Fall Detection on Apple Watch Series 4 (Cellular) without iPhone

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bin1000 Author

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Fall Detection on Apple Watch Series 4 (Cellular) without iPhone

I am looking at setting up a Series 4 Apple Watch (Cellular) for an elderly relative.

She doesn't have an iPhone, but I can set it up for her using Apple Family on another iPhone.

Specifically she needs the watch for the Fall Detection feature. She doesn't intend to use the watch for anything else.

So I have two questions:

If she is part of the Apple Family group, will she need a separate monthly contract so that the phone would be able to make an emergency call to pre-assigned contacts if she fell and triggered the Fall Detection? So far as I can see, in the UK that would cost around £20 per month.
If that is the case, then the alternative would be to buy her an old iPhone 6 or above to pair with the watch. If we went down this route, then presumably she can choose any cheap sim only plan for the phone and the watch would use that allowance should it need to make an emergency call?

It's probably a really straightforward answer, but I've read a number of contradictory explanations online so would like some clarification before going ahead with the purchase.

Thanks.

Posted on Oct 8, 2020 8:35 AM

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Answer 1

cp from OH

Community Specialist

Oct 13, 2020 10:02 AM in response to bin1000

Hello bin1000,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We're happy to help with your questions regarding setting up the Apple Watch Series 4 for your relative.

You'll find under step 7 of the Set up an Apple Watch for a family member article the following information:

"If your iPhone cellular provider supports Family Setup, you can add the watch to your plan. If your carrier doesn’t support it, you might be able to use an alternative carrier. Then you can set up cellular on the watch later."

The same article provides information regarding what is needed for devices and settings. The Apple Watch Series 4 will work. You'll also need to have, "An iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later for the initial watch setup."

While the cellular plan isn't required, it is necessary for some features. This article will show what the Apple Watch can do without an iPhone: Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby.

If you have any additional questions while setting it up, let us know.

All the best.

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Fall Detection on Apple Watch Series 4 (Cellular) without iPhone

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