User profile for user: nikki0706
nikki0706 Author
User level: Level1 5 points
My iPhone service is through Xfinity. I would like to get a standalone Apple watch for my 9yr old daughter (who does not have a cellphone), but Xfinity doesn't offer a standalone watch option. If I pair an Apple watch on their network, it will be connected to my phone number and she will receive all of my texts, etc., which I do NOT want.
T-Mobile DOES offer a standalone option, so I could get a standalone data plan for her there, but it still has to be paired to an iPhone (which again Xfinity will not allow). My question is.. can I pair an Apple watch to a phone that doesn't have a cellular plan? I've received conflicting information about whether this is possible. Since the actual data plan is specific to the watch and provided by T-Mobile, I can see how it might be a possibility. I'd use an old iPhone 11, but it would just sit at my house plugged in and on a Wifi network. We aren't ready to get her a phone, but do really like the idea of her having a watch. I am hoping someone has experience with this scenario and can provide some feedback. Thanks!
**And just to confirm, I can't switch my phone to T-Mobile for another year because we have a year left on our contract.
iPhone 11
Posted on Nov 25, 2023 5:22 PM
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User profile for user: rfrombbc
rfrombbc
User level: Level1 16 points
Posted on Dec 16, 2023 8:39 PM
Nikki
I have good news. Today I was able to set up cellular on my child’s Apple Watch. This is how I achieved it following the advice received from Bob in this forum.
My iPhone has service by Xfinity Mobile (about $30 Mo for unlimited).
Paired the watch to my phone using my child’s Apple ID (initially ignored the cellular part).
Once I had the time I went on to Truphone website, entered my info, entered the watch ID, paid. Took 3 minutes, all online. Didn’t talk to anyone.
A few minutes later Truphone notified me the watch was paired. I was confused because the notice was still there: “The Xfinity Mobile account on this iPhone cannot be used to add a cellular plan to “———'s Apple Watch“.
For more information about Apple Watch cellular plans visit https://www.apple.com/watch/cellular.”
I freaked out! But then realized the watch was in fact, already connected to cellular. The notice is still there but the watch is connected!
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to port my child’s old phone number so I notified the family of his new phone number.
I can confirm, Xfinity Mobile on my iPhone plus Truphone on child’s Watch works!
Truphone mo is around $9
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User profile for user: rfrombbc
rfrombbc
User level: Level1 16 points
Dec 16, 2023 8:39 PM in response to nikki0706
Nikki
I have good news. Today I was able to set up cellular on my child’s Apple Watch. This is how I achieved it following the advice received from Bob in this forum.
My iPhone has service by Xfinity Mobile (about $30 Mo for unlimited).
Paired the watch to my phone using my child’s Apple ID (initially ignored the cellular part).
Once I had the time I went on to Truphone website, entered my info, entered the watch ID, paid. Took 3 minutes, all online. Didn’t talk to anyone.
A few minutes later Truphone notified me the watch was paired. I was confused because the notice was still there: “The Xfinity Mobile account on this iPhone cannot be used to add a cellular plan to “———'s Apple Watch“.
For more information about Apple Watch cellular plans visit https://www.apple.com/watch/cellular.”
I freaked out! But then realized the watch was in fact, already connected to cellular. The notice is still there but the watch is connected!
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to port my child’s old phone number so I notified the family of his new phone number.
I can confirm, Xfinity Mobile on my iPhone plus Truphone on child’s Watch works!
Truphone mo is around $9
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User profile for user: ekassos
ekassos
User level: Level4 1,304 points
Nov 25, 2023 5:41 PM in response to nikki0706
In terms of the hardware you need, two quick notes:
- You need anApple Watch Series 4 or laterwith cellular,* or Apple Watch SE with cellular, withwatchOS 7 or later.
- A cellular plan isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but is necessary for some features. See Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support.
Now if you DO want to get the T-Mobile standalone option, you don't need to have the Watch connect on the same network as the iPhone you're setting it up with:
If your carrier doesn't support Family Setup, or you'd like to use a different carrier, select Not Now.* You can choose an alternative carrier fromthis list of supported carriersandcontact them directly to set up your cellular plan.
Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support
Plus, since all Apple Watches are unlocked, you can most definitely add a T-Mobile plan to the Watch.
