setup apple watch without iphone (2024)

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: focuz1991

focuz1991 Author

User level: Level1

9 points

I bought my kids apple watches for xmas. They are apple watch 3 GPS non cellular They both have ipads and their own apple ids but they do not have cell phones. My hope was for them to be apple to use imessage on their watches while using wifi so i can communicate with them. How can i set up their watches without them having their own iphones?

Posted on Nov 30, 2019 9:44 AM

Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 30, 2019 9:48 AM

You cannot. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and usage. They are not independent devices. You cannot activate them without an iPhone, they cannot be activated with an iPad, and they will be paired to the iPhone used to activate them. You cannot activate them with your phone, as they would be receiving all of your messages. Have them use the iPads on wi-fi to communicate. You cannot use the watches. Unless you intend to get them iPhones too, I would return the Watches.

View in context

Similar questions

  • Thinking about an Apple Watch for my kidsWe have Gizmo watches now (with cell service and phone number) and my kids now want to upgrade. They do not have a phone, and I am not wanting them to get a phone. In reading things online it says a phone is needed to set up the watch. My question is- can I set up a phone for each kid separately, using their current phone number, and not have them on an iphone? 11263
  • Family sharing with apple watchChild has iPad (no cellular) with own Apple ID that they text via WiFi. Will their text messages sync with watch? 3521
  • Apple Watch for a kid - will this work?Hello all, I hope someone can assist.We're thinking of buying an Apple Watch for our 11-year-old daughter however I'm not sure how it will work (or if it will at all).Just to provide an overview: my wife and I each have iPhones, however neither of us has an Apple Watch. Our daughter has an iPod Touch which she uses for iMessage, games and the internet. We each have our own Apple ID however are linked as a family.I understand an Apple Watch requires a linked iPhone. I'm presuming our daughter's iPod Touch won't work be able to be linked, however please let me know if I'm wrong.Can I link her Apple Watch to my iPhone (for example) but, once linked, sign her into her own Apple ID on the Watch so she can receive her usual messages, etc.? 2351

3 replies

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Question marked as Best reply

User profile for user: ChrisJ4203

ChrisJ4203

User level: Level10

230,401 points

Nov 30, 2019 9:48 AM in response to focuz1991

You cannot. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and usage. They are not independent devices. You cannot activate them without an iPhone, they cannot be activated with an iPad, and they will be paired to the iPhone used to activate them. You cannot activate them with your phone, as they would be receiving all of your messages. Have them use the iPads on wi-fi to communicate. You cannot use the watches. Unless you intend to get them iPhones too, I would return the Watches.

Link

User profile for user: focuz1991

focuz1991 Author

User level: Level1

9 points

Nov 30, 2019 9:51 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

if they had the cellular versions would they be able to be set up without an iphone or no?

Link

User profile for user: ChrisJ4203

ChrisJ4203

User level: Level10

230,401 points

Nov 30, 2019 10:12 AM in response to focuz1991

No, they would not. The also require the iPhone, as the cellular version clones the SIM of the iPhone and uses that number on the Watch.

Link

setup apple watch without iphone

setup apple watch without iphone (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6071

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.