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About Jitterbug Smart
Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 is a smartphone for older adults. This phone can help you or your loved one summon help in an emergency and stay connected with family and friends. It’s simple to use and has an easy-to-navigate menu, voice typing and video chat. A variety of accessories and add-on health and safety services are available to enhance your experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customer service is 100% U.S.-based
- Uses Verizon’s cell network
- No annual contracts
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No fall detection
Bottom Line
Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 is a smartphone device that quickly summons help during emergencies. It's not waterproof, but customers can keep their existing phone number and don't have to sign a long-term contract.
Top Jitterbug Smart Reviews
My husband got this going for me since he works during the day and he is afraid something will happen to me. He and I are very happy with this service. It is a great peace of mind...
Read full reviewI liked that the Jitterbug is big. I can see the numbers and use them, too. The numbers on the other phone we had are too small. I give the Jitterbug to my wife to carry around fo...
Read full reviewWhat is Jitterbug Smart3?
The Jitterbug Smart3 is a simple smartphone designed with interactive emergency solutions for active aging adults. The Jitterbug Smart3 comes with a large, intuitive display that’s easy to use. It also has a long-lasting battery and a powerful speaker that helps with sound clarity. The Jitterbug Smart3 features an Urgent Response button that contacts Lively’s available service and immediately connects you with trained personnel to assist in an emergency.
The Jitterbug Smart3 health and safety packages include text and talk time, a personal operator, caregiver access to wellness information and two-way communication with trained emergency agents. The Jitterbug Smart3 smartphone uses the Verizon wireless network and can be activated on Lively’s website or through customer support.
How does Jitterbug Smart3 work?
Calling for help with Jitterbug Smart3 is as simple as pressing the Urgent Response button, which is always displayed on the phone. Once connected, an emergency response operator confirms your location. The agent then dispatches emergency personnel, roadside assistance, a locksmith or a close family member for aid. While this is in progress, the agent makes sure to stay on the phone with you until help arrives.
Jitterbug Smart3 device
Jitterbug Smart3 smartphones have a simple navigation menu that’s accessible when you power up or unlock your device. Jitterbug phones are lightweight and easy to use.
The Jitterbug Smart3 has an easy-to-use navigation menu with a 6.2-inch color display, front-facing speakerphone, internet access, GPS and voice-typing capabilities. It includes a 13-megapixel camera and has 16 gigabytes of storage to help capture and keep precious moments. The phone's usage meter tracks minutes and data to monitor for any overages.
With a Jitterbug Smart3 Health and Safety package, you can also get urgent response and urgent care service, Lively Link and more.
Jitterbug Smart3 apps and services
Lively’s Jitterbug smartphone users can choose from its Health and Safety packages to get Urgent Response service. Additional apps and services may include:
- Urgent care: Included in some of the safety packages, urgent care service and its companion app send personalized advice from doctors and nurses. If needed, health professionals can give you prescriptions over the phone.
- Lively Link: Lively Link is included in all of the safety packages. It helps caregivers to stay informed about your health and safety at a glance.
- Lively Rides: Lyft has teamed up with Livey to offer Lively Rides for those who select a Health and Safety package. Simply dialing “0” will get you in touch with an operator who can book a ride for you.
- Brain games: Specially designed to keep aging brains fit, the free Brain Games app comes preloaded on your Jitterbug Smart3. It helps improve memory through games that are not only challenging but also fun.
- Personal operator: A feature of the Ultimate Health and Safety plan, the personal operator gets you in touch with a live agent who can help with tasks like finding addresses and phone numbers.
Jitterbug Smart3 plans and pricing
Jitterbug Smart3 plans are as affordable as $14.99 per month for 300 minutes. Users can also select plans with unlimited talk and text for $19.99 per month with data plans as low as $2.49 per month. Jitterbug Smart3 also has three safety packages to suit your needs and activity level.
| Jitterbug Basic | Jitterbug Preferred | Jitterbug Ultimate | |
| Urgent Response | |||
| Lively Link | — | ||
| Personal operator | — | — | |
| Cost per month | $19.99* | $24.99* | $34.99* |
*As of the time of publication
| Jitterbug Basic | — | — | $19.99 | |
| Jitterbug Preferred | — | $24.99 | ||
| Jitterbug Ultimate | $34.99 |
Jitterbug Smart3 accessories
Lively offers Jitterbug Smart3 accessories for extra charging options, screen protection and more.
Jitterbug Smart
Car Charger
$24.99 as of publishing date
The Jitterbug Smart3 charger cable stretches from 12 to 40 inches and works with Jitterbug Smart3 smartphones.
Jitterbug Smart
Wallet Folio Case
$24.99 as of publishing date
Combine your Jitterbug Smart3 smartphone case and your wallet into one with Lively’s Wallet Folio Case.
