From the day we started Consumer Cellular in 1995, our focus has been on finding ways to make the best modern technology accessible, and affordable, to users over 50. That’s why we’re so delighted to introduce GrandPad, Powered by Consumer Cellular to our product selection.
GrandPad is a senior-friendly tablet that’s customized for the convenience of older users. It’s a wonderful tool for anyone who finds themselves in a caregiving role to an aging parent or grandparent; it helps your loved one stay connected to friends and family in the same electronic ways you do, but in an easy-to-use and simple to understand format.
It’s intuitive, and ready to use right out of the box. You can even personalize it by pre-loading their favorite photos, important contacts, and even songs that they love. They can receive email and send voice messages, make voice and video calls, share photos, enjoy streaming music, read the news, or play games just by touching large icons on the high definition screen. Or if they prefer, they can navigate GrandPad using the handy stylus that comes included.
One of the most essential benefits is that it’s a completely interactive tool for the whole family. A family administrator can manage the device’s contents and authorized contacts from the GrandPad Central website, providing the user with an extra layer of security against spam or other unwanted activities. Family and friends can easily send messages or photos to the GrandPad using either the website or by installing a convenient mobile app on their smartphone. Read our blog post on how to create a secure Family Circle to take a closer look at the unique feature.
The GrandPad tablet is available for $200, or by using our EasyPay option: you can put just $10 down, then pay the remaining balance in installments added to your monthly bill. A subscription to GrandPad service is just $40 a month, and includes unlimited data, unlimited video calling, unlimited ad-free streaming music, and more.
Modern wireless technology is an effective remedy against the isolation and loneliness which so often affects our loved ones as they age. We’re excited to offer this unique tablet for seniors to help open up their world, and for the many comforts it can deliver to you and your family. To see more of what the GrandPad tablet is all about, take a look at the video below. Or, you can get started with GrandPad today online, or by calling customer service at (888) 545-1425.
How do I block my cell phone number?
Great question, Joe! You can hide your phone number so that it won’t show via Caller ID. I reviewed your account, and it looks like you’re using an iPhone. To block your number, open the Settings app. Scroll down to Phone, then select “Show My Caller ID”. Slide the toggle to the “Off” position. If we can help you with anything else, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. Thanks for posting!
What about it is samsung android?
Hi Neena, if you need to blog calls on a Samsung device, that can generally be done by going to Phone → Three dots (top right Corner) → Settings → Block numbers → Enter number. The plus sign will block the number, and the minus sign will unblock it. You can also download a third-party call blocking app.
So I take it the Grandpad does not interact with the internet at all??????
Thanks for asking, Laurie. The GrandPad accesses the internet through specific apps on the device, such as the ad-free streaming music app or the app that allows the user to learn about history, cats and even NASA. GrandPad is designed for family members who are unfamiliar with browsing or searching the internet the way you do. With GrandPad, they can access a wealth of information in a format that feels familiar. We’re happy to tell you more about this great tablet at 888-545-1245. We appreciate you posting today!
I just ordered it for my mother but if she can not get internet to do whatever she wants to on it I do not want it.
Thanks for posting, Melva. Our devices come complete with a Risk-Free Guarantee, so if the device is not to your mother’s liking, we’re happy to assist her with a return. We hope you have a lovely day!
Were you able to link the grandpad to WiFi without a cellular connection? I am interested in buying for WiFi use only. Is it possible?
Thanks for posting, Cindy! The GrandPad is designed to use the included data connection, so your loved one never needs to enter any Wi-Fi passwords or connect to a different network. It can be used with Wi-Fi if you like. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about GrandPad at 888-545-1425. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!
My mother is in Columbia and I am in Los Angeles, would we be able to communicate internationally? Thank you!
Hi Erin, great question! We do offer our international direct dialing feature that would allow for you to keep in contact with your mother. If you’d like more information on how that works, and the rates for those calls, visit our website here.
Will the Grandpad work in Canada?
Hi Linda, the GrandPad can be used when outside of the US with Wi-Fi. It would still need to be on an active Consumer Cellular account as well.
