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Gabb Wireless
7 min read

Everything You Need to Know About Gabb Watch 2

By Jake Cutler

UPDATE: Gabb Watch 2 got an upgrade! Learn more about the new-and-improved Gabb Watch 3.

Soon after families started using our initial product, Gabb Phone, we started hearing from parents who wanted the same Gabb safety but for a smartwatch that younger kids could wear. We jumped at the idea. At Gabb we’re committed to helping parents and kids navigate a digital world in all the ways that make sense for them so soon after our second kid-safe device was born. And in 2022 we unveiled a new-and-improved version: Gabb Watch 2. 

Gabb Watch triples as a cell phone, GPS device, and interactive watch. It is a stand-alone device that does not need to pair with other Gabb devices and offers the perfect first step into technology for kids who need to connect but aren’t yet ready for a handheld phone.

Gabb Watch 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 Watch does not give kids direct or indirect access to the internet, social media, or any apps that would allow kids to circumvent the protections they need. 

social media illustration

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.

GPS tracking and safe zones

Gabb Watches come equipped with an active GPS tracker so parents can check in while their child is out, or use the Find My Phone feature to track down the device if it ever goes missing.

Customizable safe zones allow you to be notified any time your child enters or exits specified locations, like their school or your home. Setting safe zones, viewing the device location, and triggering the Find My Phone sound are simple to do through the parent’s Gabb Account (or MyGabb app) explained below.

gps on screen illustration

Parent-managed contact list

Gabb Watch allows for up to 25 parent-managed contacts so you don’t need to worry about any untrusted calls or messages reaching your child. Your child can only send and receive calls and voice texts from their contacts.

Preset texts, voice-messaging, and emojis

Gabb Watch is the perfect training ground for safe online communication. The 15 customizable text message presets allow for quick responses customized to your kid’s needs and a built-in microphone can record their voice messages and send them to any of their listed contacts. And, of course, kids love the emoji messaging that makes for fun communication.

SOS/Emergency contact

Safety is the top priority for Gabb Watch so it comes equipped with an SOS/emergency button that links to a primary contact (designated in the parent’s Gabb Account or through the MyGabb app). To use the SOS feature, a child presses the button on the side of the watch and holds it for 15 seconds so it’s easy to use but hard to trigger by accident.

Lock Mode

The lock mode feature keeps Gabb Watch a tool for connection, not distraction. Through the MyGabb app on your parent phone, you have unlimited access and complete control over how and when your kid uses their watch. When locked, Gabb Watch will only enable calls to and from their emergency contact.

lock illustration

Gabb Go

Gabb Go is a preinstalled app only available on Gabb Watches that makes it fun for your kids to stay active and productive. Successfully checking off items from their to-do list or hitting daily step goals earns them coins that they can use on their digital pet.

Fun Task List

Gabb Go allows you to create custom to-do lists that let your kids earn coins for checking off repeating chores or one-off tasks.

Step Counter

Kids can also earn coins by walking a set number of steps each day, then extra coins for stepping beyond their goal. It encourages kids to stay active and provides a great incentive to keep the watch on at all times so you know the GPS tracker is giving you an accurate view of their location when they’re away from you.

Their Own Digital Pet

Now with nine different pet types to choose from, your child can learn responsibility by feeding, washing, and petting their digital friend. The coins earned by taking care of their pet, hitting their step count goals, and crossing off items on their to-do list can be cashed in to unlock new pets and mystery moves.

Gabb Watch Durability

Accidents happen, especially for kids just getting used to taking care of a phone. Gabb Phone was built to keep up with kids so it’s resistant against sweat, water, dirt, and sand. The 1.4 inch display (300 x 300) is the right size for a kid’s wrist and the the 500 mAh battery give the device plenty of life for active kids.  

Gabb Watch Customization

Gabb Watch 2 comes in two colors—space gray or silver—and allows kids to customize their watch with 6 menu themes and 8 backgrounds to choose from.

Every Gabb Watch comes equipped with a black TPE watch band and additional bands can be purchased to let your kid showcase their personality. They can choose from a collection of vibrant colors, Star Wars themed bands, and new velcro bands that make it easy for even the youngest hands to adjust.

illustration of hand with watch and ladybug

What to Expect

Gabb Watch is available for purchase and includes free shipping and a 15-Day Money Back Guarantee.

What’s in the Box

When purchased from gabb.com, all Gabb devices come preactivated so they’re ready to use right out of the box. Also included:

  • USB to POGO pin charging cable (3 feet long)
  • USB to wall outlet adapter
  • 1 black TPE watch band equipped with 2 silicone keeper loops for added security

Cost

Gabb Watch 2 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.

shopping cart illustration

Gabb Account

In addition to managing payment details, your Gabb Account will allow you to take advantage of key Gabb features like lock mode, safe zones, and tracking your child’s device location.

