TeenSafeReviews 131
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TeenSafe Reviews Summary
The company has garnered a mixed reputation, with some customers appreciating the initial functionality of its monitoring service, particularly for its intended use in ensuring children's safety. However, numerous reviews highlight significant issues, including technical malfunctions, lack of compatibility with newer devices, and ineffective customer support. Many users express frustration over unresponsive service and difficulties in obtaining refunds, leading to sentiments of distrust. Overall, while the concept appeals to concerned parents, the execution and customer service experience appear to fall short, prompting many to seek alternatives.
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1. Problem CAN NOT BE FIXED. STOP TELLING CUSTOMER YOU ARE WORKING ON IT! JUST BE HONEST! YOU ARE A SCAM TAKING PEOPLES $ WHEN YOU KNOW THIS DOES NOT WORK! SHAME ON YOU
2. CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS SAME THIS AS EMAIL, SO NO HELP. YOU OFFER A SERVICE YOU CAN NOT PROVIDE, THEN YOU BLAME IT ON THE PHONE SERVICE OR CUSTOMER!
She-Rie J and Zhazha S
TeenSafe Customer Support Team
*******598
Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM CST
www.teensafe.com
THEY CHARGE YOUR ACCOUNT FOR "FREE" TRIAL. All negative review true. IT WILL LOCK YOUR ICLOUD! YOU WILL NEED TO RESET EVERYDAY! NO UPDATES AS PROMISED AND THEY DONT ANSWER YOU EMAILS! HAD TO CALL BANK TO STOP PAYMENT
If your child has an iPhone, do not waste your money on this! I called their customer support for assistance with the issue and Zhazha sent me an email that "had instructions to fix the problem" and all it was, was a link to their help page (which had no instructions on how to correct the issue). Apparently, Apple iCloud views this site a security breach of some sorts and will lock out your child's iCloud account. Do not... I repeat, Do not waste your time or money on this service. The only positive outcome is I was able to receive a refund.
Barrett,
We totally understand your frustration in dealing with the Apple iCloud account lockout issue. We have resources working on this issue but as you can tell Apple is not making it easy for our industry. It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. Moreover, not every customer who performs the same pattern of actions is affected in the same way.
While detecting the precise cause is difficult the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
Again, we do understand your frustration and we continue to try and find a workaround to fix the issue. Best, the TeenSafe team
The Florida school shooting has me thinking of how difficult it is to raise kids and keep them safe nowadays. I am a proactive parent and with a tool like TeenSafe I can monitor a bit more my child and who she hangs out with and what other kids are saying. It's a way to be part of her world from the outside and know when to act.
This Company is a SCAM, the service doesnt work at ALL BUT that doesnt keep them from continuing to charge your credit card EVEN after you cancel!
Greetings Tom,
Very sorry that you’re frustrated. We have millions of parents who have used our services so we are by no means a scam. If you’ve canceled there is no way we can keep charging your credit card.
Please reach out to our customer support team to help you. You can call (800)245-8598 or email support@teensafe.com. They will be able to clear this up for you.
Or email me at ruth.doering@teensafe.com and I will look into this.
The app does not work. I primarily was using this app to obtain deleted text messages, but they would not appear and if they did, they were partial text messages which were unreadable. The app would not sync with phone and is not easy to navigate. There are much better choices out there that allow you to monitor the phone activity real time. I would not recommend this.
Greetings,
We’re sorry your experience was frustrating and incomplete. From the challenges you mention you may be an iPhone user as the Android monitoring is in real time. Apple has upgraded their securing measures which makes it more difficult for us to provide the best monitoring services.
TeenSafe works well for many parents and others understandably are frustrated. Again, sorry your experience was not satisfactory. The TeenSafe team
TeenSafe and it's business practices are intolerable! First of all, the app doesn't not work as advertised. It rarely linked to the phones to provide up to date information. Secondly, they continue to charge your credit card even after cancelling the service via customer service AND email attempts several times. I had to get the credit card company involved, but they continue to charge! They are a ripoff and would not recommend getting into the service in the first place. I would rate TeenSafe a "0" if I could!
