TickTalk, the California-based maker of connected smartwatches for kids, has announced a new update for its TickTalk 5 smartwatch that introduces full SMS text messaging support, and it doesn’t require a contract, app install, or subscription lock-in. Parents and kids can now stay in touch with friends and family using regular text messages, voice memos, emojis, GIFs, or talk-to-text, all directly from the watch.
A Simpler Way to Stay Connected
This latest update means the TickTalk 5 can now send and receive messages to and from any cellphone, even if the recipient doesn’t use the TickTalk app. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends can join the conversation without needing to download or sign up for anything.
Ying Gong, TickTalk’s Co-Founder and CEO, said the timing was deliberate: “With the new SMS update, grandparents, trusted friends, and extended family can communicate with the TickTalk 5 user hassle-free, just in time for the holidays.” Gong emphasized that safety remains a priority, only pre-approved contacts can message or call the child’s watch.
Safety Meets Simplicity
Parents retain full control through the TickTalk app, which includes more than 50 parental controls. Only contacts added by a parent can text or call the watch, ensuring privacy and preventing unwanted messages. Families can still use TickTalk’s in-app chat or group messaging features if preferred, but now have the added flexibility of traditional texting.
The new SMS feature includes:
- Two-way messaging between TickTalk 5 and smartphones.
- Voice memos for quick, personal notes.
- Emoji and GIF support to keep conversations fun.
- Talk-to-text for kids who’d rather speak than type.
Parents can enable the feature by updating the watch through push notifications and approving new contacts in the app.
Affordable and Contract-Free
True to TickTalk’s pay-as-you-go model, this new functionality doesn’t come with strings attached. TickTalk plans start at $9.99 per month with no contracts, activation fees, or cancellation penalties. A free SIM card is included for U.S. customers, keeping setup simple for families.
The company says the update complements existing features such as T-Cloud Backup and Data Sync, which make it easy to manage and transfer settings between devices.
A Growing Ecosystem for Families
Founded in 2016 by two parents, TickTalk has built its reputation around kid-friendly wearables that balance independence and safety. The brand continues to refine its approach to family communication, combining fun, intuitive features with a framework parents can trust. More details about the SMS update and TickTalk’s smartwatch lineup are available at myticktalk.com.
