Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Advice from Cat Fam to Human Fam

Twilight and Bandit Grey have a family member they love who has been arrested in the past and dealt with very strict probation. It happens. Especially with the criminalization of mental health and poverty. Our loved ones get arrested. We do anything to support them in their journey. Communication is key. Knowing how to get them compliant cell phones for communication is of utmost importance.

Homey Dont Play Around

If you or a loved one is ever on probation, strict adherence is mandatory. No social media. No basic internet. Just calls, texts, some apps. Doesn’t leave many options outside of a basic flip phone or phone with no keyboard. Its super confusing and frusterting. Unfortunately, its not something you can get wrong. Getting it wrong can mean a probation violation and/or worse… jail time.

Smart Link / Free “Obama” Phones

You can’t get the free Android with the Obama phone. It has internet. There are no non-Android phones available with the program. You can find and buy a non-Android phone to use it with the free program. But its almost impossible to find them.

Must Have a Keyboard and Music!!

Texting without a keyboard is pretty impossible and frustrating. Its even more arduous to find a cell phone with a keyboard and not internet. Luckily, there are a few brands advertised for kids that work for probation. Most probation departments actually recomend these companies. Problem is they are not free or cheap. And they typically will not work with other providers. However, it is worth the cost.

****Of course always check with the assigned Probation Department ****

Basic Flip Phones

Basic flip phones work but only if they do not have internet. They must be talk and text only. That is it. They also market a lot of “no interest” phones for seniors. Here are a couple examples.

Nokia 2780 Flip | Unlocked | Universally Compatible with All Mobile Carriers | Black https://amzn.to/3BF5H2n

Senior Phone

C1+4G LTE T-Mobile Cell Phone for Seniors and Kids丨Big Button Unlocked Phones丨SOS Button丨One-touch Time Reporting丨Basic Phone丨Speed Dial丨Alarm Clock丨Torch丨Charging Dock丨1800mAh Battery – Black https://amzn.to/41JqjkA

Overall Top Picks Pinwheel or GABB

Pinwheel is top pick. It has the best app access for music and uber or Amazon. Gabb is great as well. Just less apps than Pinwheel.

Pinwheel Plus 4 Kids Smartphone (Age 8-18) | Built-in Parent Management System | 1,200+ Vetted Apps with Child Safety Ratings | No Social Media | Unlocked for Any Cell Carrier | No Activation fees https://amzn.to/3VVw4YF

Gabb Phone 4 Pro: Phone for Kids & Teens – GPS Tracker for Kids, No Social Media, No Internet Browsers, Parental Controls, Talk & Text, Safe Messaging App for Kids, Safe Video Calls, 30 Activation Fee https://amzn.to/3ZTZwzo

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.