The MGMini Lite | Medical Guardian's New Device

Historically, medical alert devices have been bulky and noticeable, often worn around the neck. Perhaps you’ve been wary of purchasing a medical alert device for that exact reason — it’s unflattering to wear or its size and shape just get in the way.

Luckily, medical alert companies have been working to make devices smaller and easier to wear. And one device, in particular, just recently hit the market!

Introducing the MGMini Lite — Medical Guardian’s newest, smallest, and simplest device that can be worn on the wrist.

The MGMini Lite

Since 2005, Medical Guardian has been providing reliable medical alert assistance and devices, and the company is constantly seeking to improve its products to meet the varying needs of its customers.

Unveiled in September 2023, the MGMini Lite is meant to be “a versatile choice for a wide range of lifestyles. …”, as outlined by Medical Guardian CEO and Founder, Geoff Gross, in a Medical Guardian news release. The device is small and discreet — it is meant to be worn on the wrist, not around the neck. And while the MGMini Lite’s size may be enticing enough, the device features cutting-edge technology, ensuring that you can get immediate assistance when you need it.

Compared to other “on-the-go” medical alert devices in the market, the MGMini Lite really is mini, as the name applies. The device face itself is 1.5 x 1.4 x .5 inches in dimension, comparable to an Apple Watch face — the device is small enough to blend into any lifestyle. The MGMini Lite device face features an emergency help button, and a speaker and microphone. Thus, if there is an emergency, you can easily press the help button and receive immediate assistance from the Medical Guardian monitoring center. Additionally, the MGMini Lite features step and activity tracking.

If the MGMini Lite already sounds like a dream come true, let’s take a deep dive into device features and pricing.

Pricing

When you decide to purchase a MGMini Lite device, you’ll pay a one-time equipment fee of $149.95 to cover the cost of the device, and you’ll need to choose a monitoring and subscription plan. You can choose to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually — pricing for each is as follows:

• Monthly — $44.95 per month
• Quarterly — $134.85 per quarter
• Annually — $494.45 per year* (a one-time yearly cost with no other options)

It’s worth noting that Medical Guardian also offers monthly and weekly specials that can help you save more on your product and/or service purchase.

_{*With an annual plan you can save 16 percent on your subscription. In addition, annual savings include one free month, a free lockbox, and free ground shipping.}

Can I purchase the MGMini Lite for or on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, the MGMini Lite can be purchased by a caregiver for or on behalf of a loved one (Medical Guardian uses the term “care recipient” to describe the individual who will be covered by the medical alert service provided with any MG device).

Is there a minimum commitment for service?

There is a three-month (90 day) minimum commitment for monitoring services with your MGMini Lite (or any Medical Guardian device). If you’ve chosen a monthly service subscription, you won’t be required to pay for three months up front, but you’ll need to be prepared to pay for service for at least three months.

Can I cancel my monitoring service, if needed?

If for any reason you need to cancel your MGMini Lite monitoring subscription, you can request cancellation by calling Medical Guardian and speaking with a representative — you must speak with a Medical Guardian representative in order to complete cancellation.

After requesting cancellation, you’ll be sent a cancellation letter via standard mail or e-mail. You’ll need to sign this letter and send it back to Medical Guardian, and once it’s been received your cancellation can take up to 30 days to be fully processed.

Any unused portion of prepaid monitoring beyond the three-month minimum commitment period will be returned to you electronically or in the form of a check refund.

Wearable options

The MGMini Lite comes with a wristband attached, as the device is meant to be worn on the wrist. The wearable wristband option is particularly beneficial for those who lead an active lifestyle, but is also a good option for those who would prefer a more discreet medical alert device that is not only small, but doesn’t need to be worn around the neck as a pendant.

Durability

The MGMini Lite is water-resistant — you can wear it in the shower without any worry. However, the device shouldn’t be submerged in water.

Fall detection

Fall detection is not included with the MGMini Lite. The device is primarily an emergency call button, but you can add on additional features, including fall detection for $10 monthly.

