Your Relay app does NOT have to be open in order to for your child to get in touch with you. You’ll receive a notification whenever someone is trying to talk to you. Through Direct Chats, you can simply open your app and listen to your child's message.

Common questions and their answers

Relay kids phone FAQ's

- Shelby, Relay Mom

- Katia, Relay Mom

- Kari, Relay Mom

Relay is the perfect way to...

"Keep my peace of mind, knowing that my daughter is safe!"

"Protect my kids"

"Make sure my kids make it to and from school safely"

Relay has the range of a cell phone—so you can make calls as far as across the country. Relay uses 4G LTE and WiFi for even more reliable coverage. You can connect your Relays to WiFi through the app on your smartphone. After that, they’ll automatically connect when in range, switching from 4G LTE to WiFi as needed.

How can I keep my child from losing their Relay? Is it a wearable?

You can choose from multiple wearable accessories, like the Loop Case, which includes a case, carabiner, and lanyard, or the armband. Wear it, clip it to a belt loop or backpack—the possibilities are endless. It’s more versatile than a watch band, and way more stylish.

Do I need to add a line on my cell phone plan for Relay? Is there a monthly fee?

Relay comes with its own service—no need to add a line to your cell plan. All you need to do is purchase and activate. Relay has a monthly fee of $9.99/month, independent from your normal cell phone service bill.

How is Relay different from a "dumb phone?"

Unlike a "dumb phone," kids can't be contacted by strangers, just pre-approved contacts. Relay also has parental controls and GPS tracking built-in. And unlike flip phones and brick phones, Relay uses a modern antenna and 4G LTE + WiFi. That means when you talk, you hear each other more clearly and get more reliable service.

Does Relay have real-time GPS tracking?

Relay's GPS tracking updates every time you request the location of your Relays. It does not constantly update, but it shows a real-time location/address when you ask for it. The geofencing feature allows parents to set up perimeters that update every 10 minutes by default - you can change how often location updates in the Relay app.

How many Relays do I need? Is there an app for parents?

You’ll need one Relay per kid. Parents and older siblings with smartphones can use the free Relay app for iOS and Android to chat or use Relays of their own.

How does Relay switch between contacts and groups? How do I know who I'm talking to?

Your child can reach any combination of pre-approved contacts through Relay. One-on-one chats as well as an Everyone chat are set up when you create your account. Parents can also create custom chat groups via the Relay app. To switch between chats, kids can quick press the power button on the side of their Relay to cycle through chats or they can press and hold the volume button and use the Relay voice assistant to switch chats.

Does the app have to be open in order for my kid to contact me?

Can I use Relay outside the United States?

Currently, Relay is only available in the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). We hope to expand internationally in the future.

Can I leave a message for my child to listen to later? Can they leave me a message?

With Relay, you an communicate in real-time and you can leave a message for later. Your child can leave you a message and vice versa using Direct Chats. For all the details, check our complete guide to how the missed messages feature works.

Can my child talk to their friends using Relay? What if their friends have smartphones?

Yes, kids can talk to friends on other Relay accounts as long as the contact is approved by a parent. Kids can talk to friends, cousins, and any other approved contact with a Relay or Relay app. If your child’s friends have smartphones but do not have a Relay account, you will need to send an invite to their email address within the app under the Direct Chats section by tapping on the plus icon. The friend will need to accept the invitation in order for them to start communicating. Learn more

Does Relay have an emergency button? Does it call 911?

Yes. Relay has an emergency SOS feature in case a child needs help. SOS alerts parents with a special tone and sends continuous location updates until the parent cancels the SOS alert. If a child initiates a Relay SOS, it allows for a parent or other app users on the account to be connected to a 911 operator if they deem it necessary after assessing the child's emergency. This integration allows for emergency operators to have access to vital information such as the last known location of the Relay user when they initiated the SOS to better direct emergency personnel. The parent's 911 call will be directed to the 911 call center closest to the child's Relay location, ensuring that emergency responders are able to effectively respond to the situation. Learn more

What is Relay's range? Can I use it from miles away? In a different city/state?

Have more questions?

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