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 are dominating our meetings. After almost a year of using my Tin Can, I was so excited to hear that they just announced the most nostalgic new version—the Technicaller Clear.
Last year, my school mom group chat was all 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.
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 October 2026: After continued testing and new launches, we’ve added new insights on how the Tin Can phone holds up for everyday family use.
You May Also Like:
- Where Did Tween Culture Go? Let’s Bring Back the Awkward Stage
- A Trip Down Memory Lane: Retro Gifts to Give This Year
- I Tried Skylight Buddy With My Kid: Here’s My Honest Review
- Is the Toniebox Lite Actually Better Than the Toniebox 1? I Tested It To Find Out
What’s new with Tin Can in 2026?
Just when I thought I couldn’t be more into the analog vibes of the Tin Can phone, they dropped my ’90s dream for 2026. This week, Tin Can announced the new Technicaller Clear, and I’m completely obsessed.
Remember those old clear phones from the ’90s? Yeah, it was my dream to get one, and I never did, so now my kid is living my childhood dreams.
This limited-edition colorway is just like that old-school clear landline you remember, but better. The Technicaller Clear glows when it rings and shows all the colorful webs on the inside. As far as how it functions, it’s pretty much the same as the original Tin Can. You can call Tin Can to Tin Can for free (that’s how we use it) and opt into the “Party Line” plan for $9.99 a month so kids can call approved phone numbers (think grandparents and cousins).
And because it’s almost holiday season, we couldn’t have something new without something that feels just right for stocking stuffers. With this new launch, Tin Can is also adding Twirly Cord Charms (so cute!) and their take on the traditional rolodex, the Contact Keeper. Don’t worry, it’s all been added to our holiday gift list. The Technicaller Clear, Contact Keeper, and Twirly Cord Charms will hit the Tin Can site on November 9th. Don’t miss it and sign up to get notified when they’re released; last time they sold out!
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.
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
Available Now
The latest nostalgic must-have from Tin Can is the Technicaller Clear.
$125
Launches November 9th
Now kids can dress up their phones with charms all their own.
$20 for a pack of 5 charms
Launches November 9th
A much better way to keep all of your kid’s contacts organized just like an old Rolodex.
$40
Launches November 9th
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 in 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 4.8/5 stars. I do wish he could call me, his dad, or his grandparents on this device without adding the monthly plan. But the kids having their own special way to talk makes it even better.
How It Compares to Other Kids’ Phones
Compared to smartphone alternatives for kids like the Gabb Phone or smartwatches 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.
Frequently asked questions about the Tin Can phone
What’s new with the Tin Can phone in 2026?
For 2026, Tin Can launched the Technicaller Clear phone, Twirly Cord Charms, and the Contact Keeper.
Is the clear Tin Can different from the original?
In terms of functionality, no, it operates the same as the original. What’s exciting is the new colorway that feels really nostalgic and glows when the phone rings or when you pick it up.
Is the Tin Can phone worth it for kids?
Absolutely! We have now had it for almost a year now, 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 siblings 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 screen on the Tin Can phone.
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with over 14 years of experience in content strategy and brand building. She grew up in Brazil and when she’s not talking about the ‘90s, she’s dreaming about the beach and Brazilian pão de queijo. She loves dancing, yoga, and chasing around her son, Lucas.