So you can either:
- Use your iPhone to set up the Apple Watch without cellular.
- Use your iPhone to set up the Apple Watch with T-Mobile service. In this case, you might want to look into the $5/mo 500MB Digits Standalone Plan with Auto-Pay from T-Mobile (I have the same as a customer). You will have to contact T-Force (T-Mobile support on Facebook Messenger or X, best support option), chat online, or visit a store to activate this plan, as it isn't available on their website.
Hope this helps and let us know if you still face issues setting this up!
User profile for user: Griena
Griena
User level: Level1 8 points
Mar 5, 2024 12:32 PM in response to nikki0706
I have an Apple watch with GPS and a Cellular plan from T-Mobile. I have been paying for a cellular plan for several years under the assumption that in the event my phone was ever lost, I could use my Apple Watch as a "back up" to make and receive calls or send text messages.
That is not the case.
If I turn off my phone or the battery dies, my watch is basically useless. I can't make or receive a call or send a text message.
Therefore, help me understand why I am paying for a plan if I need the phone turned on and in the same vicinity as the watch for it to work.
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User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level9 53,603 points
Jan 3, 2024 4:51 AM in response to nikki0706
The Apple Watch Family Plan does not require the same carrier for Parent’s iPhone and child’s Apple Watch.
The parent can have Xfinity, and the child can use a carrier that DOES support the Apple Watch Family Plan.
Carriers that support Apple Watch Family Plan are listed here:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
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User profile for user: pink_peony
pink_peony
User level: Level1 12 points
Jan 3, 2024 10:55 AM in response to BobHarris
BobHarris wrote:
pink_peony wrote:
Did you ever find out if you can pair an Apple Watch (GPS+Cellular) to an iPhone without a cellular plan? I don't have Xfinity, but I am trying to determine if I can pair my daughter's new Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS+cellular) to her iPhone which does NOT have an associated cellular plan, or if the only option is to use some type of Family Setup with an iPhone that DOES have an associated cellular plan?
If she does not want a cellular phone number , then it can be paired. The Apple Watch will just use WiFi either its own, or via the iPhone WiFi radio.
But if she wants a phone number, the either the Apple Watch Family Plan, or the iPhone get a cellular plan.
NOTE: iPhone needs to be an XS, XR, 11,12,13,14,15 or current SE model to work with watchOS 10.
The cost for an Apple Watch paired to an iPhone cellular plan is about $10 per month added to the iPhone’s cellular plan
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
Bob, thanks for the reply. When you mention scenarios for if she does or does NOT want a cellular number, are you referring to a cellular number for the Watch or the Phone? I think you are referring to the watch. If I'm interpreting it right, even if we purchase a watch with a $10+/- monthly cellular plan, the cellular plan will only work if it is paired with an iPhone with a cellular plan. This pairing can either be a traditional pairing or a pairing using Family Setup. If it is paired with a wifi only iPhone, the cellular service for the watch will not function. Am I summing that up accurately? (I realize the OP's question is more complicated because of Xfinity. I'm just trying to figure out the basics for the watch/iphone pairing.)
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User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level9 53,603 points
Jan 2, 2024 5:55 PM in response to pink_peony
pink_peony wrote:
Did you ever find out if you can pair an Apple Watch (GPS+Cellular) to an iPhone without a cellular plan? I don't have Xfinity, but I am trying to determine if I can pair my daughter's new Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS+cellular) to her iPhone which does NOT have an associated cellular plan, or if the only option is to use some type of Family Setup with an iPhone that DOES have an associated cellular plan?
If she does not want a cellular phone number , then it can be paired. The Apple Watch will just use WiFi either its own, or via the iPhone WiFi radio.
But if she wants a phone number, the either the Apple Watch Family Plan, or the iPhone get a cellular plan.
NOTE: iPhone needs to be an XS, XR, 11,12,13,14,15 or current SE model to work with watchOS 10.
The cost for an Apple Watch paired to an iPhone cellular plan is about $10 per month added to the iPhone’s cellular plan
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
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User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level9 53,603 points
Jan 3, 2024 1:28 PM in response to pink_peony
pink_peony wrote:
Did you ever find out if you can pair an Apple Watch (GPS+Cellular) to an iPhone without a cellular plan? I don't have Xfinity, but I am trying to determine if I can pair my daughter's new Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS+cellular) to her iPhone which does NOT have an associated cellular plan, or if the only option is to use some type of Family Setup with an iPhone that DOES have an associated cellular plan?
