Apple Watch SE setup for child without iPhone or cellular

I was gifted an Apple Watch SE. I would like to set it up for my child to use just for time and activity. We don’t have any phones in the house that aren’t already connected to a watch and I don’t want to add this watch to one of these existing accounts because my child will have access to that person’s text messages. I don’t want to have to pay for cellular service for this watch because she doesn’t need it, so I think the option of setting up for family member is out. What can I do??

Posted on May 24, 2026 1:24 PM

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Posted on May 24, 2026 2:24 PM

OK. As I understand, the real question is whether the Apple Watch has cellular capability.


If it is an Apple Watch SE with cellular capabilities, it can still be set up, although with limitations, even without any cellular plan.

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support


If it is not a cellular model, I believe you are out of luck.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 24, 2026 2:24 PM in response to Hovan777

OK. As I understand, the real question is whether the Apple Watch has cellular capability.


If it is an Apple Watch SE with cellular capabilities, it can still be set up, although with limitations, even without any cellular plan.

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support


If it is not a cellular model, I believe you are out of luck.

Apple Watch SE setup for child without iPhone or cellular

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