Jitterbug Flip2 Phone Review From Senior Tech Experts

The Buying Experience With Lively

You can purchase Jitterbug Flip2 online, in-store, or over the phone. I appreciate that Lively offers several purchasing options because, let’s face it, sometimes you just want to speak with a human! Especially when buying a valuable item like a cell phone. If you want to get your Jitterbug Flip2 at a brick-and-mortar store, Best Buy, Target, and select Rite Aid and Walgreens stores all carry the senior-friendly phone. Lively even has a section on its website where you can enter your ZIP code, and it’ll show you where the closest store is.  If you’re looking for a smartphone, Lively also sells the Jitterbug Smart4. Check out our full Lively cell phone review to learn more.

Use the ‘Find a Store' feature on Lively's website to buy your device in person.

I ordered my Jitterbug Flip2 online. When browsing Lively’s website, I noticed an activation fee mentioned but had trouble finding the exact amount. To clarify, I reached out to customer service, and they quickly let me know that a $35 activation fee would be charged on my first monthly bill. My initial purchase ended up costing me $88.49 — $79.99 for the phone, $8.50 for tax, and $0 for shipping. The buying process was quick and painless — all I had to do was enter my payment information and address.

I had three options for a phone plan, with costs ranging from $19.99 per month to $49.99 per month. There's also an option to save money if you buy two lines with unlimited talk and text. I only needed one line, so I passed on this offer. But I did call to find out more about it. The customer service representative I spoke to was very helpful. He explained that the second line gets you a $5 discount, no matter which of the three plans you choose.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Large carriers like AT&T and Verizon offer substantial multi-line discounts on their plans. The more lines you add, the more you save. If you have a large family, you may want to consider another carrier since Lively’s multi-line discounts are fairly limited. But if medical alert features are important to you, or you only need one or two lines, Lively is an excellent option.

Setting Up My Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone

The little red phone showed up at my door in a box with the following items:

• User guide
• Activation guide
• Wall charger
• Charging dock
• Jitterbug Flip2

Unboxing the Lively Flip

Since many older adults experience a change in vision as they age,1 I was happy to see that the user guide was printed in large font. The first step in the instructions was to activate the Jitterbug Flip2 — either online or by phone. I tried activating my phone online, but the website just gave me an activation number to call. So, I’ll save you some time: Activate your Jitterbug Flip2 by calling the number listed in the activation guide.

You’ll need a working phone on hand to place this activation call, since your Jitterbug Flip2 won’t be up and running yet. You can use a landline or borrow a friend’s or family member’s phone for this! The live agent set up my account and activated the phone.

If you’re transferring your old number to your new Jitterbug Flip2, you’ll need to follow special activation instructions that are outlined in the activation guide.

Next, I flipped open the Jitterbug Flip2 and pressed the power button, which is clearly located in the top right corner of the keypad. The phone vibrated and the screen lit up, so I knew it was running. On a similar phone, the TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile, which is featured on our list of the best flip phones for seniors, the power button is hidden. So, I’m thankful the Jitterbug Flip2 button is obviously labeled.

Testing Out My Jitterbug Flip2

One of the first things I noticed about the cherry-red flip phone (which also comes in a dark gray color called graphite) was that it’s smaller and lighter than my iPhone. So, if you’re looking for a phone that’s less of a hassle to carry around, the Jitterbug Flip2 checks that box. It’s simple in design, great for older adults who want a no-frills phone, but still has convenient features that I found easy to use.

Lively Flip2 comparison to the iPhone 11 Pro

Navigating the Jitterbug Flip2

The buttons on the Jitterbug Flip2 are easy to see and clearly labeled. No more pressing random buttons and hoping you pick the right one! The list-based menu is pretty straightforward, and the screen is large and bright. Though the text on the screen is already big, there’s an optional “extra large” setting in case you want to really boost the visibility. Another nifty feature, ideal for those with vision loss, is the “read out” setting, which reads menu options and text messages out loud. I tested it and could hear everything loud and clear.

If you owned the GreatCall Flip, the original version of the Jitterbug Flip2, back in the day, you’ll be happy to know that it has evolved to include more customizable menu options and additional buttons. For example, you can remove unwanted items from the menu and change the text size on the screen. This is excellent for those who want to tailor the phone to their preferences. However, the Flip2 may have a learning curve for those who are switching over from the older model. But with a little bit of practice, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a breeze to use.

The Lively Flip2 keypad

Making Calls

Calling my husband from the Jitterbug Flip2 was a breeze. I chose to dial his number, but you can save contacts in the Jitterbug Flip2 if you have trouble remembering everyone’s phone number, like I do! There’s also a one-touch speed dial option for the numbers you call often, like your grandkids.

The Jitterbug Flip2 has a number of features that stand out when you’re making a call:

• Speaker button: The speaker button in the top left corner is great when you need to up the volume, or if your partner is next to you and you both want to speak with your children.
• Hearing aid compatibility: Since nearly 1 out of 4 Americans ages 65 to 74 experience hearing loss,2 I appreciate the Jitterbug Flip2’s M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility rating.
• Adjustable volume: If you have trouble hearing your phone ring, you can set the volume to “maximum” on the side of the phone. You can also set the volume to low or silent if you don’t want to be disturbed.

Using the Jitterbug Flip2 Camera

The 8-megapixel camera is nothing to rave about, but it is sufficient if you just want to take and send photos of things around the house. I took a photo of my flowers and my dog, Bella, so you can get a better idea of the photo quality.