BobHarris wrote:
If she does not want a cellular phone number , then it can be paired. The Apple Watch will just use WiFi either its own, or via the iPhone WiFi radio.
But if she wants a phone number, the either the Apple Watch Family Plan, or the iPhone get a cellular plan.
NOTE: iPhone needs to be an XS, XR, 11,12,13,14,15 or current SE model to work with watchOS 10.
The cost for an Apple Watch paired to an iPhone cellular plan is about $10 per month added to the iPhone’s cellular plan
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
Pink_peony wrote:
Bob, thanks for the reply. When you mention scenarios for if she does or does NOT want a cellular number, are you referring to a cellular number for the Watch or the Phone? I think you are referring to the watch. If I'm interpreting it right, even if we purchase a watch with a $10+/- monthly cellular plan, the cellular plan will only work if it is paired with an iPhone with a cellular plan. This pairing can either be a traditional pairing or a pairing using Family Setup. If it is paired with a wifi only iPhone, the cellular service for the watch will not function. Am I summing that up accurately? (I realize the OP's question is more complicated because of Xfinity. I'm just trying to figure out the basics for the watch/iphone pairing.)
You interpreted it correctly. The cell phone number in my description would be for the Apple Watch.
A) iPhone that does not have cellular plan, and hence no phone number. An Apple Watch paired to that iPhone could NOT have a cellular plan either, and hence not phone number. It works, Internet connectivity is limited to places the iPhone and Apple Watch can get WiFi access.
B) iPhone that does not have a cellular plan (or even an iPhone with a cellular plan, but user does not want to sign-up for a cellular service that supports the Apple Watch; or this really is a parent/child relationship), where the iPhone is used in the "Role" of Parent iPhone controlling an Apple Watch in the "Role" of dependent child, under the Apple Watch Family Plan. Then the Apple Watch has a cell phone number, but is limited because it is not directly paired to an iPhone, and is not allowed to share information with the iPhone in the "Role" of Parent iPhone.
Apple Watch Family Plan
Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support
Set up a family member’s Apple Watch - Apple Support
Near the bottom of the following URL are the carriers that support Family Plan. An Apple Watch Family Plan cellular contract is more expensive than sharing the iPhone's cellular plan (see item C below)
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
Some limitations: Cannot receive SMS/MMS messages, as that depends on a fully paired iPhone (as in item C below). Messaging is pretty much limited to Apple's Messages, unless the messaging service provides an Apple Watch app. Alarms, alerts, notifications on the iPhone are not sent to the Apple Watch. Apple Pay via a credit card is not available. Also not available: Medications, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, AFib History, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Wrist Temperature, Blood Oxygen, Walking Steadiness, Audiobooks, Camera Remote, News, Shortcuts, and the double tap gesture.
C) Typical iPhone/Apple Watch usage. The iPhone has a cellular plan that supports an Apple Watch, and the Apple Watch is added to the iPhone cellular plan for about $10 U.S. per month.
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
D) A GPS only Apple Watch (or an unactivated Cellular Apple Watch) paired to an iPhone. In this configuration the Apple Watch can do everything the activated cellular models can do AS LONG AS the iPhone is nearby, so the Apple Watch can use the iPhone's radios. This setup does not require the iPhone have a cellular plan, it also does not require the iPhone's carrier support the Apple Watch, so less expensive MVNO cellular services can be used. If your iPhone it typically "Glued to your Hip", this is a less expensive way to own an Apple Watch, both the initial cost and the monthly costs.
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User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level9 53,603 points
Dec 16, 2023 4:06 AM in response to rfrombbc
rfrombbc wrote:
Hi Bob, Thanks for the response.
I’m even more confused by your response.
If I don’t need Family Setup to have a separate number for the Apple Watch for my child, then what do I need?
I miss the part about your child. You only need a carrier that supports the Apple Watch Family Plan for your child’s Apple Watch.
Your iPhone carrier does not need to support the Apple Watch Family Plan.