Greetings, Are you sure you are contacting OUR support team? In the past, we have been confused with other monitoring services. This is the TeenSafe contact information (800)245-8598 or email support@teensafe.com. Our U.S. based customer support team works very hard to quickly resolve issues. If you send me your email account we will immediately look into your issue. If an account has been canceled we can't keep charging your card. Please send your email address associated with your account to ruth.doering@teensafe.com and we'll address this immediately.
TeenSafe won't work with iPhone. The way it is supposed to work, after you sign up, you enter your child's Apple ID and password on the TeenSafe site and then you can view your child's texts, web searches, etc. - TeenSafe pulls this info from your child's iCloud. Except, when TeenSafe does this, Apple thinks it is an intrusion and locks your child's account for "security reasons." Your child's Apple ID account is then locked until you verify it and change the Apple ID password... It happens every time TeenSafe accesses your child's iCloud - do this too many times and you get permanently locked. I contacted TeenSafe customer service and they said this is a "known issue" with the "highest resolution priority" but there is "no ETA" as to when this will be resolved. This makes TeenSafe useless with an iPhone. And, they refused to refund my money (both in email correspondence and when I called) -- all they would say is "you purchased the service for 30 days and there are no refunds" even as they acknowledged their service doesn't work! Don't waste your money.
Julie,
We totally understand your frustration in dealing with the Apple iCloud account lockout issue. We have resources working on this issue but as you can tell Apple is not making it easy for our industry. It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. And, not every customer who performs the same pattern of actions is affected in the same way.
While detecting the precise cause is difficult the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
Please send your email address to ruth.doering@teensafe.com so I can look into the refund as we ARE offering a credit to existing customers as the tool is currently not working for some of our customers as well as it used to work. Best, the TeenSafe team
I called before I signed up, they said it would do everything I asked about. WRONG - won't track an iPhone - well it will but its 24hours later, they said they are working on it. Then the Apple ID log in has to be reset every day, even though the phone is updated every evening. This means you have to log into Apple and reset it with a new password every day, and then it sill only works sometimes. If you log out and then try to log back in, you have to reset Apple ID. Complete waste of money. I have called the 800# several times, they always answer but always say it is a problem in the system that they are working to resolve, but they cannot give me a date of when problem will be resolved. Don't waste your time or money! Complete waste of money.
Jennifer,
We totally understand your frustration in dealing with the Apple iCloud account lockout issue. We have resources working on this issue but as you can tell Apple is not making it easy for our industry. It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. Moreover, not every customer who performs the same pattern of actions is affected in the same way.
While detecting the precise cause is difficult the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
That is why we are offering a credit to existing customers as the tool is currently not working for some of our customers as well as it used to work. Again, we do understand your frustration and do hope we can fix the issue. Best, the TeenSafe team
I use this app to help me keep "an eye" on my youngest daughter who is 13 and loves to play on her phone. She just changed schools and is meeting new friends, and as a parent I like her to be social, but it always makes me uneasy to not know who she is hanging out with after school before I get home. The app works fine, but I would make it easier to navigate.
Appreciate your input, Kevin. Technologically what we do is difficult. We agree and wish it could be easier to navigate.
It never worked right off the bat. Before even logging in to my daughters phone it just kept giving me an error message. So Im being charged for absolutely nothing. When I call the help number no one ever answered. Ever. When sending email, again, I just got anerror message that it could not be sent. I suppose I will have to cancel my credit card to get them to stop charging me for their scam. Its a waste of time and money
Greetings Crystal,
Are you sure you’re a customer of TeenSafe.com and not confusing us with another app? Are you calling (800)245-8598 or emailing support@teensafe.com. Our customer support team took the day off for Thanksgiving which is standard in the industry. But our U.S.-based team answers every call and we take customer support very seriously. We have millions of parents who have used our services so we are by no means a scam. Please call the number we listed above and they will resolve your issue if you are our customer. And after you call will you please respond back to this review? Best, the TeenSafe team
Service worked great until last March. Started having issues with Apple ID lockout when signing in to Teensafe. Have called repeatedly and I get the same answer... We're working on it. It takes time. This has been going on for 9 months and still no fix. They have offered a credit but I would prefer the service work as promoted. Problem is most 3rd party services are having same issue with Apple. Teensafe won't fess up if they will ever get it fixed but after 9 months I'm really starting to wonder?
