Can you upgrade your Apple Watch from GPS to cellular?
If I bought an Apple Watch GPS, is there a chance to upgrade it to Cellular? The watch itself cannot be upgraded. If it is less than 14 days since you bought the watch you can usually return it and buy the cellular version. The watch itself cannot be upgraded.
You can also set up cellular later from the Apple Watch app: On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap Cellular. Tap Set Up Cellular.
No you cannot. This option is only available if you purchase the (GPS + Cellular) version of the Apple Watch. GPS only version does not support cellular functions. You can answer and receive voice and text alerts.
Yes, it is definitely worth having a cellular Apple Watch. But, it comes down to your preferences. If you plan to use it with your Wi-Fi and your iPhone, the GPS version is the right choice for you. However, If you plan to leave your phone behind and explore the world, the GPS + Cellular version is a brilliant choice.
Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra cellular models with an active service plan allow you to make calls, send texts, and so much more — all without your iPhone.
While AT&T used to have a labyrinth of a website that made it hard to find the pricing info for an Apple Watch cellular plan, it's now quite simple: $10/month to add to any unlimited plan. If you don't already have a plan, it would cost the same as a phone line. Prepaid plans do not support Apple Watches.
With Apple Watch with cellular and a cellular connection to the same carrier used by your iPhone, you can make calls, reply to messages, use Walkie-Talkie, stream music and podcasts, receive notifications, and more, even when you don't have your iPhone or a Wi-Fi connection.
If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular
With a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn't with you. Make and answer phone calls. Send and receive messages. Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more.
No. The GPS only model lacks any type of cellular hardware. If you plan on using cellular on the watch at any point, you need to buy the GPS+Cellular model. You do not need to set up Cellular service with it when you buy it however.
A major difference between GPS and Cellular Watch is based on their connectivity. The GPS + Cellular will let you leave your iPhone at home while still being able to make and answer calls, send text messages and stay connected with just your smartwatch. This is the GPS-only watch can't do it.
What is the disadvantage of cellular Apple Watch?
The device's battery performance will be impacted by the extent that you use cellular, so you might not want all those notifications, and you might not want to stream Apple Music at the highest quality, for example. Look at ways to maximize battery life on the Apple Watch and ways to save data on the Apple Watch.
Cellular is not required to make or take calls or send or receive messages. However, you will need either the paired iPhone nearby, or if the iPhone is not nearby, a Wifi connection for the watch, and for the paired iPhone to be on, and have a cellular data connection or wifi available as well.
Make sure you have an eligible mobile data plan with a supported network provider. Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same network provider,* and you must be within your provider's network when you set up mobile on your watch.
You can make FaceTime Audio calls from your Apple Watch by opening the contact you wish to call and selecting FaceTime Audio or by asking Siri to FaceTime a specific contact.
Like all other watches, you can answer calls and messages. If you buy the GPS only version you'll need the iPhone nearby, or if the iPhone is not nearby, you'll need the watch to be connected to Wifi, and the paired iPhone to be connected to cell data or wifi as well.
Yes - all models of Apple Watch, including Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) - can be used to send and receive texts and to make and receive calls when your iPhone is nearby and connected to a cellular network and, potentially, also under other certain other circumstances (see below): Send messages. Answer phone calls.
If you want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, keep your plan. If you don't want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, remove your plan. If you aren't going to pair with a different watch or iPhone, you might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription.
With Apple Watch with cellular and an activated cellular plan, you can stay connected even when away from your iPhone.
Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
You may use a cellular model in GPS only mode, and activate the cellular at a later date if you so desire. To activate the cellular radio, you have to contact your iPhone cellular provider and have it added to your iPhone plan.
How do I know if my Apple Watch is cellular?
Look at the round digital crown on the side of the watch. Does it have a round red circle? If yes, it's GPS+ Cellular. If no, it's GPS only.
Use a cellular network
Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models can connect to cellular. With a cellular connection, you can make calls and use data or apps when you don't have your iPhone or Wi-Fi. Learn how to add your Apple Watch to your cellular plan.
The Main Differences
The main difference between the Apple Watch GPS and the cellular model is the ability to connect to a network. The cellular model allows you a direct connection without having your phone present. This even supports using the GPS on your Apple Watch without requiring your phone.
There is a $10/month charge for the service to be added to your plan. ensures others can benefit from our conversation.