Photo of my potted flowers taken with the Lively Flip2

If selfies are your thing, you can take them with the Jitterbug Flip2’s front-facing camera. The rear camera is also equipped with autofocus and a flash. Though it isn’t top-notch, the camera is much better than what you’ll find on the Link II from Consumer Cellular, which lacks a flash and front-facing camera.

Photo of my pup taken with the Lively Flip2

Amazon Alexa

A new feature of the Jitterbug Flip2 is Amazon Alexa. With this feature, you can use your voice to place a call and send text messages. I sent a text to my friend Katie using this feature. I flipped the phone open and said, “Alexa, text Katie Reed.” (Make sure you have the contact saved in your phone first!) Then, I spoke the text I wanted to send to her. Alexa typed the message for me. I looked it over to make sure it was correct before pressing “OK” to send it.

When I asked, Alexa also told me my phone’s battery level, how many minutes and text messages I had left for the month, and what my phone number was (we all forget sometimes). For older adults with dexterity or vision issues, this Alexa feature is quite valuable.

Nationwide Coverage

The Jitterbug Flip2 runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. It’s one of the largest and most reliable networks in America, so I wasn’t too concerned about coverage.3 Of course, it’s always a good idea to check before you buy. Just type in your ZIP code into Lively’s coverage map.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Because Lively uses Verizon’s network rather than its own network for service, you may experience slower speeds during high traffic teams. This is something I’ve experienced with Lively’s service in the evenings, along with other carriers like Consumer Cellular and Mint Mobile that piggyback on larger networks.

Verizon’s coverage is neck and neck with other leading carriers’. Of course, service for any carrier, including Verizon, tends to be the most spotty in rural or remote areas. If that’s your home, definitely check coverage before purchasing, and take advantage of Lively’s 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the service in your area after purchasing.

Contracts and Warranty

Contracts

Unlike Verizon plans we’ve reviewed, Lively doesn’t lock you into a contract. You can cancel your service or change your plan anytime. I’m always in favor of no long-term contracts. This gives you flexibility and allows you to avoid dreaded cancellation fees. If you decide to cancel your Lively service, you will be responsible for paying the remainder of the month, as Lively doesn’t prorate your bill or charge for partial months of service.

Warranty

I read the fine print and learned that if anything were to go wrong with my Jitterbug Flip2, I was covered by a one-year limited warranty. If the Jitterbug Flip2 stops working because of a manufacturing defect, Lively will repair it for free. Keep in mind that this doesn’t cover lost phones or damage from an accident. One year may seem short, but this warranty is pretty standard across the cell phone industry.

Jitterbug Flip2 Senior Phone Plan at a Glance

*Price includes $5 discount when you enroll in paperless billing.

Add-on Features and Accessories

Want to learn more about the Jitterbug Flip2? Check out our video review below!

Jitterbug Flip2 vs. the Competition

How does Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 compare to other popular flip phones? When it comes to price, the Jitterbug Flip2 is on the affordable side. One of the only flip phones that’s more affordable is Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip, which costs $59 ($10 cheaper than the Jitterbug Flip2), with plans starting at $19.99 per month. However, the Easy Flip doesn’t have any medical alert features, so the Jitterbug Flip2 has the leg up, though you will pay more per month for those features. Check out our Consumer Cellular review to compare your options.

When it comes to senior-friendly features, the Jitterbug Flip2 is one of my top picks. It has large buttons, powerful speakers, a bright screen, and a simple, list-based menu. For comparison, T-Mobile’s TCL FLIP Go is pretty easy to use, though it doesn’t have a simplified list-based menu like Lively’s flip phone. It also costs $96, making it around $17 more expensive than the Jitterbug Flip2. For more details, read our T-Mobile review.

Our Methodology: How We Tested the Jitterbug Flip2

Below is a closer look at my testing process and the factors I used to evaluate Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2.

1. To evaluate the Jitterbug Flip2, I purchased the phone online, for convenience. But, I also made sure it was available for purchase in brick-and-mortar stores, for those who prefer that option.
2. I read about the phone on Lively’s website, so I’d know what features it contained. I also read consumer reviews about the phone on other sites, so that I could compare my experience to theirs.
3. Once I received my phone, I documented my experience setting it up. I took note of my experience dealing with Lively customer service personnel because patience, friendliness, and knowledge are important! I wanted to make sure that the seniors reading this review would be well taken care of, should they need help.
4. Once my phone was up and running, I used it as my sole communication device for a week. This helped me gauge attributes like battery life and call quality.
5. I tried out the 24/7 Urgent Response feature by making 10 test calls, timing how long it took to get a response and the quality of assistance.

After using the Jitterbug Flip2 for a week, I evaluated the phone for the following factors:

• Price and value: Many older adults live on a fixed income, so it’s important that cell phones are affordable and offer solid value for money. I compared the Jitterbug Flip2’s price to other popular phones to get a better idea for price and value. I also took note of any seasonal deals, like Jitterbug's Black Friday deals, and ways to save.
• Customer service: I had several conversations with Lively’s customer support team, evaluating wait times and the quality of customer service responses. All of the agents I spoke with were kind, helpful, and patient.
• Response times: I tested the 24/7 Urgent Response button 10 times and recorded average response times. I was always connected to an agent in under a minute.
• Coverage and call quality: I traveled around quite a bit, using the phone at home,  during errands, and on walks for over a week. I had great connectivity everywhere except more rural areas.
• Ease of use: I evaluated the phone’s ease of use and senior-friendly features. Overall, I found the phone was very simple and intuitive.
• Medical alert features: You won’t find medical alert features on most cell phones, so Lively’s health and safety features are unique. I assessed the usefulness of these features and compared them to traditional medical alert systems.