Frequently Asked Questions – AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless
Everything you’d like to know about AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless™.
Q. Can I set a limit for the number of minutes my child can talk on his/her cell phone?
A. This feature is not available at this time. However, you can use the Time of Day Restrictions and Block All Outgoing Calls features to reduce outgoing calls. You can also use the Blocked Numbers feature to block calls to/from specific numbers.
Q. When I purchase AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless on my FamilyTalk plan, does it work for all of the mobile phones on my account?
A. No. You can only use AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless on the specific mobile phones that are subscribed to the service.
Q. Can my child call their voicemail to check messages when they are in a Time of Day Restriction?
A. Time of Day Restrictions can be used to block messaging, browsing, and outbound calling. Retrieving voicemail from the handset is treated as an outbound call and therefore is blocked during time-of-day restrictions. Should you want your child to retrieve a message that you’ve left on their voicemail, you can add the voicemail-retrieval phone number as an Allowed Number. Dial 611 from your handset or 1-800-331-0500 for customer service if you do not know the voicemail-retrieval number for your child’s phone.
Q. Can I set 411 or international-dialed numbers as Blocked Numbers?
A. We’re sorry, but the Blocked Numbers feature cannot currently be used to block 411 or international-dialed numbers.
Q. What if my child needs to use the phone for an emergency?
A. The Allowed Numbers feature enables you to set numbers that your child can continue to call or text, or vice versa, regardless of the limits you set. We recommend that you set your own phone number(s) as Allowed Numbers, and numbers of anyone else whom your child may need to reach in case of an emergency. The maximum amount of Allowed Numbers per child is 15. Calls to and from 911 are allowed by default.
Q. How will my child know when he/she has reached their limits?
A. Your child will receive free alert messages to his/her handset when 75% of the allocated Text/IM Limit and Download Limit have been used. The alerts will indicate the limit that you set and the remaining amount available for the current billing cycle.
When your child has reached the limit for Text/Instant Messages and attempts to send a message, he/she will receive a text message that tells him/her that the message cannot be sent because the limits set by the wireless account owner have been reached.
When your child has reached the limit for Downloads and attempts to purchase a new download, he/she will receive a message that tells him/her that the download purchase cannot be completed because the limits set by the wireless account owner have been reached.
Q. Can I get text warnings or limit notifications for my child on my mobile phone?
A. This feature is not available at this time. However, you can check the Individual Limits/Restrictions Summary in Smart Limits for Wireless to view your child's monthly activity for Text/Instant Messages, as well as Downloads.
Q. How does Caller ID impact the Allowed and Blocked Numbers lists?
A. If the Caller ID on an incoming call is not available, it cannot be recognized as an Allowed or Blocked Number. Therefore, there may be instances where an incoming text message from an Allowed Number cannot reach your child when AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless restrictions are in effect or a Blocked Number is not prevented from reaching your child.
Q. Will AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless work while my child is roaming off the AT&T network?
A. Yes, as long as your child is roaming on an AT&T partner carrier that has compatible technology, AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless will work. View coverage for AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless. Note that, depending on your rate plan, roaming charges may still apply.
Q. Will AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless work for controlling my Push to Talk or Video Share Minutes?
A. No. AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless does not limit or restrict Push to Talk or Video Share minutes at this time.
Q. Do I need to have access to the internet to use AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless?
A. Yes, you need to have access to the internet as well as a valid email account to use AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless.
Subscribed customers can access AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless by going to att.com/myWireless. Once logged in, you will see a ‘Manage AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless’ link at the bottom of the Voice & Data Usage section.
Q. Will I be able to change my AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless settings from my child’s phone or from my phone?
A. At this time, you cannot change your child’s limits from your phone or your child’s phone. You can only change your child’s limits online.
Q. Can I set different limits for each of my children?
A. Yes, different limits can be applied for each child that is subscribed to AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless.
Q. Can I make modifications to the limits I set for my child?
A. Yes, AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless users can make modifications to limits they have set for their child at any time and the changes will be effective immediately.
Q. How many times a month can I change my child’s restrictions and limits?
A. You can log into AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless and change restrictions and limits at any time and as many times as you wish.