Jitterbug Smart
Gel Case
$19.99 as of publishing date
Available in both red and blue, Lively’s gel cases protect your Jitterbug Smart3 smartphone from scratches.
Jitterbug Smart
Bluetooth Headset
$29.99 as of publishing date
Bluetooth lets you have conversations on Jitterbug Smart3 devices without having to take out your device.
Jitterbug Smart3 caregiver tools
You can keep an eye on your aging loved ones without being intrusive with Jitterbug Smart3's Lively Link app. View your family member's phone battery status, location and activities to make sure they’re keeping up with important routine tasks. You'll also receive a notification if they use Urgent Response.
Specific plans let you speak to a nurse or board-certified doctor without an appointment, no matter the time of day.
Jitterbug Smart3 monitoring center
Jitterbug Smart3 monitoring centers are located throughout the United States. With the touch of a button, you'll immediately connect with a U.S.-based, IAED-certified agent who can dispatch help. Multilingual operators are available, with over 190 languages altogether.
Lively gets your location through GPS and shares it with EMTs. Any information you have available in your personal profile, such as medications and allergies, will be shared with medical personnel.
Jitterbug Smart3 FAQ
Does Medicare cover Jitterbug Smart3?
No, Medicare does not cover Jitterbug Smart.
Do I have to sign a contract to get a Jitterbug Smart3 medical alert system?
No, you do not have to sign a contract to get a Jitterbug smartphone.
What is Jitterbug Smart’s return policy?
Jitterbug has a 30-day refund policy. GreatCall will refund your money, minus restocking fees, within that period; however, if you’ve used more than 30 minutes of talk time, you will be responsible for the first month of service.
What is Jitterbug Smart’s cancellation policy?
You can cancel a Jitterbug Smart3 plan without fees at any time.
Does it cost extra to add my spouse to a Jitterbug Smart3 monitoring service?
Yes, but GreatCall does mention discounts on shared Jitterbug Smart3 plans. Contact GreatCall Jitterbug customer service for more details.
Where are Jitterbug Smart3 monitoring centers located?
The Jitterbug Smart3 connects to several centers dispersed throughout the United States.
Do Jitterbug Smart3 emergency response services require a landline?
No, you can contact Urgent Response through the Jitterbug smartphone.
Does Jitterbug Smart offer a warranty on medical alert devices?
A Jitterbug Smart3 device replacement option can be added to any plan for a small monthly fee. If you have a problem with your device, Jitterbug phone troubleshooting is available through GreatCall customer service.
Does Jitterbug Smart offer a free trial period?
Jitterbug Smart does not offer a free trial period.
Are Jitterbug Smart3 medical alert systems waterproof?
Jitterbug Smart3 devices are not waterproof.
How much does Jitterbug Smart3 cost?
The price of a Jitterbug Smart3 is $149.99, and users can select plans as low as $14.99 (300 minutes) or unlimited talk and text for $19.99 per month with data plans starting at $2.49 per month.
Do we recommend Jitterbug Smart3?
Yes. Lively excels at creating and designing mobile and safety products that help give aging adults the continued freedom and independence they may crave. There are Jitterbug phone review cons — like some of their best features are only available through their Health and Safety packages — but it could be worth it for the value those plans provide.
Jitterbug Smart Reviews
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We bought my mother a Jitterbug Smart phone and tried to activate it tonight. You cannot activate online (ridiculous!) and have to call customer service. After being on hold for 3 hours and transferred many times, the call dropped. I called back again and was on hold for another hour and was told they need my account number, pin, last 4 digits of my Social, address and wireless carrier of the previous phone. After giving them all that info, we were transferred again. Then they tell us they cannot activate it and to call back tomorrow. This took 4 hours and we got nothing accomplished. There is zero chance elderly/senior citizens would be able to navigate this process without help, as I am having trouble myself. Keep in mind I currently manage 6 smart phones on a family plan and new phones are activated quite frequently....all online! This is ridiculous!!! Buyer Beware!
Hello Jennifer, we apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused you and your mother. We would like to go over the account with you. Please email LivelyCSMailbox@bestbuy.com. We look forward to hearing from you and resolving this.
My 83 year old mother purchased the phone and wanted to transfer her landline number to it. All reviews say this is easy to do. The first Jitterbug had an issue and was unable to be activated even with support help and was returned. The second phone was pre-activated for her and she was told that it would take three to five days for her number to be transferred. We have been working for THREE weeks now to have the landline transferred to this phone and we were told more than a week ago that they accidentally assigned the landline number to her GreatCall life alert which is run by the same company, and that they would correct it and it would again take three to five days.
