Gabb Watch FAQ

Gabb Watch is a kids smartwatch. These internet-free devices combine safety features—like GPS tracking and one-touch emergency calling—with fun perks like voice messages and movement tracking.

Learn more in our full review of the best kids smartwatches.

Yes, we consider the Gabb Watch a good kids smartwatch. It's absolutely painless to set up, and all of our tester’s kids enjoy using it.

Learn more in our full Gabb Watch review.

To cut down on security risks from third-party networks, Gabb Wireless developed its own operating system. Even the maps and content filters on Gabb phones are proprietary.

Plus, parents have full control over incoming and outgoing calls and texts. If a number isn't in the Gabb Watch's contact list, it can't call or be called. 

Finally, there's no internet or app store on the Gabb Watch, so your child can't view inappropriate content. 

Gabb Watch retails for around $150 upfront with a month-to-month contract, and there's a $25 activation fee on top of that. Cellular service costs $14.99 a month. Shipping is free.

The Gabb Watch is 20% off with a 2-year contract and 10% off with a 1-year contract.

Gabb Watches are sold exclusively through the Gabb Wireless website.

We think smartwatches like the Gabb Watch are best for kids between the ages of 7 and 12.

Kids may be ready for a phone by age 13, and children under 7 may not have good self-control when it comes to calling their family members. Our tester’s five-year-old daughter, for example, called her grandparents nine times in one day.

You can have up to 100 parent-approved contacts on a Gabb Watch.

The Gabb Watch originally came with just 10 contact slots. The Gabb Watch 2 came with 25 contact slots and the newest model, Gabb Watch 3, has 100. 

In addition to the 15 extra contact slots mentioned above, the Gabb Watch 2 includes the following:

• New silver watch option
• 8 new wallpapers
• 4 new themes
• 3 new GabbGo pets (cow, monkey, and octopus)
• Flashlight app
• Repeating tasks

The best part is you don't have to buy a brand-new watch to get most of these features since they're available on the original Gabb Watch with a free software update.  

No, the Gabb Watch isn’t waterproof. It shouldn’t be worn when swimming, bathing, or showering. But since it’s water-resistant, the Gabb Watch shouldn’t conk out if your kid gets caught in the rain, washes their hands, or sweats. In fact, the Gabb Watch 3 has IP68 water resistance and an ultra-strong Gorilla Glass 3 screen, so it should stand up to most things your kids put it through outside of submerging it under water.

Find out how Gabb's smartwatch for kids compares to similar watches in our Best Kids Smartwatches Guide.

You can also compare the Gabb watch to Verizon's Gizmo watch in our Verizon Gizmo Watch vs Gabb Watch review.

No, the Gabb Watch can’t call 911.

Sort of. The Gabb Watch sends and receives voice messages. You don’t have to call the watch first to leave one of these messages, so it differs ever so slightly from a traditional voicemail.

Yes, the Gabb Watch tracks steps.

Like other smartwatches or fitness trackers, the Gabb Watch uses a tri-axial accelerometer to track steps. This specialized sensor detects your direction and speed. It converts that data into steps.

Yes, you can set an alarm with the Gabb Watch.

Yes and no. Gabb Watch uses the same network as Verizon. If you get Verizon coverage in your area, the Gabb Watch should work just fine.

But you can’t add the Gabb Watch to your Verizon account. You have to buy a cellular plan through Gabb Wireless.

No, Gabb Watch doesn’t work with AT&T.

Yes, the Gabb Watch can connect to Wi-Fi, but only for software updates. It does not have an internet browser so your children cannot access the internet using this watch (by design).

No, the Gabb Watch and Gabb phone are two separate devices that don’t share data.

Yes, Gabb Watches can call each other because they each have unique numbers. But they have to have each others' numbers in their approved contacts.

Yes, Gabb charges early cancellation fees, but only if you signed up for a 1- or 2-year contract. 

The penalty is $150 for canceling a 2-year Gabb Wireless contract within the first 6 months. Starting with the completion of month 7, the cancelation fee decreases by $6.25/mo. Starting with the completion of month 16, the cancelation fee decreases by $10/mo.

So if you canceled a 2-year Gabb Wireless contract after 1 year (12 months) of use, you would pay a fine of $112.50.  

The penalty is $100 for canceling a 1-year contract. Starting with the completion of month 3, the cancelation fee decreases by $10/mo.

Gabb sometimes offers a free device with a 2-year Gabb Wireless contract and a discounted device with a 1-year contract. The cancellation fees are about the same as if you had to pay full price for the Gabb Watch.

It's mostly a way for Gabb to prevent people from taking a free watch and then never paying service fees. But you wouldn't want to do that anyway since Gabb Watches don't work with outside networks like AT&T.

Yes, you can transfer the Gabb Watch to another account. You still have to cancel your account and pay the penalty fees, though.

Make sure you give all of the setup codes to the new owner to facilitate easy setup. If you threw out the box, Gabb's customer service team can share the codes with you after you provide your account PIN.

• The Best Kids GPS Trackers and Wearables
• TickTalk 4 Kids Smartwatch Review
• Verizon GizmoWatch Review
• Xplora X5 Play Smartwatch Review
• Angel Watch Review