My mother loves the casinos, can she access those sites
Hi Yvonne, thanks for your question. It may be able to access the website, we can’t guarantee compatibility for all websites but we can definitely give it a try. The device also comes with some casino-like games on it already such as Blackjack, slots, and more.
I ordered a new phone to replace my existing cell phone for my wife. Apparently when the order was processed it disabled my wife’s existing phone. We would have to wait 3 days before my wife will have an active phone when the new phone arrives. I called Consumer Cellular and spoke to Danielle in support. She was able to find and fix the problem quickly. I was very impressed with her knowledge . Thank you Danielle.
Thank you for posting, Gary! We will be sure to reach out to Danielle so that she can be recognized for a job well done! We’re glad to hear that everything was resolved, but if we can assist you with anything else, please don’t hesitate to call us. We hope you have a lovely day!
I bought this for my mother but she lives in the country and the cell towers are not close enough for her Grand Pad to work properly. Will the GP work if it is connected to wifi? and if so will the phone and video work through the computer? It has the correct Sim card. Thanks
Hi Jeffrey, that’s an excellent question! If your mother doesn’t have a great cellular connection at home she can definitely connect the phone to WiFi and have it work.
How do we connect to WiFi as Moms tower reception is terribly unreliable
Hi Carol, thanks for your post. You can enable WiFi for the GrandPad by going into the Help button and selecting more info – tools – WiFi. Once you agree to the terms, WiFi connections will pop up and you can connect to one. The other option would be to give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425 and they can actually help connect the GrandPad to WiFi for you.
Can you also play games on the grandpad?
Great question, Dixie! The GrandPad comes with a variety of games pre-installed, such as solitaire, Sudoku, crosswords and more. Many can even be played with two players, which is perfect for using GrandPad with grandchildren or friends. We’re happy to tell you more about GrandPad at 888-545-1245. Thanks for posting, and we hope you have a great day!
Can you access Google and speak the question you need an answer to?
Great question, Shari! The GrandPad doesn’t have access to the Google Voice option so you wouldn’t be able to speak the question to the device at all. But the keyboard is large enough that typing should be easy on it.
Can this device receive picture messages?
Thanks for asking, Derek! Family members can send photos and messages to the GrandPad user via email or by using the Companion app. Once a photo is sent to the GrandPad, it will be automatically saved. You can even link your social media accounts so that your GrandPad user will be able to see photos posted on Facebook and other networks. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-545-1425. We appreciate you posting!
Can a person access Facebook on one?
Great question, Lori. GrandPad does not use the Facebook app. However, you and your family can share your social media updates by linking your Facebook accounts to the Companion App for GrandPad. That way your GrandPad user can see the same photos and even save them to view later. Thanks for posting!
I really am thinking about getting one of these!!! Does it have google products on it? I use google alot and it would be the best way for me to see my old photos and new ones too.
Thanks for posting, Terri. The GrandPad works a little differently, so if you’re used to using a smartphone or tablet, the GrandPad may not fit your needs. It’s perfect for those older family members who haven’t had much, if any, interaction with computers or technology. It’s a great tool to keep everyone connected. We’re happy to tell you more about GrandPad at 888-545-1425, so give us a call at your convenience. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, and we hope you have a great day!
Where can I watch a video of each application being used?
Great question, Chris! We have an Overview video and a tour of the Companion app on our website here. It’s a great way to view all the apps and features that GrandPad has to offer. If you have any questions or would like to know more about GrandPad, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-545-1425. Thanks for posting today!
Can Grandpad call Duo
Hi MTS, the GrandPad cannot use third-party apps like Duo for video calling. Smartphones that want to do video calling with the GrandPad can use the GrandPad Companion app, which can be accessed via invite.
I’m trying to add a phone number to my father’s grandpad so he can receive SMS messages and make calls. When I put in his area code or any area code, it says the grandpad user cannot add a grandpad phone number. I just ordered this for my dad. Should I wait until I am charged for the data?
