Smart Family- Google Messages

Kmb34
Enthusiast - Level 2

I posted previously with concerns regarding Smart Family not providing text activity once we were all forced to switch to Google Messages. I was initially pleasantly surprised, because it was in fact recording and providing the activity. That was until 2 days ago (December 8th). It has now stopped providing the information (names texted both sent and recieved, times, etc.). I reached out for help in the Smart Family app, and was told that this information can only be provided while using sms text messaging service through Verizon. Haha, so how exactly does that work when Verizon eliminated that service and texting app?? They specifically told me that this information can not be provided while using any other messaging apps, which they provided a list, one being Google Messages. Funny thing is, we switched to Google Messages about a month or so ago, knowing that it was inevitable that Message+ was being eliminated, and it had been working perfectly fine and providing the information right up until 2 days ago. I know that is the messaging app that my child uses for "texting", I text back and forth with my child, and as of 2 days ago these are not being recorded. I'm paying for this service monthly, so I'd really like a resolve for this. The message below is from today. It's just really strange that we were told that this service would work with Google Messages, and it actually was working, and now all of a sudden it isn't. 

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Kmb34
Enthusiast - Level 2

 I can't get a knowledgeable response from anyone. I was promised repeatedly that this child protection parental control service would still function the exact same after being forced to switch from Message+ to Google Messages. And it actually was! Right up until 2 days ago. Now I'm being told that not only does it not work with Google Messages, but I'm being told that it never did. Even though I sent screenshots of the recorded activity! I can physically see with my own eyes that it was working, and now it's not!

I'm seriously just about at the breaking point of leaving Verizon. 

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello Kmb34. We want you to have the most accurate information about the services you depend on. The Smart Family system does not work with Google Messages when those texts are being sent via RCS messaging. This has become a new standard in text communication. 

For clarity, you can see the message limitations in our Verizon Family FaQs at the following link in the Activity/Limits/Filters section https://www.verizon.com/support/verizon-family-faqs/

On suggestion is to turn off the RCS chats settings within the Google Messages app on your child's phone. This will covert any communications they send to normal text messages, which can be seen by Smart Family. Just open the Google Message app. At the top right, tap the profile picture or icon then Messages Settings. Tap RCS chats and toggle this off. -James