Amy,
We totally understand your frustration in dealing with the Apple iCloud account lockout issue. We do still have resources working on this issue but as you can tell Apple is not making it easy for our industry. It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. Moreover, not every customer who performs the same pattern of actions is affected in the same way.
While detecting the precise cause is difficult, as you mentioned the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
That is why we are offering the credit as the tool is currently not working for some of our customers as well as it used to work. Again, we understand your frustration and still hope we can fix the issue. Best, the TeenSafe team
Having new technology around this day and age can certainly help with parenting. My folks had it tough with me, but I am relying on apps and tools like Teensafe to help me get by day by day with my teenage daughter. I understand it is not a perfect tool as I would love for it to have the ability to monitor Facebook, but it certainly has so many other features that keep me posted and alert on my daughter's life.
Greetings Nelson,
Great, responsibility and anxiety come with smartphones for parents and children. We’re happy that TeenSafe is helping you during these “tough times” as a digital parent. Best, the TeenSafe team
It worked for a day, then stopped updating even though the phone is backing up to the cloud. Customer support was slow to respond and completely unhelpful. They will not refund my purchase for a non-working product. It's a complete rip off and I'm sorry I wasted my money but don't waste yours.
Kristen,
Just heard from our CSR manager that the refund issue has been resolved. Our apologies for the delay. Monitoring smartphones is not easy and we certainly understand your frustration. Best, the TeenSafe team
Company says free trial but then charges you immediately. They were not able to pull up my child's data due to glitches on their end. Site won't let you log in without disabling security on the Apple account. Said they are trying to work on the issue. Then they expect you to pay without providing you with any information. Asked to speak with a supervisor. Says it takes two days for them to return call.
Very sorry that you are having these issues. I spoke with our customer support team and they need your email to look at your account and see what is happening. If you send me your email ruth.doering@teensafe.com they will contact you, if they haven’t already.
1) The only way you would not have received the 7-day trial is if you upgraded to a full access paid account or if you used a pre-paid credit card for payment.
2) As for the second issue, Apple changed the two-factor authentication again this week and it takes us a couple of days to figure out the changes and upgrade our software. The team let us know it will be resolved today.
Our customer support team works very hard and am sorry your experience was frustrating. But contact us and we will resolve.
Won't update. Constantly says "new update not allowed". Customer service unresponsive to help resolve. Does NOT show deleted texts from iPhones, only Androids. Dishonest advertising and promises.
Greetings Jenn,
This sounds infuriating and we’re sorry that this has been your experience. Our goal is to deliver the best monitoring tools parents can use to keep their tweens and teens safe.
The service we offer is technologically difficult and at times there are issues that interfere with our offering. Our team works very hard to resolve technical issues as quickly as possible. Best, the TeenSafe team
I like the fact that I can review my daughter's text-- including her deleted texts. That is incredibly helpful.
However, the fact that they don't allow images to be displayed drives me CRAZY. The explanation they give on their site is weak. "Maintain consumer confidence and protect kids and families." What? That is why I have this app-- to try to protect my child. There could potentially be VERY inappropriate videos, images, etc that my daughter could be exposed to. I am very happy with the ability to monitor texts but I'm starting to wonder if $14.95/month is steep if I can't get a full picture of what she's involved in and exposed to.
Shelby,
We share your frustration on not being able to help parents with the important service of monitoring photos. Each state has differing laws regarding storing and sharing potentially illegal photos of minors. We recommend parents review the laws in their state and talk to their teens and tweens as the kids may be placing themselves in legal jeopardy for keeping and sending inappropriate photos. Unfortunately, these laws can also apply to TeenSafe. We understand how challenging it is to be parents in this digital era and appreciate your being a digital safety savvy parent. Best, the TeenSafe team
1) Every time I logged in, my child got a message from Apple that she was required to change her iCloud password. And I do mean EVERY TIME I logged in.