Thanks for reaching out to us, Josie. I reviewed the account, and I see that you just placed your order. You may need to wait until the GrandPad has been activated to add that information. If you like, we can answer any other questions you may have as you get this setup at (888) 545-1425. We appreciate you posting, and we hope you enjoy staying connected with GrandPad!
We are looking at this for our 86 yr old father who is hard of hearing. This has e mail which is great but have you developed a call text app so when he would place or recieve a call the call would come in as a text in addition to voice. If not consider this, in the growing older community this is a real problem. If would make this product much more sellable. For now how clear is the voice on this pad for the hard of hearing?
Hi Terri, thanks for the great suggestion! The speaker on the GrandPad is loud and clear for both calling and listening to music! In addition to email, video calling and voice calling, a feature that might be helpful for your father is the GrandPad can receive text messages from approved contacts that will arrive on the device just like an email. The GrandPad does come with our 30-day Risk-Free Guarantee so you and your father can give it a try and see how well it fits his needs. You can order GrandPad online or by giving us a call at 888-345-5509. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
can I play facebook games on this>?
Hi Susie, thanks for your question! The GrandPad comes with games of its own, but does not have access to Facebook games or other apps. If you have any other questions please give us a call at 888-345-5509. Have a great day!
If I buy a Moto G6 from Motorola will it work with Consumer Cellular. If so, do I just have to switch sim card?
Great question, Ralph! First, you’ll want to make sure that the G6 is fully unlocked, and uses GSM technology. Then you can absolutely swap the SIM card from your current phone to see if it works properly. Once you’ve confirmed, just give us a call at 888-345-5509 or visit your local Target store to pickup a new SIM card. We’ll make sure all of the settings on the new phone are correct, and that’s it. We’re here if you have any other questions about using our SIM card with another device, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Thanks for posting, and we hope you have a great day!
I recently purchased the GrandPad for my grandparents. When we are trying to place a video call we can not hear the individual on the other line. We can see the other person but there isn’t any audio. How do i fix this?
We’re happy to help you with that, Brittney. Your grandparents can contact us via the support function on the GrandPad, or you can give us a call at (888) 545-1425. Thank you for reaching out to us, and we look forward to assisting you!
DO I NEED THE INTERNET TO USE THE GRANDPAD?
Thanks for asking, James! The GrandPad comes complete with an internet connection, so you don’t need access to a home network or Wi-Fi. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have at 888-545-1425. Thank you again for reaching out to us, and we hope you have a lovely day!
My Mother will be 90 on Sunday and I would like to set up her GrandPad remotely before she opens it. How can I do that? Thanks!
Great question, Dale! When you call us to get started, we’ll help you set everything up so that her GrandPad is ready to use as soon as she opens the box. Just give us a call at 888-345-5509 at your convenience, and we’ll be ready to assist you. Thanks for posting today!
Can additional apps be downloaded to the GrandPad such as Uber or Lyft?
Thank you for asking, Janine. At this time, those apps are not available for GrandPad. We’ll be sure to update our customers if that changes in the future. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have about GrandPad at 888-545-1425. Thanks again for reaching out to us, and we hope you have a lovely day!
The articles I read said it would preloaded with one of the ride apps. Your commercials say so too. I bought it for my dad to use to get transportation because he does not have a cell phone and I wanted something easier. What’s up? Where is UBER?
Hi Lorna, the option to use Lyft with the GrandPad is something that is planned and still in development and testing at the moment. As soon as that feature is available, it would be preloaded onto the GrandPad directly without you needing to do anything.
My mother like to be able to shop online at her favorite stores. Can she do that with the GrandPad?
Thanks for asking, Marlene! At this time, the GrandPad does not have a browser to access online shopping. We’re happy to tell you more about GrandPad and see if it is the right fit for your mother if you give us a call at 888-545-1425. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!
We just bought the Grandpad for our 88 yr old mother. Love the concept. However, when setting up for her at her house, we noticed the LTE reception at her house is marginal. She has good Hi Speed internet at her house. Can we connect to her WiFi when she is at home for a better experience for her?
We’re happy to help you, Doug. You can connect GrandPad to Wi-Fi, and we can walk you through that process at your convenience. Please feel free to contact us via the Support option on the GrandPad, and we can get that setup with you. Thank you for commenting, and we hope you have a lovely day!
