Gabb Watch FAQ

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

To learn more about the Gabb Watch and read our tester’s opinions, read our full Gabb Watch review. Or, scroll down to find answers to some common questions about this kids smartwatch brand.

Best value kids smartwatch
Gabb Watch 3
$74.99 (sale)*+ cellular plan
pro GPS tracking and geofencing
pro Parent-controlled contact list
pro No internet

 *Limited time deal. No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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Gabb Watch basics

What is Gabb Watch?

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.

Is Gabb Watch good?

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.

What makes the Gabb Watch safe?

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. 

How much does a Gabb Watch cost?

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.

Compare the best kids smartwatches

Watch
Best for
Watch price Icon Tooltip  Dark
Video calling
GPS tracking
Max. number of contacts
Compatible cell providers
Learn more
Best overall
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
100Gabb Wireless
Budget pick
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
20Cosmo
Best for kids under 10
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
10AT&T and T-Mobile
Best for active kids
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
20Garmin
Best for kids with special needs
Icon Yes  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
10AngelSense subscription using AT&T, T-Mobile

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*Limited time deal.
 **No contract required. $30 activation. New lines only.

Where can I buy a Gabb Watch?

Gabb Watches are sold exclusively through the Gabb Wireless website.

What age is Gabb Watch for?

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.

How many contacts can you have on a Gabb Watch?

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. 

What's new on the Gabb Watch 2?

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.  

Is the Gabb Watch waterproof?

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.

How does the Gabb watch compare to other kids smartwatches?

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.

Gabb Watch features

What does the Gabb Watch do?

Here’s what kids can do with the Gabb Watch:

  • Make voice calls
  • Leave voice messages
  • Text emojis or choose a written text from a drop-down list
  • Push an SOS button to quickly call an emergency contact
  • Send their location to approved contacts
  • Track steps
  • Set an alarm
  • Set a stopwatch or timer
  • Play with a virtual pet
  • Turn on a flashlight (may require software update)

Parents can do the following:

  • Make voice calls
  • Leave voice messages
  • Send custom texts
  • Control the 10-slot contact list
  • Track location
  • Create geofences
  • Add items to the to-do list
  • Lock the watch

Screenshot: Suzi Brzezinksi, SafeWise

Can the Gabb Watch call 911?

No, the Gabb Watch can’t call 911.

Can the Gabb Watch text?

Gabb emojis. Image: Kyle Lemmon, SafeWise

Yes, kids can text emojis or pre-written responses from the Gabb Watch. Since the screen is too small for a keyboard, kids can’t text custom messages, but with the new Gabb Watch 3 there is a voice-to-text option.

Does Gabb Watch have voicemail?

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.

Does Gabb Watch have games?

A GabbGo T-Rex. Image: Kyle Lemmon, SafeWise

The only game on the Gabb Watch is GabbGo, which incentivizes kids to rack up more steps on the pedometer or to complete their to-do lists. Kids earn virtual coins, which can be redeemed to unlock cool digital pets and to train them.

Does Gabb Watch track steps?

Yes, the Gabb Watch tracks steps.

How does Gabb Watch track 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.

Does the Gabb watch have alarms?

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

Gabb Watch compatibility

Does Gabb Watch work with Verizon?

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.

Does Gabb Watch work with AT&T?

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

Can Gabb Watch connect to Wi-Fi?

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).

Does the Gabb Watch connect to the Gabb phone?

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

Can Gabb Watches call each other?

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.

Gabb Watch customer service

Does Gabb charge a cancellation fee?

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.

Why is Gabb's cancellation fee so high?

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.

Can I transfer the Gabb Watch to someone else?

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.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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