Name: GreatCall
Rating: 2.8

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Martin Rosenfeld

Great Call works! I have the pendant with 2-way calling and falls detection. Recently, I fell at work. Within 20 seconds, I was talking to a live voice. Fortunately, I did not need emergency assistance, but the operator stayed on the call with me until I was upright. Great Call provides an extra source of security. I know that I am not alone should I need help. I have a cell phone, but don't always have it handy. The Great Call, however, is always with me attached to the lanyard that hangs around my neck whenever I am not sleeping.

6 years ago

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joyce McClellan

I have my payment made automatically but when my card changed dates my service was stopped. Would have been good if I were notified. Their customer service is otherwise excellent. I am happy with the service but the quality of the flip phone is not all that good. Wish I had a choice. Overall I am happy with them. Once we had a widespread power outage for 6 days and they called to check on me.

6 years ago

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P. Hoban Philadelphia, PA

I received my device when told I would. I also like , My device and it makes me feel safe. I did have a problem and they send me a new device immediately. Every time I have wanted some information, they have greeted me with kindness.

6 years ago

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Grams Saint Joseph, MO

I have had the Great Call 5 for several years. This is a great medical alert service. I have used it twice and help was here quickly. They stayed on the line until help arrived. I really appreciate the service. It is helping me stay in my home.

6 years ago

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janet l peters Pomona, CA

I have had Great call 5 star for almost 4 years, I changed to the splash about 2 years ago. I have not had to use it to call for help, but I feel that if I did, I would have a response within seconds. customer service does leave a lot to desire, but I like the fact that I can go anywhere and if I need them, they are there

6 years ago

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Ernest Doucette

This Unit Has No Contract. Service, 24/7, and costs under $20 a Month. I Test mine Monthly, and always get a Fast Response. They Know your Location Anywhere with GPS The Unit is also Waterproof so you can take it in the Shower. The Unit has an initial price of about $50 I have no Idea Why it is rated lower than many that only work in your home.

6 years ago

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Barbara Rivera Chevalier-Reid O Fallon, IL

I have had Great call for more than 2 years now. It has always identified where I am located even when I went on vacation. I have never had an emergency but I do check that it is working and if it knows my location. I have always been charged what I was told. I feel very secure with the service.

7 years ago

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Edwina Wilson Hood River, OR

Splash device will not stay charged. It has gone off while in charger and no one was around it. Pretty embarrassing when the paramedics come calling without you being aware there is an issue. On the plus side, I have experienced great customer service and they are very willing to do what they can to help with their devices. I have two of them for my aging folks and am very happy with this company.

7 years ago

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Ernest Doucette

I don't know where they get their info. But I paid $49.99 for the Waterproof unit and The activation was free. I can push the button at any time and talk to a person. If I had a problem I can hold the button 5 seconds and it dials 911. Monthly Charge was $17.99 when I got mine and has not changed, they now charge $19.99 a Month. It is Mobile, has a Comfortable Neck strap. I test once a month or so and always get an immediate answer, even when I traveled out of state. I never saw any additional fees for Phone service!

7 years ago

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JIm Dief Sarasota, FL

I like the GPS feature on the Preferred Plan. I receive a call from 5 Star Service every once in awhile because they received a Alert. I answer or they will proceed to alert 911 or what is needed. (The Alerts so far have been accidental on my part !). I am satisfied that living alone I am being well protected, and my children are all able to check on my location at any time. (Children are scattered in 3 States).

7 years ago

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K. G. Rush

I have had the stand alone deice [not the jitterbug phone] for 7-8 years. Am on my second - a splash. Have used it twice. Both times the response was immediate and intelligent - they stayed with me unill aid arrived, patched me in to 911.. The GPS feature once located my device where I had dropped it 10 miles away. My only comment is that Battery time could be a bit longer - but this is minor. I always have a charger nearby.