My grandma loves looking up medical terminology as well as just being able to look things up would she be able to do so with the Grandpad??
Great question, Denise! There isn’t a standard web browser on the GrandPad, but there is a feature that includes the ability to view news, popular stories, and search for the definitions of words. We’re happy to tell you more at (888) 545-1425, so please feel free to call us at your convenience. Thank you for posting, and we hope to speak with you soon!
Can grandpad work on wifi? Or, do you have to get the monthly cell service? My dad already has wifi at his house, so I was hoping to just connect the pad to it.
Thank you for posting, Bill. The monthly plan for GrandPad includes LTE data access, so your dad won’t need to connect to Wi-Fi in order to enjoy everything this device has to offer. If you like, we can tell you more at (888) 545-1425. We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about GrandPad, and we hope you have a great day!
Hi Ashley,
thinking about getting our parents a Grandpad. We live in the mountains, so our iphone cell service isn’t good – we have a landline so we can have a good conversation. Will we still have issues receiving and sending on our iphone with the grandpad?
Thanks for asking, Barb. You would communicate with your GrandPad user via an app installed on your iPhone. If you have Wi-Fi at home, connecting to that would help ensure that your iPhone has the access needed to video chat, email and more. If you’re concerned about the coverage in your parents’ area, we can take a look and be able to give you an idea of what can be expected. All you need to do is give us a call at (888) 545-1425. We’ll be happy to answer any other questions you may have, and help you place an order if you like. We appreciate you posting today, and we hope to speak with you soon!
What is the email used? Can I use my Yahoo email or Google email?
Great questions, Mary! The GrandPad has its own email platform that has to be used with it. It cannot be used with personal emails at this time.
Is there a way to use this with a pay-as-you-go plan? I love the idea, but $40 a month is a bit much. Thanks!
Thank you for posting, Fred. The GrandPad can only function on our service, so it would not be able to be used with another carrier. For the $40, the service includes unlimited 4G LTE data, unlimited video calling, unlimited music streaming and much more. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Thanks for asking, Fred! At this time, we don’t offer a pay-as-you-go option, but there is no contract. We’re happy to tell you more if you like at 888-545-1425. We appreciate you taking the time to post!
This is a great idea in theory but am returning it today. Photo sharing and videos calls work well. Salespeople need to be better trained; I wasted a bunch of time adding contacts and photos, only to find no real internet (no Google), nothing to read (about 5 articles total, and on odd topics), and no UBER or any other transportation.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lorna, and we’re sorry to hear that the GrandPad wasn’t the right fit for you. We appreciate you giving it a try, and we’re happy to assist you with a return at 888-545-1425. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
Hi Lorna, I’m sorry to hear that the GrandPad didn’t work out for you. We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to pass it along.
Can GrandPad be used to connect with family members who have international numbers?
Hi Angie, the GrandPad can be used to connect with family members who have international numbers. Because the GrandPad runs off of a data connection, there are no international charges.
Just set up a GrandPad for mother. Only glitch was the SIM Card being T-Mobile. We switched it out for AT&T SIM Card. Now works flawlessly. Everyone we worked with at CC were awesome. Knowledgeable and very patient considering the busy Holiday weekend.
One question regarding Unlimited Ad Free Music advertised. Is this for the music in the different categories pre-installed? What is the limit on Saved Music Favorites.
Hi Paul, I apologize for the delay. The limit for saved songs is 50 by default but more can be purchased in bundles of 10 for $10.
Hi there.
I am considering this for my Mom. Is there a feature or app that allows me to connect remotely to the Grandpad in order to ‘show’ my Mom how to do X, Y, or Z, while I am talking to her on the phone? Something like ZOOM, or GOTOMeeting, or any number of conference / desktop sharing tools where I can ‘take control’ – This would be very helpful
Hi Richard, that is a great question. At this time, there is not a feature like that on the GrandPad for you to access but our GrandPad team does have some tools that help them to see what your mom would be seeing so that they can guide her through any questions or difficulties she may be having. They can be reached at 888-545-1425 or by tapping on the help button on the GrandPad device.