Do I need to add fall detection to my MGMini Lite?

Whether or not you add fall detection to your MGMini Lite is entirely up to you. The fall detection add-on feature can provide additional protection and peace of mind.

However, it’s important to note that fall detection technology doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Thus, if a fall occurs you should always press your help button anyway.

What other add-on features does Medical Guardian offer with the MGMini Lite?

In addition to fall detection, Medical Guardian offers the following add-on features with the MGMini Lite:

• Lockbox — $2.99 per month
• OnGuard alerts — $2.99 per month
• MG Protection Plan — $6.99 per month

Battery life

The MGMini Lite’s battery will last up to 36 hours on a full charge. However, battery life will vary based on use, including cellular strength and fall detection events.

Charging your MGMini Lite device is easy and straightforward. Your device will come with a charging cable that includes a wall plug and charging cradle. Once you’ve plugged the cable into the wall and your MGMini Lite is placed in the charging cradle (make sure that the charging pins line up with the charging plates), your device will charge fully within 2 to 3 hours.

How do I know if my MGMini Lite is charging?

While charging, the red battery light around the help button will flash every five seconds. You’ll know your device is fully charged when the red battery light is solid red and no longer flashing.

Light indicators

Your MGMini Lite features two colored light indicators — red and blue. Both lights surround the help button, but indicate different things.

What is the red light on my MGMini Lite?

The red light indicator on your MGMini Lite is connected to your device’s battery life. 

When your device’s battery is low, the red light will flash slowly until it is placed in the charging cradle. While charging, the red light will flash every 5 seconds until the device is fully charged. When your device has finished charging, the red light will be solid.

What is the blue light on my MGMini Lite?

The blue light indicator on your MGMini Lite is connected to emergency calls. When you press the center help button on your device, the blue light will be solid.

It is also important to note that the blue light will also flash every 5 seconds while charging. 

What do I do if the blue light is flashing (when not charging) or the light double flashes?

If the blue light indicator on your MGMini Lite is flashing while it isn’t charging, or the light double flashes, you’ll need to contact Medical Guardian directly. The light could indicate a fault with your device, and a Medical Guardian representative will work with you to resolve the issue or replace your device, if necessary.

Connectivity

Every MGMini Lite device comes with access to the Medical Guardian online portal, as well as the Medical Guardian MyGuardian App. Through either the online portal or MyGuardian App, you can manage your subscription and billing, receive device and system reports, and manage your care (manage emergency contacts and chat with members of your Care Circle).

While the Medical Guardian online portal and MyGuardian App can make it easier to manage your MGMini Lite device, it’s important to note that you don’t have to have a smartphone to use the device.

As a caregiver, what resources are available to help me check in on my loved one?

As a caregiver to an individual using a medical alert device, such as the MGMini Lite, you can use Medical Guardian’s online portal and/or app to communicate with your loved one, while also receiving updates about their device and if the help button has been pushed in the case of an emergency.

Medical Guardian seeks to make medical alert care easier for both device users and caregivers, as facilitated through its online customer portal options. Medical Guardian has refined its online customer portal experience over the years and the MyGuardian App is currently the #1 Ranked Customer Care App by safety.com.

Is the MyGuardian App available on both iPhone and Android smartphones?

The MyGuardian App is available to download on both iOS and Android devices through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

How the MGMini Lite compares

The MGMini Lite isn’t the only wearable wrist device available in the medical alert system market. Many medical alert companies offer a wearable device that is often marketed as a smartwatch — the devices typically feature an LCD display screen and offer other capabilities beyond emergency monitoring, such as step/activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and even weather and/or calendar apps.

Compared to the following devices, the MGMini Lite offers a much simpler and streamlined device that can connect you with an emergency operator with one click of a button. The MGMini Lite does feature step/activity tracking, but users don’t have to navigate a smartwatch screen to use the device.