7 years ago

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Gary P

I live alone and have had the great call pendent that I wear around my neck for the past 4 years. when the button is pressed I get an instant response which got the aid car to me in just a few minutes after a heart attack. I will not go without it Great support,

7 years ago

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J Soester Omaha, NE

I have had the service for well over a year now. I changed phone types recently and had wonderful customer service. I have automatic billing which goes thru fine. Somewhat puzzled by the bad reviews; sounds like some folks just didn't give them a chance.

7 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Beverly Terry

Simple to use. Has all the features that I use without confusing apps. Very good customer service.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Sharyl

I can depend on them helping me. The clasp broke on the little box and I was sent a replacement right away.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Debra Warren Sardinia, OH

My son was looking at my new phone and accidentally pushed the button in, but they came right back on the line with him and explained it to him.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Carmen Banuelos Lompoc, CA

I accidentally hit the button and they called me right away on the emergency number. It's easy to use.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Glenn Krick Grasonville, MD

I have them as a cellphone and I use it whenever anybody calls me or if I need to get ahold of my granddaughter.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Evelyn Matijega Cheboygan, MI

My daughter got me Great Call so that I could stay home by myself. It's kind of expensive, but they were right there when I called.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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FL-Jan

First cell phone provider whose service works inside our house! Amazing! Great customer service, too.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Carol Moquin Methuen, MA

I've had to use it a couple of times because I couldn't breathe, and they got back to me right away.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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James Grondin Rochester, MI

We got this so my husband could use this instead of a regular big phone. It's much easier for him to use because of how simple it is.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Vincent Ferlita Tampa, FL

They're always very responsive with the one hit button, but I'm always having a problem with the plastic on the back.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lillian Olhiser

I don't actually have the alert, I just use the phone. But, I don't get a big bill and that's the nice part.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Merradean Sedlacek Lincoln, NE

I got this for the cellphone, and the customer service helped me out when I was having problems with the phone.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Betty Drew Gainesville, GA

We accidentally hit the button once and they called my daughter who is my backup. I think it's a little expensive.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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James Sweeney Danville, VA

I like the size and the way it's laid out. I don't use it every day because I keep it in the house, but customer support will answer your questions.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Wende Berry Davison, MI

I've never had to use it, but I put it on when I get up each morning. It's highly rated and affordable.

5 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous Tampa, FL

It's reassuring to know that they do respond right away. It's nice that it's small enough to carry in my pocket.

5 years ago

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Donna Fortuna Pittston, PA

For a service being provided to senior citizens they are not very accommodating. I would rate them zero if it was an option. When I call for my 86 year old mother to get a replacement phone (she lost the previous phone) I asked 3 times if the monthly rate would increase each time I was told no. I received the replacement phone and am now being told the monthly fee went up by $10 not including tax. When I requested to cancel service and return replacement phone they want my mother to pay to return the phone which was not activated or use to Best Buy herself. No return authorization number or ticket would be provided. This is no very helpful for a senior citizens. They mail the phone first then tell you the monthly fee increase and if you can’t afford it you are responsible for returning it at your cost. This is a scam and a very sleazy way for a business to be run.

8 months ago

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Za Boha Dallas, TX

Initially we were impressed with the advertised capabilities of the Go Lively/Great Call safety necklace. We wanted to have fall detection for my mother and it appeared this device met all our needs. We began using the device in the fall of 2020. Then last fall (2021) my mother fell while wearing the device. It never recorded the fall and after calling it we were told it wasn't being worn or used correctly. This was not true and after some testing of the device they deemed it to be faulty and sent another device. My mother fell again about a week ago (Mar 2022) and the device did not detect the fall and she had to press the button to alert the call center to get help (broken leg). The app on all our phones did not push out an alert. The only notification was a call to the primary contact. We had high hopes but have been very disappointed. We dropped the fall detection since it did not work for us an only a token refund was offered despite paying almost a year and a half for a service that did not work.