We got the GrandPad because you said it would work in the zip code but it does not.
Thank you for your post, Isabella. I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with service. What I would recommend is giving our GrandPad team a call directly at 888-545-1425 and they can assist with making sure it is connected properly or look into potentially switching you to our other set of towers to see if that would help.
QUESTION: Can the Grandpad be used if my cell phone service is not with Cellular and if so is the monthly cost still $40?
Hi Cynthia, that is a great question, thank you for your post! I would advise you can definitely have our GrandPad service and have your cell phone using a different provider. The service plan does cost $40 a month plus tax and it gives you access to unlimited 4G LTE data, Internet browsing, ad-free unlimited streaming music, customizable security options, mobile access for caregivers and family, and more. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425.
Can grandpad be used to dial 911 in case grandpa needs to be sent to ER?
Hi Angela, the GrandPad cannot dial 911 or any shortcodes. In the event of an emergency, we recommend saving an emergency contact to the phone so that the user can dial them quickly when needed.
Where is the closest store to see this grand pad in The Greenbrier or Conway area
Hi Teresa, the nearest retail partner that has a GrandPad on display is Target at 501 Elsinger Blvd, Conway AR 72032. The contact number for that store is (501) 328-5739.
So can she access Facebook and Pinterest, other apps that she likes?
Great question, Jasmine, thanks for posting! I would advise that the GrandPad does not have access to an app store for third-party apps like Pinterest. However, it does offer an internet browser that you can visit different sites such as Facebook.
You can access Facebook But you can’t play the games ( flash not on tablet and can’t be put on). I see it is going to be quite boring .I maybe returning this real quick No way to pay bills either .dam they really don’t think much of us older people
Hi Bones, thanks for your post. There is actually a “Games” button on the device that has some of the games that come with it. Some of these games include Solitaire, Blackjack, Slots, Bingo, Word Searches, and more. If you are having trouble accessing these though, please feel free to give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425 or you can also chat with one of our live agents here.
Can the dial pad be disabled/visibly while keeping the phone picture contacts visible for connection only.
Hi Dawn, that is a great question, thanks for posting! You can disable the dial pad on the GrandPad so that it would only be the contacts showing. To get that set up all we would need to have you do is give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425.
Do you have to also have an I phone to use Grandpad? My parents are in their 90’s and have flip phones.
Great question, Deanna, thanks for posting! They wouldn’t need to have an iPhone to use the GrandPad. They could definitely keep their flip phones and still use GrandPad. The people that they are contacting that they want to video call would need a smartphone though so that they have access to a front-facing camera and the app that is used to connect to that specific GrandPad.
I am the family administrator of my mom’s grandpad so how do I Pre-populated locations can be uploaded to the tablet for customized, seamless experiences. A family administrator can include locations the GrandPad user may want to visit regularly, including physicians’ offices, grocery stores, or church functions.
Grandpad support told me to contact you. (Consumer Cellular)
Hi Gerard, that’s a great question. To save those frequently visited addresses, you would actually need to give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425 so that we can get those set up for the user.
I am an administrator for my mother phone and was able to add an icon for
You tube and it connects
but when I put in an icon for Google search and type in a search it will not connect. Is that a protection feature?
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for your post. We’d be happy to look into that to see why those aren’t connecting as they should be. Please give our GrandPad team a call at 888-545-1425 and we’d be happy to investigate that further for you.
I am considering the Grandpad for my 98 year old father-in-law. He is extremely hard-of-hearing. If I call him on the Grandpad will my message also print out and scroll across the screen so he can see me and also read my message at the same time?
Thank you for the question, Teaberry. While the GrandPad doesn’t have captioning available during video calls, there is Real-Time Texting available for those that are hard of hearing.
Does the user of a GrandPad still need to have a cell phone for direct calling and not video calling? And does the people that the GrandPad user is calling have to have a certain app to receive their call?
