What Is the Gizmo Watch for Kids, and How Does It Work?

The Gizmo Watch is a kids' smartwatch made by Verizon. It lets children call, text, and share their location with a small group of trusted contacts set up by a parent. The Gizmo Watch is designed for safety and gives families a way to stay in touch without handing a child a regular smartphone.

How the Gizmo Watch Works

The Gizmo Watch connects to Verizon's cellular network. Parents control the Gizmo Watch using the Verizon Family app, where they can add or remove up to 20 contacts. Kids can make calls, send messages, and share their real-time location only with the people on this list. Video calling is also included, using the watch’s built-in camera.

Parents can set up location alerts to get notified when their child arrives at or leaves a specific place, like school or a friend’s house. The Gizmo Watch also has fitness tracking, reminders, and a step counter. Since it is managed by an app, parents can check the location or contact list at any time.

What Features Does the Gizmo Watch Offer?

• Calling and Messaging: Kids can call and text only with contacts approved by parents.
• Video Calls: The camera supports video calls, so kids can see family members face to face.
• GPS Location Tracking: Parents can see where the watch is and set up alerts for specific locations.
• Fitness Tracking: Step counting and reminders encourage healthy habits.

The Gizmo Watch is not a full smartphone. There is no web browser, no social media, and no app store. This focus on safety is why many families choose it as a first device for younger kids.

How Does Gizmo Watch Compare to Other Kids’ Smartwatches?

The Gizmo Watch is just one option for parents who want a safe, connected device for their child. Here is how it stacks up next to some of the other leading names:

• MeWatch L12 Prime: The MeWatch L12 Prime is a compact kids’ smartwatch with accurate GPS location, a selfie camera, and video calls through the parent app. Like Gizmo, it supports calling and messaging only approved contacts, but it is not tied to one cellular provider and comes with a SpeedTalk SIM that runs on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. MeWatch devices must be kept away from water, including pools and showers, as water damage is not covered.
• Gabb Watch: The Gabb Watch is built for safety, with calls and texts to a parent-managed list. Unlike Gizmo, it does not have a camera, so there are no video calls. It runs on Verizon and requires a contract for its lowest monthly rate.
• TickTalk: TickTalk offers HD video calling and is available on either AT&T or T-Mobile. It is not locked to a single carrier, and families can use it with no contract.

Each device works a little differently, and the right choice depends on your family’s needs, your preferred network, and which features matter most. For a closer look at these differences, see our Gizmo Watch alternatives guide.

What Ages Is the Gizmo Watch Best For?

The Gizmo Watch is most popular with families of children ages 6 to 11. It gives kids enough freedom to walk to school or play with friends while letting parents keep in touch and set boundaries. Since it is managed from an app and does not have open internet access, it is a good fit for elementary and early middle schoolers who are not ready for a phone.

Limitations and Things to Consider

The Gizmo Watch only works on Verizon, so you need Verizon coverage in your area. It also has a contact limit and relies on the Verizon Family app, which began changing in June 2026. If your family is not on Verizon, or if you want more flexibility, it is worth considering other options like MeWatch or TickTalk, which offer their own SIMs and run on other networks.

MeWatch devices, including the L12 Prime, must be kept away from water, such as the sea, pools, and showers. Water damage is not covered.

FAQ

What is the Gizmo Watch for kids?

The Gizmo Watch is a smartwatch designed for children. It lets kids call, message, and share their location with a list of parent-approved contacts, with full control and monitoring through the Verizon Family app.

How does the Gizmo Watch keep my child safe?

The Gizmo Watch allows only approved contacts, tracks your child’s location, and lets you set up location alerts. There is no internet access, no social media, and no app store, which helps keep communication private and safe.

Can I use the Gizmo Watch without Verizon?

No, the Gizmo Watch only works on the Verizon network. If you do not have Verizon or want a device that supports other carriers, look at options like MeWatch or TickTalk.

Which kids’ smartwatches have video calling?

The Gizmo Watch, MeWatch L12 Prime, and TickTalk all offer video calls. The Gabb Watch does not have a camera, so it does not support video calls.

Does MeWatch work with Verizon?

MeWatch devices come with a SpeedTalk SIM that runs on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. They are not tied to Verizon.