2 years ago

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T Fred Roche Pompano Beach, FL

One issue to look out for.....My 87 yr old mother bought the phone and optioned out of the text feature. She does not text or get texts. Since activating the phone she has received unsolicited texts from telemarketers. This is followed by a Great Call Invoice with 10 cents a text. I called to complain and was told there is nothing that can be done. Then they suggested we add the text package so it would limit the dollars billed from unwanted texts. How stupid is that? They then said we could respond to unwanted texts the word STOP. BTW....they get another 10 cents for every stop we send. I was then given the option to cancel their service. Not nice to seniors!

2 years ago

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Theresa Raimondi Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

I like my Red Jitterbug phone. I have been having trouble with the battery not lasting long after it has been charged. Within 1 hour it's down to 45 %. Back to the charger for 35 minutes to get it up to 70%. I kept buying a new phone. I only receive 2 pics a day and for short text about the pic. I have a house phone for my daily use. I have the charger on my night table blinking all night. This is rediculous.

3 years ago

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Peggy West Burke, VT

I ordered the Jitterbug for my husband. He has had it approximately 2 weeks. People cannot hear when he talks and he cannot hear them. I called customer support this morning and she did some kind of "fix". Customer Support says that a new software needs to be downloaded which will take 3-10 days and you wont even notice when it happens????? I would hope that there would be a very noticeable difference once the download is complete. I told her I want to return this within the 30 days if we are not satisfied. I really do not know why is would take that long for an update other than they want you outside the 30 day return policy. I will write a new review within the next week after the software upgrade is complete. I will decide then to return the phone.

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Peggy, we are sorry to hear about your experience and would like to look into this further with you. Please look for a private response from us.

Oct. 17th, 2019

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Bob Gross Gardiner, ME

Lively Mobile saved my life once when I lost consciousness and fell [before fall detection was available]. The #1 problem is the magnetic clasp on the necklace. The magnet releases when you take off or adjust your shirt. Great Call replaced my device twice as a result of their weak link necklace only because I pay extra for the insurance. The #2 problem is the the fees keep going up. I started at $17 per month. My last "free" replacement had improved battery life correcting a problem in previous versions, but #3, it only charges in its 110 volt plug in charger. The original Lively could be charged on the road from an automotive cigarette lighter. Lastly, I was at a restaurant when a diner at another table had a heart attack. Bystanders were performing CPR. The Great Call agent wanted to know the age and sex of the victim before calling the ambulance. I told her bystander CPR was in progress with family standing around and I couldn't even see the victim. When she finally called the ambulance, she said the line was busy, probably because other diners started calling 911. The ambulance would have arrived 5 minutes sooner had she not asked so many heart-killing questions. I think if CPR is in progress, if it's so important, the age and sex of the victim could be asked AFTER she dispatched the ambulance. CPR is the same for both men, women and children, so why she make me waste more time trying to get close enough to see the victim's sex? What if I were the victim and my wife used Great Call to get an ambulance for me?

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Bob, we are sorry to hear of your experience and we would like to assist you further. Please look for a private message from us with additional details.

Oct. 11th, 2019

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James Menlo Park, CA

3 years and counting...then GC did an 'upload' never worked again. Called got a 'new' one - unfortunately NO FALL DETECTION avail - Talk about feeling DECEIVED and let down. Why was I not told NO FD when I initially called??? why make me order a 'new' one that does NOT fit my criteria? Instead had to wait for the new unit, then during the 'set-up' found out about no FALL DETECTION. Right off - blood pressure reaching critical. Due to my needs, I had to cancel..CANCEL my plan all because GC let me down and really angered me by not telling me straight off - Talked to" Junior" - He says he was going to send me authorization to return this...stuff - So far, nothing- I was so happy with GC - now I am starting all over with a new company - Never again - let down and feeling deceived james

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello James, we are sorry to hear of your experience and we would like to assist you further. Please look for a private message from us with additional details.

