Can we get a non-cellular Apple Watch to work for my child?

why can’t a non-cellular Apple Watch be set up for a child? Seems like a big miss and is really annoying. I really don’t want my kid receiving my text messages on the watch.

Apple Watch SE, watchOS 8

Posted on Dec 30, 2021 5:16 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 30, 2021 5:20 PM

No, you can't. You can buy your child a cellular Apple Watch and set it up to your iPhone. But a GPS only Apple Watch, has to be near the paired iPhone in order to receive and make phone calls etc. It's not a miss. It's a lack of compatibility, which cannot be overcome because it needs to be a cellular watch.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 30, 2021 5:20 PM in response to Danbro23

No, you can't. You can buy your child a cellular Apple Watch and set it up to your iPhone. But a GPS only Apple Watch, has to be near the paired iPhone in order to receive and make phone calls etc. It's not a miss. It's a lack of compatibility, which cannot be overcome because it needs to be a cellular watch.

Dec 30, 2021 5:31 PM in response to Danbro23

Not a GPS only model. A GPS model won't work for an adult if it's not near it's companion iPhone. It is easy and it's why Apple sells Cellular models, so they can work without the companion phone. If you don't need an Apple Watch to make and receive phone calls or text or email, why would you want to give one to a child? Give your child a Cellular Apple Watch if you want them to have a functioning watch not permanently tethered to an iPhone.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can we get a non-cellular Apple Watch to work for my child?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.