If you’re a mom with a kid in elementary school like me, you’ve likely been hearing about the Tin Can phone. Our team at The Everymom has been all about the analog life lately and talks of landlines for families were dominating our meetings. So I jumped at the chance to order a Tin Can kids’ phone to review.
Right before the holidays, my school mom group chat was also abuzz about the Tin Can phone. I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate some of my ‘90s childhood into my tween’s 2026 life, and this felt like just the right way. I missed the days when kids could call a friend to set up a playdate, but weren’t also exposed to texts, apps, and everything else that comes with screens.
If you’re curious about this landline alternative—or wondering if the Tin Can Phone is actually worth it for kids—the short answer is: it can be a great first phone for younger kids who aren’t ready for a smartphone, but it does come with a few limitations.
If you’re seeing it all over your feed, you’re not alone. In this Tin Can kids’ phone review, I’m sharing what it’s really like to set up and use with kids, what I’ve loved as a parent, some early frustrations, and whether it lives up to the hype in 2026.
Updated July 2026: After continued testing, we’ve added new insights on how the Tin Can phone holds up for everyday family use.
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What is the Tin Can kids’ phone?
The Tin Can Phone is a screen-free, kid-friendly phone that works like a modern landline, letting kids call a small list of approved contacts without internet access or apps. The Tin Can phone started generating buzz in late 2025. We’d already heard of families installing landlines to get kids back to a simpler time. Then came along this product specifically targeted for kids.
There are two models to choose from. The Tin Can Flashback that looks like an actual 1980s landline and operates by Ethernet cable, not Wi-Fi. And the Tin Can, which is what I’ll be talking about. The Tin Can phone looks like a mix of an actual old tin can and a landline phone. It’s meant to mimic how kids used to string up tin cans from window to window in order to communicate.
How does the Tin Can work?
The Tin Can works off of your Wi-Fi. Families can use it in one of two ways: Tin Can to Tin Can or the paid plan that allows you to make calls to other numbers.
Since we had multiple friends who were also getting a Tin Can, we chose to go with the free plan, which only lets you call other Tin Cans directly.
This kid’s version of a landline phone is all the buzz in elementary schools.
$100
Tin Can phone setup & first-use experience
The setup was surprisingly easy. We plugged the phone into an outlet and then downloaded the app. Then it’s just scanning the QR code that comes with your phone and following the instructions on the app to set up your number. From there, you can easily add contacts by sharing your Tin Can number with a friend to approve or adding a friend’s number right there if you have it. We don’t have the party line plan, but this is also where you can add external contacts. That way, kids can call anyone who doesn’t have a Tin Can and is approved on their list.
The box comes with a little “phone book” that looks kind of like an index card. I wrote his contacts and numbers down there and keep it next to the phone for easy access.
From there, you just pick up the phone receiver and dial the Tin Can number. My kid picked it up instantly. At first, it was very funny as I had to teach him how to actually hold a phone receiver. He would talk into the ear part, and I had to show him, “This part is where you talk!”
Tin Can Pros: What I love as a parent
The nostalgia piece of this product is something that is hard to bottle up. Watching my son’s face beam as the phone rang for the first time. Or as he got his first voicemail from a friend. Or the talks the girl moms are having about crushes and who is calling whom. It’s so sweet, simple, and really needed for this generation.
I also love that this is actually teaching him a skill that most kids his age don’t have. How to talk on the phone and how to talk to a friend’s parents on the phone. He’s definitely hung up on a parent when they picked up. Last week, the phone rang, and my husband picked it up and the kid on the other line immediately hung up. We checked the logs to see it was one of the girls calling. Doesn’t get more ’90s throwback than that.
The Tin Can kids’ phone, being a screen-free way for kids to have some independence in communication, is so key for me. I love that he can call a friend to plan a play date or to just chat and there’s no texting, no apps, just old-fashioned phone chat.
What is Tin Can Community?
After the initial success of the product, Tin Can launched its community program. Which is basically exactly what we were already doing on our own with my son’s classmates.
Tin Can now incentivizes groups to order the phones in bulk. With an order of a minimum of 25 Tin Can phones, you get a discount and access to exclusive features. It’s a great way to get your school, team, neighborhood all going analog!
What age is the Tin Can kids’ phone best for?
My son is 9, and it’s been great for him so far. But many of his friends have younger siblings who are loving it even more than the older kids. Once kids start developing more independence in friendships and want to talk or make their own plans, this is a great addition. I would say if they are 6 and up, this is definitely going to get used at home.
Tin Can things to consider
Make sure you have reliable Wi-Fi and have a place to keep the phone that’s convenient for everyday use. You have to download the app to use the phone, that’s where you can approve their contacts. You can add friends if you know their numbers and accept requests.
The app is also where you can set active hours. I like to set the active hours to after school and before bed time (4pm-8pm). On the weekends usually it’s longer.
Is the Tin Can Phone Worth It?
Absolutely. My kid is currently on the phone with a classmate, checking their homework together. It’s so sweet and innocent and offers kids a great way to interact without screens or video games.
The best for me was when my son had his first prank phone call. The phone rang, and I just heard him say, “What, my refrigerator? Why would a refrigerator be running?” I have not laughed that hard in a long time! Just watching my kid have these small, innocent childhood experiences makes it completely worth it.
My overall rating would be 4.8 stars. I do wish he could call me, his dad, or his grandparents on this device. But the kids having their own special way to talk makes it even better.
How It Compares to Other Kids’ Phones
Compared to smart phone options like the Gabb Phone, or smart watches like the Gizmo, the Tin Can phone is much more limited. But that’s also the point. It’s designed to feel like a landline, not a mini smartphone, which makes it a better fit for younger kids or families trying to delay screen exposure entirely.
Frequently asked questions about the Tin Can phone
Is the Tin Can phone worth it for kids?
Absolutely! We have now had it for 6 months and my son still loves having phone time with friends after homework. Much better than Roblox time with friends.
Does Tin Can phone need Wi-Fi?
Yes, all you need is a Wi-Fi connection to make it work!
What age is the Tin Can phone best for?
My son got the Tin Can at 9 years old. Many of his friends with younger sibling also have it and the little ones spend a lot more time on the Tin Can than the older siblings. I’d say this phone is good for ages 6 and up.
How many numbers can you store on the Tin Can?
So far as many as we want!
Can Tin Can call non-Tin Can phones?
Yes, but only if you have the Party Line plan that costs $9.99/month. However, you can set up emergency calling with the free plan so your child can call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Can kids text on the Tin Can phone?
Since it operates like a landline, there is no texting or screens on the Tin Can phone.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.