2) Deleted messages (the ones you really want to monitor!) are often garbled and without a date, or give an erroneous date such as sometime during the year 2000 (before my daughter was born and before text messaging existed, as far as I know)
3) You can easily sign up online, but if you want to cancel, you are required to call an 800 number and speak to a representative. Teensafe says this is for your security. Yeah, right! Why is it "secure" to sign up online but not to cancel online? Also, when I called, the ONLY thing the rep asked for was my account number or email address. How secure is that? NOT!
4) Bottom line: in my opinion, TeenSafe is all about making a quick buck and does NOT have my child's best interests in mind.
5) Recommendation: try Ecamm's PhoneView instead. Works MUCH better and is much cheaper in the long run (a lifetime of PhoneView for about the same price as three month's of TeenSafe).
Richard,
We’re very sorry the iCloud lockout issue affected your service. It is frustrating to our team as well and we are spending a lot of development time to resolve.
It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. While detecting the precise cause is difficult, what is clear is that the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
Respectfully we ask that you keep in mind that TeenSafe consists of a team of hardworking, dedicated people. What we do is technologically difficult and we strive to provide the best service for parents to protectively monitor their tweens and teens.
Again, we apologize and understand your frustration, the TeenSafe team
Never worked as promised, and forced me to change my AppleID password every day, which required changing it in settings on all our phones, iPads, AppleTVs and iMacs. Huge pain in the rear. I hate TeenSafe and its creators with a deep and abiding intensity.
Greetings Jurgen,
We also are frustrated by the Apple iCloud lockout issue that is affecting all monitoring services, so understand your stance on that.
But, feel compelled to stick up for our team of hard-working, dedicated professionals and parents. Our #1 goal each morning is how to help parents keep their children safe from the many digital minefields that present themselves each week. Because what we do is very difficult our services aren’t perfect. We’re proud of the daily and weekly comments we receive internally from parents thanking us for our services.
They charged my credit card for just to trying. Never used any services, because it required downloading the software on the phone. But they still charged me for a month. I would not recommend this to anyone.
Sorry you were charged if you didn't actually use or download our software. If you send me your email I will check into this for you. Please send to ruth.doering@teensafe.com.
Wish I read these reviews... when signing in to iCloud to monitor an iPhone, monitoring works for a day (that's only IF the iPhone is backed up, otherwise it shows 0 texts). ICloud prompts child to reset password, which won't let teensafe in. Vicious circle of getting nowhere. AND, you can sign up for a free trial, BUT will only show you limited info and makes you buy the membership to see more than 3 texts. Once you buy, if you don't cancel on time (you HAVE to call to cancel) they will not refund your money!
Greetings,
We understand you’re frustration in dealing with the Apple iCloud account lockout issue. We do have a full team of development resources working on this issue.
It is difficult to determine the exact cause, as various factors seem to contribute to account lockouts and they can happen instantly or can be delayed by a day or more. Moreover, not every customer who performs the same pattern of actions is affected in the same way.
While detecting the precise cause is difficult, what is clear is that the issue is industry-wide and affects all monitoring services.
Regarding the trial, we do require a call to cancel so that we can verify that it is a parent canceling, not a teen. And in our terms of use it states that if you download data we won’t refund that month as the service has been used.
Again, sorry it didn’t work for you but our goal is to provide options for parents to protectively monitor their tweens and teens and at times issues come up that are out of our control. Best, the TeenSafe team
From the business
TeenSafe created the first parental iPhone monitoring solution and is the iOS and Android service of choice amongst families, with over one million sign-ups to date. TeenSafe? ۪s secure technology provides parents with the tools to safeguard their childr...
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Lucinda,
Please email me at ruth.doering@teensafe.com your email address so we can look into what happened in your case. We aren’t going to give up until we are certain that there is no way to fix the iCloud lockout issue. We’ve been able to resolve for many parents and would appreciate the opportunity to see if we can for you.
Again, we understand your frustration and are working diligently on a workaround to the changes Apple made to their software.