I called again yesterday and spoke to Taylor, who read through the issues then told me he would reset the phone and life alert and we should shut down and reboot both devices on our end. The life alert does not have a button to reboot it, which actually surprised him so he told me to push the button that activates the notification to see if it worked. I did that, but pushed the button again to indicate that all was well (Taylor was not able on his end to tell GreatCall that it was just a test). After rebooting the phone, the number that showed is the number that came with the phone, still not the landline number. He once again acknowledged that they accidentally transferred the landline number to the life alert - which is exactly what I told him in the first place.
Of course, there was no technician available to do the switch and again we were told that after the technician switches it, we would again have to wait three to five days. He indicated that a technician may not get to it the next day and it all depended on how busy they were. I asked him if they would follow up with my mom to let them know where they were with this phone issue, and he said they don't do that. I told him that was unacceptable since she has been waiting this long and they were supposed to take care of it last week. My mother is without her landline for over three weeks at 83. She wants to send it back, but is stuck because she would have to wait for 3 to 5 days for the phone company to return the number to the landline.
Taylor was then very rude and insulting saying that I was being impatient! One month just trying to GET a phone and THREE WEEKS waiting for them to correct THEIR error isn't being impatient. Jitterbug service is terrible and the phone is not easy to activate.
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I purchased this phone from Amazon and I made a 20 minute call then I was billed for $110 so I returned the and didn't pay the bill either. They have billed me a couple more times and the bill went up to $139 then the next bill $160. I never agreed to these outrageous amounts so I'm ignoring these bills and they will NOT GET PAID!!!
I purchased a Jitterbug Flip phone from Rite Aid for about $100. I am not a technical person and only bought this phone because there are no payphones around anymore. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a cellphone at all. I am disappointed with the hidden fess added on to my monthly bill. It is about $10 more than my advertised plan each month. This is really hard for people on a fixed income. I am sorry I bought it, but now I have so much money invested in it, I will keep it. Otherwise, I really like this phone. It is easy to use.
Hello Renee, we are sorry to hear you are not completely satisfied and we appreciate your feedback. We do offer a variety of plan to meet your needs and we would like to look into this further, please look for a private response from us.
I purchased the Jitterbug 3 for my Mom's use under T-Mobile. I was unaware that the Jitterbug products only work with the Lively subscription plan. T-Mobile paired the phone and some features worked while other didn't. When finally speaking with a Customer Support Rep, the Rep told my Mom that since she was not a Lively customer "they were too busy to assist her and they didn't have time to deal with her".
Rude, just plain and simple, rude! If Lively wants new customers to buy into their plan, why treat potential customers this way. We will return the phone to Best Buy and secure a refund then purchase a new phone that will work with her current plan. Why would a provider that caters to Senior Citizens treat them so poorly? Clearly, Lively operates off profits and money vs. care and compassions and patience for our elderly. I was excited to use the Jitterbug due to its reputation and simplicity for our elders, but I will never recommend this to anyone since they only seem to care about their profits and their Customer Service Reps are horrible.
Hello Debbie, we are sorry to hear of your experience and appreciate your feedback. We would like to look into this further with you, please look for a private response from us.
Very honest company, recommended them to my friends and family. Quick service, I support any seniors buying this phone, Great for seniors, great service. Thank you so much. Great calls. Easy phone to use.
This one's sort of a no-brainer. The LARGE SCREEN and EASY VISIBILITY of the Jitterbug Smartphone make this THE phone you want to have in an emergency -- when you might not have the ability or the attention to look at tiny type.
It is ok. Used for a bit and it served the purpose but it was to simple for me. Need more features, Little more in depth stuff. Probably good for a very simple application. If you are looking for extremely simple this is probably your solution.
My husband got this going for me since he works during the day and he is afraid something will happen to me. He and I are very happy with this service. It is a great peace of mind. I would recommend this to anyone needing peace of mind also.
I have owned the Jitterbug Smart Phone 2 for one year. In that time the phone has worked as I expected except for the phone message device. Approximately 6 months after purchase the phone ceased taking messages. I had to ask friends to use the text service instead to insure that I would get vital messages. With advanced arthritis, texting is difficult for me. Twice I have called the Smartphone2 support services for repair of the messaging device. Both times technical help worked with me for approximately 2 hours to restore the messaging service. Neither time was successful. Now I have requested support a third time. This tech tells me I need to have a second phone in use in order for her to offer support.
I am on social security. I can't afford a second phone to fix the first phone! I am told I am not able to have my phone replaced, as per warranty, unless I have the third support person make an attempt to fix my phone. My conclusion is that this phone is a bad option for seniors who are on limited income as support service for the phone is virtually useless. You will be taken to the cleaner on this product.
Hello Ann, we are sorry to hear of your experience and appreciate your feedback. We would like to look into this further with you, please look for a private response from us.
Jitterbug Smart Company Information
- Company Name:
- Jitterbug Smart2
- Company Type:
- Private
- Formerly Named:
- Jitterbug Smart
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.lively.com
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