Kids Device Match

Which kids' smartwatches don't need an iPhone?

By Jason, father of two · Sources checked October 2026

Short answer

Going by what each maker says about its parent app, eight of the nine kids' smartwatches we compare can be set up and managed without an iPhone: Verizon Gizmo Watch, Gabb Watch, T-Mobile SyncUP KIDS Watch, Fitbit Ace LTE, Xplora X6Play, Bark Watch, Pinwheel Watch, and TickTalk Watch.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Apple Watch SE needs one: Apple says Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone.[9] Makers set minimum Android and iOS versions for their apps, so check yours on the maker's page.[1][5]

What each maker says

Per Verizon, the Verizon Family app, which manages Gizmo watches, works on Android smartphones and on iOS.[1] Per Gabb, parents download the MyGabb app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.[2] Per T-Mobile, the T-Life app that manages the watch is available in both the App Store and Google Play.[3] Per Google, the Fitbit Ace app is compatible with Android and iOS.[4] Per Xplora, the watch is compatible with iOS and Android phones.[5] Per Bark, the Bark Parent app is available on Android and iOS.[6] Per Pinwheel, you control the watch from its Caregiver Portal, in a browser on your phone or a computer or in the parent app.[7] Per TickTalk, the TickTalk Parent App is available for compatible iPhone and Android phones.[8] Per Apple, Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone.[9]

What each maker says about service

A phone is only part of it. Here is what each maker says about the plan, subscription or network its watch uses, in its own words.[1][10][3][4][5][11][12][13] Verizon: "The Gizmo Watch service can be added to your Verizon mobile account for $10 per month."[1] Gabb: "Most Gabb devices only work on the Gabb network."[10] T-Mobile: "SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 is available to T-Mobile customers with at least one active voice line."[3] Google: "Requires Ace Pass data plan $9.99/mo."[4] Xplora: "Each watch requires Xplora Connect ($12/month) for GPS and calls."[5] Bark: "Data and coverage is provided by Bark."[11] Pinwheel: "The subscription includes its own Pinwheel Wireless plan"[12] TickTalk: "For U.S. use, TickTalk 6 requires a TickTalk Wireless plan"[13]

Devices mentioned

Sources

  1. [1] Verizon, Verizon Family FAQs (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  2. [2] Gabb, Setting parental controls in the MyGabb app (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  3. [3] T-Mobile, SyncUP KIDS Watch 2 (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  4. [4] Google, Fitbit Ace LTE (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  5. [5] Xplora, X6Play (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  6. [6] Bark, Parent app (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  7. [7] Pinwheel, Watch setup guide (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  8. [8] TickTalk, TickTalk 6 (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  9. [9] Apple, Buy Apple Watch SE (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  10. [10] Gabb, How to cancel a Gabb line (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  11. [11] Bark, Bark Watch (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  12. [12] Pinwheel, Pinwheel Watch Information and FAQs (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)
  13. [13] TickTalk, TickTalk 6 FAQ (Manufacturer; checked October 2026)

We quote what each source says and don't add to it. How we verify

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