Hi Priscilla, those are excellent questions! The GrandPad can actually be set up with its own phone number so it can make voice calls and the one they are calling wouldn’t need to have an app to receive that call. The only ones who need the companion app are the ones who are sending photos to the GrandPad or those who will be video calling them.
Can Grandpad send texts? i know it can recieve them.
Great question, Chris. The GrandPad can send texts to the contacts that are approved for the device.
I’m confused about whether or not there is any internet search function or browsing capability with the GrandPad.
Hi Mel, thanks for that question! There is an internet browser available for the GrandPad to use. It would just need to be enabled once the device has been activated.
Can all contacts see other contacts on Grandpad contact list
That’s a great question, Gail. Not all contacts can see the other contacts listed on the GrandPad. Only those using the GrandPad Companion App can see each other, as it creates a circle that can communicate with each other through the app.
Just to help me understand, can I type in questions to Google and get answers like on a smartphone or laptop?
Great question, Diane! The GrandPad does have an internet browser so that you can pull Google up to look up different things if needed.
can the grandpad be used in a Zoom meeting?
That’s a great question, Joi. The GrandPad is not able to install third-party applications or software, so it would not be able to use Zoom for video calling or participate in a Zoom meeting.
Will I be able to video chat if my mom is using GP and I’m on my HP laptop? Are they compatible? Thank you.
Hi Carol, thanks for your post! To video chat, the user would need to access the GrandPad companion app, so a computer connection would not an option at this time.
Can I plug a speaker into my grandpad?
Hi LaVona, great question! The GrandPad can connect to a Bluetooth speaker if needed, and if the speaker has a cord that can connect to the GranPdad it may work with that as well.
I am wondering if I can attach a speaker to my grandpad
Hi Bud, thanks for your question! You can connect a Bluetooth speaker to the GrandPad to use. Keep in mind though that the sound goes through that speaker, but the mic is still used through the GrandPad for calls.
Do you have a Canadian partner for this program? I would be interested in connecting with them if you do. If not, how might I be able to help get this going here in Canada?
I love this idea!
Thank you,
Wendy
Hi Wendy, thanks for your interest in this. At this time we don’t have a partnership with service in Canada, however, I’d be happy to pass along your suggestion to the appropriate department to be reviewed further for the future. Thank you!
What browser type does GrandPad use? Is it possible to use browser video conferencing if downloading an app is not required?
Hi AWR, thank you for taking the time to post. The GrandPad uses proprietary software and the web browser is not able to support browser-based video conferencing.
Hello, is there a way to video chat with multiple people at a time with the companion app and the GrandPad?
That’s a great question, Celeste. Video calling cannot be done with multiple contacts at a time.
We need to use the Verizon network. Can GrandPad be included in this network?
Hi Dominick, thanks for your question! At this time, we only have service using AT&T towers or T-Mobile towers. If you’d like to double-check coverage for those towers though you can do so by going to our website here. If you have any questions about it though, let us know!
Is the grandpas compatible with zoom?
Thank you for the question, Susie. The GrandPad is not compatible with Zoom.
Is your video chats work like zoom
Hi Hazel, thanks for your question. It’s not like Zoom, it would be a one on one conversation through the video call. The only similarity would be that the one trying to contact the GrandPad would use the GrandPad Companion app to contact the user of the device.
Can you set it up so the only option my Mom would have is to video chat? She would get too confused with more options
Hi Gayle, thanks for your question! The GrandPad is actually set up to be a video call only device unless a number is added onto it for voice calls. As long as a number isn’t added, she would only have the video chat option, and you can turn off any other features that aren’t needed or that may confuse her.
Hi, my parents live in Philadelphia, the plan cover if they video chat to family in Italy?
Thank you.
Hi Rosa, video calls are done through the GrandPad Companion app, so they can video chat with family outside of the US.
Can someone using the GrandPad keep their current phone number, or would they be required to change their number?
Hi Patty, an existing phone number cannot be transferred to the GrandPad. A new number would be assigned based on the user’s local area.
Can my parents stream movies?
Hi Charlene, the GrandPad can’t stream through services like Netflix or Hulu, but they would be able to watch videos on YouTube.