Yes. AT&T requires a separate "line" for the cellular watch, which is $10 per month. It will be assigned a phone number which is basically a place holder for billing purposes. Your cell phone number will be used for incoming/outgoing calls on the watch.
I can confirm now, I disabled cellular on my watch and have given it over a week to test. Disabling cellular resolved the battery drain and high temperature issues on my watch.
While both brands offer outstanding, high-quality wearables, Fitbit has more budget-friendly options, superior battery life, and better health and fitness tracking than the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch edges out the Fitbit in terms of accuracy, convenience, and extra features, but it may be too pricey for some users.
Do I have to add another line if I get an Apple Watch? Apple Watch neither needs nor supports using a separate phone number / cellular plan for the watch. The full range of features is available when Apple Watch and iPhone are connected. Whenever possible, the devices will connect via Bluetooth.
You can play music stored on Apple Watch, control music on your iPhone, and stream music from Apple Music and Apple Music Voice if you're a subscriber. Note: Not all features are available in the Apple Music Voice Plan.
You will not be able to voice call between the watch and the phone because they share the same number, but you might be successful sending iMessages to your own ID and having them appear on both devices.
Can you answer your Apple Watch while driving?
"Smartwatches can also be used if the driver does not touch anything on the smartwatch (for example, making and receiving calls needs to be hands-free via Bluetooth or similar means), and that it is secured in a commercially designed mounting affixed to the vehicle (this may be unavailable)."
The Cellular Apple Watch works by having something called an E-SIM – it's part of the watch itself so you don't have to buy a SIM card for your watch as well as your phone. The E-SIM works by transferring your phone plan onto your watch so both will use the same data, minutes and messaging allowances.
Check your connection
Make sure that your Apple Watch can connect to your iPhone, cellular, or Wi-Fi. To send and receive SMS/MMS from cellular models of Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but your iPhone doesn't need to be nearby.
Open the Messages app on the Apple Watch. Select the Message you want to reply to if you're replying to an existing one. Tap in the open text window that reads iMessage. Compose your message using the tiny on-screen keyboard or tap the microphone button on the right to use voice-to-text.
- open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- the app will then take you through setting up your Apple Watch.
- select Set up Mobile Data.
- log in using your EE login details.
- select the Apple Watch plan and agree to Terms.
Once you have accessed the "Mobile Data" tab, choose the option "Add a Plan." This will display a catalog of carriers that endorse eSIM on Apple Watch. Simply select the carrier of your choice that you would like to use for your eSIM plan.
Set up as new or restore from a backup
Tap Apps & Data and Settings to see how Express Setup will configure your new watch. Then tap Continue. If you want to choose how your new watch is set up, tap Customize Settings. Then choose a backup from another previous Apple Watch to restore.
Pair your new Apple Watch with your iPhone, choosing to Restore from Backup when offered the option: Content and settings from your previous watch will be restored to your new watch, which will then be ready for ongoing use. (Historic Activity data is stored on your iPhone, not on Apple Watch).
"No cellular" could mean that one of your devices, versions, or wireless rate plan does not meet the requirements to activate cellular on an Apple Watch.
Look at the round digital crown on the side of the watch. Does it have a round red circle? If yes, it's GPS+ Cellular. If no, it's GPS only.
Does Apple Watch eSIM cost extra?
Optus eSIM
Compatible devices include the Apple Watch GPS+ Cellular and Samsung Galaxy Watch (Cellular), and iPhones running iOS 11 or higher. This service is a month-to-month add-on, and priced at $5 per month.
The eSIM feature on Apple Watch allows users to activate a cellular plan on their watch without a physical SIM card. This feature is available on Apple Watch Series 3 or later models running watchOS 7 or later.
What devices support eSIM? Apple's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are its first eSIM-only phones, at least in the US, following dual SIM support from the iPhone XS onwards. It also uses eSIM in the iPad Pro and every Apple Watch since the Series 2.
If I bought an Apple Watch GPS, is there a chance to upgrade it to Cellular? The watch itself cannot be upgraded. If it is less than 14 days since you bought the watch you can usually return it and buy the cellular version.
Cellular is not required to make or take calls or send or receive messages. However, you will need either the paired iPhone nearby, or if the iPhone is not nearby, a Wifi connection for the watch, and for the paired iPhone to be on, and have a cellular data connection or wifi available as well.