Can You Use Verizon Smart Family Without Them Knowing?
What Is The Verizon Smart family?
Verizon Smart Family is a service that Verizon provides based on a subscription. The subscription services allow you to handle what your family members are teaching and for how long.
This service is especially for those parents whose children are new to the internet. The parents do not want to restrict their children, but at the same time, they also want to control what they are watching. So this service is perfect for them.
What Are The Services Charges?
There are two subscription services. One is the regular plan which costs $5 per month, and the other is the premium service which costs $10 per month. Both plans let the parent control the data, contacts, internet activity, and internet access. The difference comes in tracking location. The regular does not have this feature, but the premium services let the parent track the location of their loved ones.
How Does Verizon Smart Family Works?
You first need to download the smart family app on the mobile that you are monitoring. Both Android and apple have access to this app.
If the monitored device does not have this app, it does not give you precise information about what the other person is doing. For example, if you want to track the location of your child. Without the app, it will only show you a nearby cell tower location in that area. With the app, you will be able to have tracked the precise location.
After downloading the app, you need to sync it with the Smart Family companion. It will start giving you precise information regarding data and locations, and it will generate proper graphs of the screen time and the category of data that your loved ones are viewing. The graphs are user-friendly, so they can be understood easily.
The updates are done automatically if you have enabled that option on the device. If not, it would notify you both on the app and the official website regarding an update.
Can You Monitor A Person Without Their Knowledge?
No, the person being monitored will be notified by the Verizon Smart Family app that they are being monitored.
When you would track down the location of the person monitored and ask for the location. A notification will be sent to the monitored device as a spinning wheel, indicating that a request has been made for the location. The same goes for data and internet use.
Why Does This Happen?
Simple privacy issues. Verizon Smart Family understands the parents’ worries, which is why they have offered such services. But at the same time, they also respect the other party’s privacy. So to avoid the violation of privacy, they would notify the monitored person.
They are some loopholes here. The notification sent by the Smart family app is not in the form of audio notification, so as long as the monitored person is not using their mobile, they have no idea that they are being monitored. The other way would be to uninstall the app. There will be no more notifications, but you will only receive inaccurate signals from that area’s bell tower.
Alternative apps that have the same purpose
Now we understand that you don’t want to look like you don’t trust your loved ones, but you also can’t stop worrying about it. So here are some alternative apps with the same purpose as the Smart Family app but with a bit more additional features.
MMM Guardian
It has two versions. One is the google play store version which has a bit of restriction. The other is the device owner version, which has no restrictions.
Pros
You can track without the other party knowing It does not send any notifications
Cons
It is only available on Android It is a bit pricey compared to the Smart Family app
FamiSafe
This app is a close duplicate of the Family Smart app
Pros
By just installing the app, you can track the location No extra hassle Track both the location and data without being notified
Cons
It only has annual plans, which cost $60
Conclusion:
It is fine to worry about the safety of your loved one, but you also have to keep in mind that privacy is a very sacred matter. It is best to gain the other party’s consent and explain to them why you think this is necessary, which will create more understanding. You should only take the alternatives when the situation is dire, and there are no other options.
Frequently asked Questions
Are there any options where my child can block the Verizon Smart Family app?
No, and yes. They can not block the app, but they can delete the app from their device. By doing so, you won’t be able to have access to an accurate location.
Can I see Snapchat messages by this app?
No, you can not view Snapchat messages from this app. Some alternative options do allow that.