Oct. 9th, 2019

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Warren Burch Troutville, VA

Just got off the phone with Great Call after inquiring yet again about WHEN there would be a Great Call Lively Mobile Plus released to the public. My mothers started having problems with hers about a year ago. She has the most expensive plan that included a free replacement. Problem is, when we called to inquire about the free replacement they had none....I used one that I had bought for my wife. I decided that the issue was the charger and replaced that for my mother. We were told that my mother got a letter about hers but were not told what the letter was in reference to. We asked about getting a replacement unit and they are on a voluntary recall....and would be replaced in a couple of months....that was a year ago....I was just told that on this date 10/4/2019 they are now expecting these to be replaced on 2/20/2020.....REALLY??? Their solution was to replace the lively with a Phone which has no FALL protection....is Not water resistant....didn't even offer to refund....this is a 93 year old lady that is trying to be independent....GREAT CALL..owned by BEST BUY......at best you have become PITIFUL.

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Warren, we are sorry to hear of your recent experience and appreciate your feedback. We would like to look into this further with you, please look for a private message from us.

Oct. 4th, 2019

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germaine jacky Greensboro, NC

Four or five months ago Great Call had to recall their "fall down" device because of "design errors" . I had already paid $53 for a months rental . For a replacement they sent a Jitter bug phone which I returned, because I already had a phone. I request that they return my $53. They never did although they agreed they owed it to me. I've called and called and called and each time they say "it's on the way" It hasn't happened. Beware of this company. OK only after Best Company published the review above, did Greatcall finally refund the $53. So Thank You Best Company and I still don't think much of you Great Call but I am adding a star.

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Germaine, we are sorry to hear of your recent experience and we appreciate your feedback. Please look for a private message from us, requesting information so that we may assist you further.

Aug. 28th, 2019

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Ray Krause Pleasant Prairie, WI

This was my wife's phone for emergencies. She made maybe 1 call a month and did not leave it on when not in use. I needed to use this phone recently when mine broke. I activated the 911 call 2 X's with in 12 hours by just putting the phone in my pocket. I contacted GC about this to see if I could get that app removed. No way they said. They recommended I put a piece a tape over the app. I am paranoid to use this. Needless to say I shut the phone off and will wait until my new phone (not GC) arrives. My wife will no longer haver access to this phone as I will get her another phone from a different service at a way better cost

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Ray, we are sorry to hear about your experience and would like to look into this further with you. Please look for a private response from us.

Aug. 13th, 2019

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David Delray Beach, FL

I had the device for about 2 years when it failed to hold a charge. I called and was advised they had no replacement device as the device on the market to replace it as the replacement device had been recalled. I was then advised to keep the defective device and pay a monthly charge and wait for the new device to come on the market. I cancelled.

4 years ago

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Cathy Grimes Huntington Beach, CA

GreatCall Lively Mobile got the best 'Customer Response Views' when pressing Emergency button by far vs the others. I tried to buy the 'Lively Mobile' (SMALL, FOB button type), but Amazon showed it was recalled. I called GC directly and was told on 6/19/19 that the Lively Mobile 'should be available in a few weeks, but we'll send you our Jitterbug Flip Phone in the meantime at reduced cost. The Flip phone is almost unusable for the purpose of having it with you at all times, especially in case you fall and cannot get to a phone. It is clunky, heavy, and constantly sends loud noises every few minutes when charging, which I have turned off, but keeps coming back on. I was told that Best Buy had bought out GreatCall. That is bad news for me as my experiences with Best Buy have NOT been good. So I am now stuck with this awful phone that I will have to go through the hassle of returning IF the Lively Mobile is NOT available by the end of July. Best Buy will not even give the Customer Service people a RANGE of likely dates the Lively Mobile will be available, so I have little hope.

4 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hello Cathy, we are sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate your feedback.

Unfortunately, after the release of the new Lively Mobile Plus, we identified a quality issue in a limited number of the devices. We are being very cautious because our customer’s safety is our top priority. As such, we have voluntarily recalled the Lively Mobile Plus devices. Please keep in mind that this recall does not affect any other GreatCall products or services. While we understand that the Jitterbug Flip phone is not as small as the Lively Mobile Plus, we do offer a leather carrying case that would allow you to clip the phone to your pocket or belt to make it easier to carry the phone with you.

