Guide

How to Turn an Old Samsung Galaxy Into a Kid's First Phone

Samsung Galaxy phones run Android, so most of this guide mirrors our general Android setup guide, but Samsung's One UI has its own settings paths and its own kids' mode worth knowing about.

1. Check eSIM compatibility and unlock status

Check the exact Galaxy model against our supported devices list. Support varies by exact model and region/carrier SKU. Samsung doesn't make every Galaxy A-series or S-series variant eSIM-capable everywhere.

You'll also need the phone to be carrier-unlocked. If you're not sure, see how to check if your phone is unlocked before continuing.

2. Factory reset and update the device

Back up anything you need, then factory reset (Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset) and install the latest available software update.

3. Create a Google Account for your child

Samsung devices use standard Google Accounts. During setup, choose to create an account for a child, or add one afterward through Settings → Accounts and backup → Family.

4. Choose Google Family Link or Samsung Kids

You have two options, and they're not mutually exclusive:

Google Family Link is the same cross-Android supervision system covered in our Android guide: app approval, screen time limits, content restrictions, managed from your own phone.
Samsung Kids is a separate, Samsung-specific kids' mode that turns the device into a simplified, curated launcher with its own approved app/content list. It's more restrictive and more "locked down" than Family Link alone, which some families prefer for younger kids.

Many families use Family Link for account-level supervision and layer Samsung Kids on top for a simpler day-to-day interface.

5. Install the NextRange eSIM

Once you've joined the NextRange waitlist and been onboarded, you'll get a QR code or install link. On Samsung's One UI, this is under Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.

6. Configure mobile data settings

Confirm the NextRange eSIM is set as the active data connection under SIM manager, and give it a recognizable name.

Turn on Find My Device (Settings → Google → Find My Device) for cross-Android location tracking via the child's Google Account. Samsung also has its own SmartThings Find, which can locate the device even under some additional conditions. It's worth enabling both if you want the extra coverage.

8. Set up video calling

Google Meet works the same way on Samsung as any Android device: a Google Account over any internet connection, no phone number required.

9. Set up messaging

Same situation as any Android device: Samsung's default messaging (whether that's Samsung Messages or Google Messages, depending on your carrier/region) ties RCS chat features to an actual SIM phone number, which a data-only eSIM doesn't provide. See our full messaging apps comparison for options: Messenger Kids for younger children, Google Chat or Discord for older kids, or Google Voice if you want your child to have an actual phone number that runs over data.

10. Choose approved apps

Approve messaging and other apps through Family Link, or curate them directly if you're using Samsung Kids.

11. Test connectivity away from Wi-Fi

Turn off Wi-Fi and confirm messaging, video calling, maps, and location sharing all work over the NextRange data connection before handing the phone over for real.

What this setup doesn't include

NextRange is data-only. There's no traditional phone number, SMS line, or cellular voice service. The apps above cover messaging and calling over data, but your child won't have a conventional phone number independent of an app. If that's essential, a full phone plan is a better fit.

Ready to get started? Check your device and join the waitlist.