My mom would be using this to call/get calls from CNAs at another facility who use their own phones. Some of them use iphone facetime, others zoom, google duo etc. Would that work? Do i need to install zoom on the grandpad? I don’t think i can get the CNAs to install some grandpad app on their phone
Hi Dave, those are great questions. The GrandPad isn’t able to download apps such as Skype or Zoom, etc. for video chatting. You can access different websites using the GrandPad though and if they have an option for video chatting then it could be used that way.
Elder friend of mine has neither wifi nor smart phone. Local library is closed (COVID-19) and he wants to know if GrandPad can access public library, browse audio/video material, download audiobooks/videos to GrandPad, or listen to/view them online? Much library audio/visual require Overdrive, or AXIS 360, or Libby, to name a few. Can these apps function on the GrandPad?
Friend is in Jonestown, PA – not sure if GrandPad is doable in PA
Hi Sandra, great questions, thanks for reaching out to ask them. The GrandPad is not able to download applications but it can access websites if needed.
I’ve read everything in these comments. I understand the benefit of pre programmed GP apps. What, however, does the additional “internet browser” allow for? Is full internet browsing available if user has wifi? Thank you.
Hi Sandra, thanks for your post. The browser would allow for the user to visit different websites such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc. It’s not designed for streaming things such as Netflix though as it doesn’t have the software for it. If you do have any other questions on the capabilities or features for the device, please feel free to give our GrandPad team a call directly at (888) 545-1425 and we would be happy to continue to assist with them.
i got this grand pad gift for my daughter can i use it just wifi for youtube without paying for consumer celluler plan?
Hi Kinda, thanks for your post. To have the features work the device will need to be active on our network so the monthly plan would need to be paid for.
The GrandPad I just purchased for my 89-year old mother has its own phone number (I chose it through the set-up phase).
Would she be able to call 911 through it? I read in a previous question (from 2 years ago) that dialing 911 wasn’t possible.
Has than been resolved? I am wondering if my mom can eliminate her cell phone that she only keeps for emergencies while she drives very short distances in her car (yes, she still drives!)
Thank you!
Hi Diane, great question, thanks for your post. At this time, the GrandPad is still not able to call 911 but I’ve gone ahead and passed the suggestion on to the appropriate department to be reviewed further for moving forward. Thank you!
I have a web site on which I’ve uploaded some mp4 videos of our home to share with my mother. I sent her an email with a link to one video file, but she doesn’t know how to ‘click’ on the link to open the video. How does she open a link on her Grandpad?
Hi Steve, thanks for your question! The GrandPad isn’t able to open links, but if you post them to a website she can visit that and watch it there as another option.
I can create a web page and use icons that are linked to the video files, but how would she ‘click’ on the icons to view the videos? It’s not clear how a web page with links would differ from an email with links. If icons can’t be used, what would the procedure be to allow her to view videos on a web page?
Hi Steve, the software used on the GrandPad does not allow a link to be opened via email. If she is on a webpage that has a link or video, then all she would need to do is tap it either with her finger or the stylus to open the page or play the video, much like a smartphone.
When calling an international number is there are charge for the call on either end?
Hi Angie, thanks for your question! There is a charge to call out internationally, which will be dependant on the country that you’re calling. You can find more information on that by going to our website here. There isn’t a charge involved from us if someone from out of the country calls you though.
I was trying to get my mom one for a birthday gift which is July 2.
My mom currently has an old flip phone that she uses for calling and texting. It has been fine until COVID-19; without having a computer at home, she was using the library’s equipment to access google and email. Can the grandpad be a voice only phone, as well as give her the ability to search on google–I know email will be available . Thanks for your help
Hi Catie, voice calls are available on the GrandPad, though all calls will be in speaker mode, and there is a web browser as well that can be used to search on Google. However, please keep in mind that we would be able to switch her existing number onto the GrandPad, and it would have a different number associated.
Is there a charge on either end using video chat with international contacts? Also, can all contacts that are listed video chat with each other (not just with Grandma) without a charge?
Hi Angie, thanks for your question. There is no additional charge for doing those video calls with international family members.
