How do I set up my new Greenlight Safe Family device that I bought on Amazon or Shopify?

Welcome to Greenlight! We're so glad your Safe Family device is on its way. Before you download the app or create an account, there's one quick but important thing to know — taking a minute to read this now will make sure everything goes smoothly from the start.

Important: This article is for new Greenlight customers only. If you're already a Greenlight customer, see How do I add a Safe Family device to my existing Greenlight account? instead.

Is there a monthly plan to use the Safety Device?

Greenlight has two different types of plans. If you're here to set up and manage your Safe Family device only, the Greenlight Safe Family plan is what you'll need — a free service plan that lets you manage your device through the Greenlight app for just $5.99/month per device.

Greenlight also offers financial plans with features like debit cards for kids, savings, investing, and more. If you create a Greenlight account on your own before following the steps below, you may end up on a financial plan instead of the Safe Family plan.

Tip: Not sure which plan is right for you? See What's the difference between the Greenlight Safe Family plan and Greenlight's financial plans?

How do I sign up for the Safe Family plan?

There are two ways to get set up depending on whether your device has arrived yet.

Option 1: Wait for your device to arrive (recommended)

This is the simplest path. Once your device is in hand, the QR code on the back will route you directly to Safe Family plan registration — no extra steps needed.

1. When your device arrives, locate the QR code on the back

2. Open your smartphone's camera and scan the QR code — this takes you directly to the Safe Family setup screen

   

3. Tap "Create Account" and follow the on-screen prompts
4. Once your account is created, download the Greenlight app and log in with your new credentials
5. The app will automatically detect your Safe Family device using the QR code you scanned

Tip: If your device doesn't appear automatically, scan the QR code again or manually enter the 13-digit serial number located on the back of your device.

6. When prompted, assign a name and choose a photo or emoji for your device — this is how it will appear on your map in the Greenlight app
7. Tap "Next"
8. Tap "Confirm and add payment method" to add a payment method to cover your monthly device data subscription
   • Your device requires an active data connection to provide GPS location, place alerts, SOS alerts, and more. You won't be able to complete setup without adding a payment method.
9. Tap "Save payment method" to complete your account setup and move on to activating your device

Tip: If your QR code is damaged or unreadable, you can also register through the device delivery email you received, or enter the 13-digit serial number on the back of your device during setup.

Option 2: Create your account before your device arrives

If you'd like to get a head start before your device shows up, you can — just follow these steps carefully to make sure you end up on the Safe Family plan.

1. Download the Greenlight app from the App Store or Google Play

2. Open the app and tap "Set up a Greenlight device" at the login screen

   

Important: Do not tap "Get started" or "Sign in" through the main flow. The "Set up a Greenlight device" option is what registers you for the Safe Family plan.

3. Tap "Create Account" 

   

4. Enter your phone number to get started
5. The top of the page should read "Safe Family" — this confirms you're on the right path. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your Greenlight Safe Family account registration
6. When your device arrives, scan the QR code on the back to link it to your account, or manually enter the 13-digit serial number
7. The app will automatically detect your Safe Family device — when prompted, assign a name and choose a photo or emoji for your device
8. Tap "Next"
9. Tap "Confirm and add payment method" to add a payment method to cover your monthly device data subscription
   • Your device requires an active data connection to provide GPS location, place alerts, SOS alerts, and more. You won't be able to complete setup without adding a payment method.
10. Tap "Save payment method" to complete your setup and move on to activating your device

Once your account is ready, visit our Getting started with your Greenlight Safe Family device guide — it has everything your family needs to start tracking, set up alerts, and more.

Can I edit my device name or photo later?

Absolutely! You can update your device's name and image at any time. In the Greenlight app:

1. Tap the "Settings" gear
2. Tap "My family & devices"
3. Tap the device you'd like to edit
4. Tap "Device nickname" to update the name, or tap the photo icon at the top to update the image

I already created an account but I'm not sure which plan I'm on

If you’re still unsure, you can check your current plan and account information from the settings in your app by following the steps below:

1. Tap the Settings gear in the top right corner of Device page or Home Dashboard 
2. Tap “Account”
3. Here, you should be able to see your current plan and any applicable recurring fee that’s associated

Still need help? We're here for you. 

Text us at 404-974-3024 | Call us at 888-483-2645