We strive to provide the highest level of Customer Service available and while we do not currently have an exact release date for the Lively Mobile Plus, we are working hard to have the new device available soon. In the meantime, we would like to send you a free carrying case for the phone and make note of your account for follow up when the device is available. Additionally, as soon as a release date is available, we will update our website with this information.

Please look for a private message from us asking for your account information.

Jun. 28th, 2019

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Larry Tarrytown, NY

We had a Great Call Lively that wouldn't hold it's charge so we replaced it (for a fee) in December. Two months later, the brand new device is not holding a charge for more than 7.5 hours at a time. My Mom is 95 and needs something that won't require constant charging. The agents available on the phone keep trying to reboot it and this doesn't correct the issue, which I suspect is a design flaw. It's a good concept ... cellular signal that is not reliant on a base station. But if it is not practical, it doesn't matter how good an idea it is.

5 years ago

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Marianne Cavelti Seattle, WA

I really, really wanted for this to be the right service for my Dad. I've experienced exceedlingly long wait times when calling about problems with the Jitterbug flip phone. I opted for the flip phone because it was simple to use, when my Dad had some medication related encephalopathy. The phone itself is just a piece of JUNK. I routinely have to drive over to check on him because the phone isn't ringing. About once a week, the battery needs to be removed, because the phone locks up. This is impossible for my Dad to do himself. I think the service would be great, if the phone itself worked at all reliably. As it is, right now, I can't get a hold of my Dad. Again. The whole point of a simple phone is undermined by such a low quality phone. I'm looking for a different service presently.

5 years ago

Reply from GreatCall

Hi Marianne, we are sorry to hear of your experience with the Jitterbug Flip phone. GreatCall strives to provide the highest level of Customer Service available. All calls are answered in the order they are received and although hold times vary, most calls are answered within a few minutes. We encourage you to charge your phone every day. This will ensure that the Jitterbug Flip phone is power on throughout the day to make or receive calls, should the need arise. For further assistance, please contact our Customer Service at, 1 800-733-6632, between 5am and 8pm, Pacific Time.

Jan. 10th, 2019

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Carol Seal Beach, CA

I've had several Great Call devices because they have stopped working (holding a charge) after only a few months. Customer service was courteous but ineffectual. They finally replaced my last one with no charge but I'm about ready to finally find another company - even if it would be more expensive than Great Call. My current device only keeps a charge for 6-7 hours which is not very helpful when one is out and about during the day for several hours.

5 years ago

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linda siegel Brownsburg, IN

This experience with great call is fabulous. I never feel alone and I am not afraid of falling. I have Meniere's Disease and recently had a mastectomy and great call is a blessing to have.

6 years ago

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Elizabeth Chambers

Haven't needed to use for emergency yet but each time I've tested it the response is immediate and identifies me & my location. Very helpful & polite response to see if help is needed.

6 years ago

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Buddy Slate

Hi, My name is Buddy Slate and i just say that this service is awesome, simple and sophisticated and customer service is also 5 star service and device signal is also good. thanks to great call service

7 years ago

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Carole Barnes

Have Great Call for 3yrs. Haven't had to use. Customer service reps are excellent. Unit is long lasting. Conveniently fits in purse or pocket. I sometimes clip it to my outer clothing when I'm walking alone and carrying things in both hands, especially at night. Makes me feel safer.

7 years ago

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Gus Altadena, CA

Ordered this for a family member and came as advertised. Calling in for support is trying on patience since they seem to continue to be under staffed in this area. Quick to order, slow on support. But once we got in, they were nice, polite and good. Problem is the neck device we have has totally died twice now requiring a new complete one to be resent - taking a week without support. You would think after the 2nd one in 3 weeks, they would overnight at their cost - but no such luck. We will see how long it take before another failure - still waiting now on 2nd box. This does not leave us feeling good about our loved ones. I would expect a much better response and turn around for a company in the market.

7 years ago

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Len Bogdan Glendale, AZ

Never a problem Easy to communicate with agent. I did get needed assistance when needed on one occasion. It never broke. I thought a wrist band holder for the device was too expensive, so I did not buy one.

7 years ago