Good Day,
Can you have multiple video calls at the same time with Grandpad?
Hi Sherman, good question. The GrandPad can only do a video call with one contact at a time.
Is the GrandPad available to purchase in Canada?
Hi Maurene, thanks for your interest. Our service, including the GrandPad, is not available to purchase outside of the US.
Some of us using the companion app are having trouble hearing the phone ring when our Grandpad user calls us. Suggestions?
Hi Deb, I’m sorry to hear about those issues. What I would recommend would be to have the GrandPad user contact our GrandPad team at 888-545-1425 and we’d be happy to look into this to see what’s going on.
With all of this COVID stuff I am thinking this device would be perfect for my parents so they aren’t shut away. Which service towers will it use (AT&T or T-Mobile)? If it is on one of the services and doesn’t work very well, how can I switch to the other? Thanks!
Hi Bryan, thanks for your post! The GrandPad is definitely a great tool during this time. We use either AT&T or T-Mobile towers for our service. We try to send the SIM card that will attach you to the best towers for where the device is being used already installed. If it does need to be on our other towers, we would just need to swap the SIM cards.
I’ve got a question about grandpad. I want to get something I can send video’s to my grandma of our daughter growing up from my phone if I got a grandpad can I send nee and old videos??
Hi Lisa, if you have a smartphone then you can share videos and photos from your phone with the GrandPad user with the GrandPad Companion app.
I have read bunches of comments on your Blog. I think the most common reply you give is “Not at this time” or something similar. I have had CC for years and have had great service. I love it. However, regarding the GrandPad. It sounds so good but you can’t do much with it. A browser would solve a world of problems. I visit in a part of Arkansas where I don’t have Wi-Fi. if GrandPad had a browser I’d be home free. I want one for my wife in Assisted Living, but it’s so limited that it wouldn’t help much. Not all Grands are unable to function. Come on guys.
Hi Jimmy, we appreciate your feedback on this. The GrandPad does actually have a browser that can be activated for the device though to allow the user to access different websites.
Does GrandPad work with Zoom now? I understand it was being beta-tested.
Hi Kathleen, thanks for your question. We are not setting our GrandPad system up currently to be working with Zoom. The GrandPad is actually set up to do video calls already and then the person they are wanting to video call would just need the companion app to connect to it. The only way they would be able to access it would be through the browser version of it.
can printing be done from the GP?
Hi Norma, thanks for your question. If the printer is able to utilize Bluetooth to connect to the device, you can print pictures that are on the device.
This article from November talks about grandpad adding zoom is this something we can opt in for?
https://www.prweb.com/releases/grandpad_urges_family_caregivers_to_take_steps_to_prevent_loneliness_and_keep_seniors_safe_during_the_holidays/prweb17551151.htm
Hi Chad, thank you for your question. At this time, we have not heard of any plans for the GrandPad we’re using to have Zoom enabled on the device. If that changes down the line, we will let our customers know as soon as possible.
Can the grandpad play audio book downloads or offer something like Siri, voice recognition? My father has diminished eyesight.
Hi Michele, the GrandPad doesn’t have those features, but we’ll be sure to pass this recommendation along.
Can the Grandpad participate in a group video chat with family members who are part of the Grandpad group? Zoom and Skype don’t work. Would Microsoft Teams work?
Hi Rose, great question! The GrandPad isn’t designed for group calls, and third-party applications aren’t something that can be used or downloaded onto the device. I apologize for any inconvenience that this causes with those calls.
My Mom already has service through COnsumer Cellular. If we switch her phone service to the grandpad, will she be able to just transfer her service to that and keep her current number?
That’s a great question, Paula! We can’t transfer numbers over to the GrandPad, she can definitely use it to contact others though as she would with her current phone.
If I lease the Grandpad for my mom directly from Grandpad, they say they now support Zoom. Is the Zoom application available yet on the ConsumerCellular version of the Grandpad?
Hi Steve, thanks for your interest. Our devices do not have access to the Zoom application as it’s not something downloaded on the device and we can’t download it for the device either.