Deciding between a simple wearable device, like the MGMini Lite, and a device more closely resembling a smartwatch, is entirely dependent on lifestyle. However, knowing what options are available to you can help you make the most informed decision.

So let’s take a look at some other popular wearable medical alert devices in the industry:

Medical Guardian MGMove

Size: 1.25 inch diameter (2 ounces in weight)

Pricing:

• $39.95 per month + $199.95 one-time equipment fee
• $119.85 per quarter + $199.95 one-time equipment fee
• $439.45 per year + $199.95 one-time equipment fee

Features:

• SOS push button to contact an emergency operator
• Step/activity tracking
• Communication with loved ones directly from device (add-on), 
• Calendar notifications (add-on)

Medical Guardian’s MGMove wrist wearable device is similar in function to the MGMini Lite, but features a LCD display screen, allowing you to use the device like a smartwatch. The device features step/activity tracking, as well as add-on features that allow you to communicate with loved ones directly from the device and even receive calendar notifications. Thus, the device may be an appealing option for those who lead particularly active lifestyles.

UnaliWear Kanega Watch

Size: Similar in size to Apple Watch — not a dainty device to accommodate rechargeable batteries; band is approximately 1 inch across; 4 band sizes available (S–XL)

Pricing:

• $199.00 one-time activation fee + $719.40 annual subscription fee
• $299.00 one-time activation fee + $69.95 monthly subscription fee

Features:

• Push button and voice activation to contact an emergency operator
• RealFall™ Fall Detection (included at no extra cost)
• Patented “quick-swap” rechargeable battery system (you never have to remove the device to charge)
• Works independently

The UnaliWear Kanega Watch is one of the more popular smartwatch medical alert devices in the market. Although the watch has a higher price tag than you may see with other devices, it sets itself apart with the inclusion of fall detection. Most other wrist wearable medical alert devices don’t include fall detection — although some offer fall detection at an additional low cost, as is the case with both Medical Guardian’s MGMove and MGMini Lite devices. However, if you’re concerned primarily about falling, a device like the UnaliWear Kanega Watch could be a good option for you.

It’s important to note that fall detection technology isn’t 100 percent effective. Even if your device includes fall detection it’s important to push your emergency help button, if you’re able, ensuring that you can be connected with an emergency operator.

The UnaliWear Kanega Watch also sets itself apart with rechargeable batteries. This means that you don’t have to remove your watch to charge it; instead, you’ll only need to remove the batteries, which can be swapped out with charged batteries in the meantime. While the option to never be without your medical alert device even for a few hours for charging can offer peace of mind, the rechargeable batteries require more device space, making the Kanega Watch a much bulkier device than others on the market, especially when compared to the MGMini Lite.

LifeStation Sidekick Smart

Size: 1.82 inches (screen), 47mm (case size)

Pricing: $46.95 per month + $99.95 activation fee

Features:

• Push button to contact an emergency operator
• Step/activity tracking
• Heart rate monitoring
• Weather forecasts and notifications

While the LifeStation Sidekick Smart is similar to other devices in the industry, it supports an active lifestyle, with step/activity tracking and heart rate monitoring, at a much lower cost.

It’s important to note that the device doesn’t include fall detection, nor the option to add fall detection to the device. But by pushing the help button, you’ll be immediately connected to an emergency operator.

WellBe Smart Watch

Size: 1.82 inches (screen), 47mm (case size)

Pricing: $29.95 per month + $119.95 one-time fee for device

Features:

• Push button to contact an emergency operator
• Step/activity tracking
• Heart rate monitoring

The WellBe Smart Watch is very similar to the LifeStation Sidekick Smart in nearly all ways — size, pricing, and features. However, it could be an even more affordable option with a lower month-to-month service rate of $29.95.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a smaller, more discreet, medical alert device option, the MGMini Lite could be a great option for you. Compared to competing devices in the market, the MGMini Lite is simple and lightweight, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free active lifestyle without a bulky device weighing you down.