So you can use Xfinity, and your child can use:
This page lists the carriers that support the Apple Watch Family Plan:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
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User profile for user: Thabo Da Husky
Thabo Da Husky
User level: Level1 32 points
Apr 6, 2024 11:44 AM in response to rfrombbc
Yes, can vouch for truephone have it for both kid Apple watches. It’s a UK carrier :-) but you get a US number. The reason I use this not something else is because I have prepaid T-Mobile and they won’t give me Apple Watch plans on prepaid. This will only work for family plans. You will need to control the phones via cell phone, not kids cell phones if they have them.
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User profile for user: nikki0706
nikki0706 Author
User level: Level1 5 points
Dec 16, 2023 8:20 PM in response to ekassos
ekassos and Bob, thank you both for all of your input. I have been watching all of the responses since rfrombbc started sharing their experience, and I have to admit that I am still a little confused by all of this. In theory, it sounds very much like this should work to pair my Xfinity phone to my Apple Watch w/ T-Mobile service.. but I have been to both the Xfinity store and the T-Mobile store and nobody could make it work. I even went to the Apple store, and they told me that you cannot pair an iPhone on one network and an Apple Watch on another network. I want to believe that it can work and maybe I've just been speaking with people that are not knowledgeable in this area, but it has been a constant struggle. I also found this forum on the Xfinity page, which seems to support everything that rfrombbc and I have experienced - https://forums.xfinity.com/conversations/xfinity-mobile/family-setup-for-apple-watch-when-will-xfinity-mobile-support-this/64af2370d92de332576d9a12.
After reading this article, I think there are 3 options:
- Continue to try and work through this Xfinity issue (I was able to pair my Xfinity iPhone to the Apple Watch, but received the same cellular error that rfrombbc reported)
- Go through TruPhone using the steps in the Xfinity forum (I can't do this myself because I no longer have the Apple Watch - it was included with the new T-Mobile contract, but I was forced to return the watch when we couldn't get it to work).
- Revisit my initial question of whether I can set up the T-Mobile standalone plan and pair it to an iPhone 11 or higher WITHOUT the iPhone having a cellular plan (I also can't try this, because I only have an iPhone 10 - I'd have to buy an iPhone 11 but don't want to buy it until I know this will work).
If someone has the means to try any of these options, I would be most curious to know if any of them pan out. I've been researching this for months, but have yet to find someone that actually has used one of these methods and can confirm with certainty that it is feasible.
Again, thanks to everyone that is giving their time to try and figure this out!
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User profile for user: rfrombbc
rfrombbc
User level: Level1 16 points
Dec 16, 2023 10:53 PM in response to nikki0706
Cellular Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (2022) 40mm
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User profile for user: michaelfromwayne
michaelfromwayne
User level: Level1 4 points
Feb 21, 2024 5:06 AM in response to pink_peony
Hey did you have any luck pairing an extra phone to your standalone watch? I have t mobile trying to do the same thing. Additional work contact phone but I want to utilize app store.
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User profile for user: rfrombbc
rfrombbc
User level: Level1 16 points
Dec 15, 2023 8:29 AM in response to ekassos
I have this exact same question. I still don’t get it from reading your explanation. If I have xfinity mobile on my iphone, can I get the watch set up through Family Setup simply by having that Apple watch on carrier that supports Family Setup? Meaning, can I keep Xfinity Mobile on my phone?
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User profile for user: BobHarris
BobHarris
User level: Level9 53,603 points
Dec 15, 2023 8:39 PM in response to rfrombbc
rfrombbc wrote:
I have this exact same question. I still don’t get it from reading your explanation. If I have xfinity mobile on my iphone, can I get the watch set up through Family Setup simply by having that Apple watch on carrier that supports Family Setup? Meaning, can I keep Xfinity Mobile on my phone?
Xfinity supports the iPhone. You do not need to use the Apple Watch Family Plan. And it will be cheaper than getting a Family Plan service.
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User profile for user: rfrombbc
rfrombbc
User level: Level1 16 points
Dec 16, 2023 7:53 AM in response to BobHarris
Thanks for clarifying.
I will continue to try this with Xfinity Mobile on my iPhone and other one of those carrier’s on my child’s watch. But I’m still confused because there is currently a message that says: “The Xfinity Mobile account on this iPhone cannot be used to add a cellular plan to ‘———‘s Apple Watch.’”
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Can I pair a standalone Apple watch to an iPhone without a cellular plan?