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 the app for things like location tracking because it’s quick and convenient.

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 Watch 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 Watch, let us know in the comments below.

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Comments

  • Arthur Nelson Apr 01, 2023 09:01 AM

    We love the Gabb watch for our kids. Our daughter is 11, so old enough to watch her younger brothers now, and the watch is great because it allows us to have some contact with her without worrying about who she's talking to, what she's seeing, etc... My only issue with the watch is that you cannot contact 911 in an emergency. I'll start with the simplest to understand reason we should have access to 911 on the watch (though whether some would find it the most compelling, that's up to them): you charge us a 911 fee. It's all well and good that my daughter (or my son, if something happens to her) can contact me in an emergency, but if things go sideways and they need help now, they need to be contacting the Police, Fire,, or EMS first and letting me know after real help is on the way. If my daughter calls me with "Emergency X," then I'm going to waste time trying to calm her down, get details, and then I'm going to have to hang up on her, call 911, try and answer questions for them that I probably do not have all the answers to, while I'm just trying to get off the phone and back to my daughter, and flying through traffic trying to get back to my kids as fast as possible. An ability to contact 911 deals with all of these issues. My kid can contact 911 and deal with a professional who is experienced in keeping the child calm while getting the information they need AND sending the people that need to be sent, all at the same time. There's no delay; no phone tag; uncertainty is removed. I understand that we, as parents, want to know RIGHT NOW! I get it. But our children's safety should be primary and the current lack of ability to contact 911 is a hindrance to that.

  • Johanna Donaldson May 04, 2023 11:00 AM

    Hi there. These are real concerns and we appreciate you bringing them up. This is something our team is keenly aware of and will be working on a fix. Stay tuned for any updates to this feature. We appreciate your input and patience with us.

  • Mark Jul 12, 2023 11:07 AM

    Can u turn off gps locator?

  • Gabb Jul 12, 2023 12:56 PM

    Good question! You are not able to turn off the GPS location feature on our Gabb Watch devices.

  • David Jul 15, 2023 04:30 AM

    We need some printable how-to's with images of the watch screen and step-by-step instructions. The videos are great, but there's no way to view the videos on the Gabb device (and I don't need for there to be). Plus, if I need help using the phone, it needs to not be *on* the phone. Can you PLEASE create some printable tutorials for the most basic functions like phone call, text message, voice message, and alarm. Thank you! (I guess I'll go try to create some screen drawings and written instructions myself now.)

  • Gabb Jul 19, 2023 02:19 PM

    Hi David! Thanks for reaching out and giving us this feedback! We will be sure and share this with our team to take a look into. Each of our devices come with a manual that lists each of the device's functions and instructions on how to use each feature. We do also have our support articles and customer support team available on our website if you ever have any questions or are in need of help.

  • Scott Lasker Aug 10, 2023 09:19 AM

    Is there a way to shrink the HOME "circle" that the watch is located in? My kids can be 6 houses away and it still shows them as "Home". I'd like to shrink that circle down to just encompass our home.

  • Gabb Aug 14, 2023 11:05 AM

    Great question! Yes there is! You will want to tap on "save zones"> Select the safe zone >Tap the edit icon. From there you should be able to adjust the size of the circle for your safe zone. Feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team if you have any questions about this!

  • Laura Oct 02, 2023 09:09 PM

    Just wondering if there can be 2 parent accounts? I was added as a guardian but my husband has all the controls in his app and all I have is ability to find and call my kid. It should be that both parents can control the contacts and see texts. Thanks.

  • Gabb Oct 04, 2023 10:40 AM

    Great question! You are correct that only one parent can be the primary parent but if you would also like to have the controls you can use the same login as your husband for the Gabb app and that should give you access for now! We will be sure and share this feedback with our team to take a look into!

  • Doug Jan 02, 2024 09:26 PM

    Does the GPS feature work even if the phone is turned off?

  • Gabb Jan 12, 2024 04:29 PM

    Hi Doug! If the phone is turned off the GPS should show the last place it was before shutting down!

  • Kathleen Cummings Mar 19, 2024 03:38 PM

    What is the GPS range. My son goes to his moms every other weekend and it’s a 30 mile radius and I want to be able to make sure he’s safe.

  • Gabb Apr 05, 2024 05:27 PM

    There is not range, but the GPS tracking is based off of service. So as long as the device is connected it will track!

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