2023 11:58 AM

    I was woundering how you can report a scam number on the gabb phone

  • Gabb 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 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 Oct 11, 2023 01:41 PM

    Does the Gabb phone come with a headphone port?

  • Gabb Oct 13, 2023 10:03 AM

    Yes it does!

  • Tanner Larsen 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 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 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 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 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 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 Nov 10, 2023 08:03 PM

    Do Gabb phones have a map app?

  • Gabb 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 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 Nov 21, 2023 08:45 AM

    Correct!

  • Amanda 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 Nov 27, 2023 11:42 AM

    Can this phone be added to my AT&T wireless plan?

  • Gabb 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 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!

  • Elijah Dec 24, 2023 10:01 PM

    I got a message that my monthly data limit has been reached, but the website clearly said that the plans have unlimited data

  • Gabb Dec 29, 2023 02:57 PM

    Hi Elijah! Each phone has 1GB of data unless added upon via your plan. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to help.

  • Porter thomas Jan 22, 2024 08:20 PM

    So I was thinking about getting my son a phone and he had a old phone and I let him have snap chat and I was wondering if he could get it on this phone

  • Saulius Jan 24, 2024 12:53 PM

    Ca you still use a Gabb Phone 3 & can you keep your same number. I just want a simple phone with no Internet ,Just calling & Texting. This is for me(adult)'Thanks.

  • Gabb Jan 25, 2024 06:28 PM

    Hi Saulius! Yes you can transfer your current number with a different provider to a Gabb Phone. There will be an option for that at checkout, or a rep can help you on our support team!

  • Gabb Jan 25, 2024 06:50 PM

    Hi Porter, great question! We do not allow social media's like snapchat on our devices.

  • Aldonza Feb 21, 2024 04:12 AM

    Hi! Do your phones work outside the US (e.g. in the UK)?

  • Gabb Feb 21, 2024 06:34 PM

    Hi Aldonza! Thank you for your interest in Gabb! As of right now we are only available in the U.S.

  • Chaleen Feb 25, 2024 01:27 PM

    the phones are a waste they lag so much and the video quality is terrible please fix your phone it is a waste of money

  • Gabb Feb 27, 2024 06:24 PM

    Hi Chaleen! We are sorry to hear you are having issues with your device. Our support team is available Monday-Saturday and is well versed in our devices and troubleshooting. They would be happy to help with whatever issues you are experiencing. You can reach them via chat, call or email! Let us know if you have any questions about that and we are here to help.

  • Reese Mar 18, 2024 10:25 AM

    Hey there! For the Gabb Phone 3 Pro, can I put Samsung Galaxy Phone case on it? I have searched the whole Internet for a cool phone case to put on it, but I never find any! Some of Samsung's cases are just for me, but I want to make sure it would be able to fit first before I waste money. Thanks!

  • Reese Mar 18, 2024 10:29 AM

    Hey its me again! I was wondering, can you get Gabb Music+ on a Gabb Phone 3 Pro? Thanks!

  • Gabb Mar 25, 2024 06:18 PM

    Great question- yes you can!

  • Gabb Mar 28, 2024 06:52 PM

    Hi Reese! The Gabb Phone 3 Pro is a Samsung A13 model! You can use any case that fits that model. Let us know if you have any of questions, we are happy to help.

  • Maya Jaff Apr 26, 2024 05:24 AM

    Can you add apps that have parental controls within them? Like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, amazon prime video, Spotify? Those are apps that require subscriptions and while a child can access an adult profile and watch movies and shows that are not appropriate for them, the apps themselves have controls that allow parents to monitor it. Like putting locks on adult profiles, or blocking explicit music. If these apps are not available in the App Store, would you consider adding them please?

  • Gabb Apr 30, 2024 02:11 PM

    Hi Maya! While we understand where you are coming from, these are not apps we plan to add to our devices. We truly encourage kids to live beyond the screen and our 3rd party app guideline reflects that.

  • Emma May 12, 2024 10:38 AM

    Dose the gabb phone need to be set up or can it be used right after i set up the gabb ID and dose it come with a charging box?

  • Gabb May 13, 2024 06:51 PM

    Hi Emma! Setting up Gabb ID is apart of the set up process. If you have any questions about that you can reach our support team by chat or call on our website. The device does come with a charger!

  • Maya Jaff May 25, 2024 03:10 PM

    Can children add contacts themselves? Like if my child is at school and meets a new friend can she add their number in themselves? Or do I have to do it? And can this phone text iPhone numbers even though it’s not Apple?

  • Nancy May 25, 2024 11:32 PM

    Is the phone number associated with the billing address or shipping address? I currently live in Nevada and will be moving to Michigan but would like get my son a phone before the move, and would like the Michigan phone number, as that is where he will be.

  • Gabb May 28, 2024 06:07 PM

    The shipping address! You can also get the number updated/changed with our customer support when you move!

  • Gabb May 28, 2024 06:09 PM

    Phones can, but the watches cannot! Contacts on the watch need to be added by the parent/guardian!

  • ina Jun 25, 2024 11:47 PM

    What is the monthly COST of a GABB phone? I can't find plan pricing.

  • Gabb Jun 26, 2024 06:35 PM

    Hi Ina! The monthly plan cost is dependent on what plan/contract you choose! Unfortunately we are out of our Gabb Phone 3 Pro on our website, but they can still be purchased via Amazon!

  • Erica Jul 16, 2024 11:05 AM

    Can I purchase a Gabb phone and let my child use it only on wifi without adding a monthly plan?

  • Gabb Jul 16, 2024 04:38 PM

    Hi Erica, this is a great question! We do not offer this as of right now, to have a Gabb device you must also sign up for a monthly plan.

  • Dylan Kane Jul 31, 2024 05:31 PM

    Does A Gabb Phone have a personal hotspot that can be shared with others??

  • Gabb Aug 01, 2024 04:38 PM

    Hi Dylan this is a great question! Gabb Phones do not have a hotspot feature that they can share with other devices.

  • Grace Ryan Sep 16, 2024 06:02 PM

    Does the Gabb phone have a lock/passcode like a regular phone?

  • Gabb Sep 18, 2024 02:49 PM

    Hi Grace, great question! Yes it does.

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