Zift Advisory
VTech KidiConnect is a messaging app that allows children to communicate with friends and family members through a VTech compatible toy. Rated for users of all ages, KidiConnect is free to download and use, and features no in-app advertisements or purchases. KidiConnect is a safe messaging platform between kids and family members but the app still needs improvement.
What is VTech KidiConnect™?
VTech KidiConnect is a messaging app that allows children to communicate with friends and family members through a VTech compatible toy.
Rated for users of all ages, KidiConnect is free to download and use, and features no in-app advertisements or purchases.
The VTech KidiConnect app can be added to devices once a Learning Lodge account has been established by the parent. VTech devices prompt users to create a Learning Lodge account when they first power on so parents may have already established such an account as the device registration process guides users through establishing a KidiConnect account.
Parent email address serves as their KidiConnect ID and their parent account password is the same for their KidiConnect account.
Children use their Learning Lodge account username as their KidiConnect username. Parents must first unlock their child’s KidiConnect account, located under “My Child’s Profile,” in the Parent settings menu, before their child can access the KidiConnect app.
Once parents unlock their child’s KidiConnect account they are required to accept the terms and conditions and then read through the privacy policy pertaining to how VTech handles children’s personal information, in order to give their consent to use the app.
According to the developer:
Because of a federal law known as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), we must obtain verifiable parental consent before we can allow your child to use the KidiConnect™ service. Under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) rules, you are required to give your consent to the privacy policy by processing a small transaction fee of $0.50 using a valid credit card. Touch "Next" to continue and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the verification process.
After verifying consent parents will need to download the KidiConnect app to their own device so that they may manage their child’s contacts and communicate (through the messenger) with their child.
The KidiConnect app allows children using VTech devices to have a way of messaging friends and family, similar to the messaging apps on smartphones and tablet devices. It’s important to note that only those with the KidiConnect app will be able to communicate with children using the app.
Is VTech KidiConnect™ safe for my kids?
The downside of the KidiConnect app is that relatives will need to download the app and create a Learning Lodge account in order to communicate with a child using the app.
Parents with tech-minded little ones may find that the VTech KidiConnect app is the perfect addition to their child’s VTech device.
Devices compatible with the VTech KidiConnect app include the Kidibuzz and any of the Innotab tablet devices so parents must have already made the investment in a VTech device for their child to be able to use the app.
It’s important to note that a second parent will need to create an additional Learning Lodge account, like relatives and friends, to be able to communicate with their child through the app. Basically, there is a lot of work on family and friends’ parts, to even be able to establish using the KidiConnect app.
Once family members have created their account, they can request to add a child to their chat list using a child's username. When a chat request is sent, it is held for review in the parent's account and not accepted until it receives approval.
After parents have gone through all of the above steps to establish an account, the KidiConnect app functions much like a regular messaging app allowing children to send and receive voice messages, photos, stickers, drawings, pre-recorded messages, text messages and participate in group chats.
It’s important to note that the KidiConnect app has received poor user reviews with many complaints about the app not working on non-VTech devices.
Other users complain that they are able to sign into the KidiConnect app but are met with error codes much of the time, rendering the app unusable. So in theory KidiConnect is a great idea for a safe messaging platform between kids and family members but the app still needs improvement.
App Screens
Related Apps
Recommended for You
9 Screen Time Rules Every Family Needs
Screen Time Strategies
Stop Guessing About Screen Time for Kids – Use This Chart
Screen Time Strategies