Apple Watch 3 carrier locked?

I October I bought the Apple Watch 3 from Verizon and used it on my cellular plan. Jan 1 I moved to Germany and now use Telekom and want to connect my watch to my new provider network. However in the Watch app it does not allow me to proceed when I try to add cellular. Verizon says it’s not possible to change the Sim but Telekom (T-Mobile) says it should work. Apple store only referred me back to Verizon. Anyone else run into this issue? Is it possible to switch providers in a different country with the Watch?

Posted on Jan 7, 2018 9:41 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 7, 2018 9:49 AM

Hi


Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the iPhone's SIM card.


The built-in cellular features require a carrier plan for your iPhone in your country of use that specifically includes support for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan.


If buying Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) in another country, then, in order to use the built-in cellular feature, you would need to buy a model that supports the relevant LTE and UMTS bands for your intended country of use and your supported carrier there.


There are three different regional versions of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), each supporting different LTE and UMTS bands, as detailed here - there are different models for the US and Germany:


Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple


I suggest that you consult your carrier for further assistance.


If a model is confirmed by your carrier as being compatible, then it may help to check that you are following the instructions here, under the heading "Changing carriers":


Set up and use cellular on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) - Apple Support


Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can instead be used without activating the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model, in conjunction with an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan from any carrier.


The built-in cellular features cannot be used when roaming. The warranty terms for an Apple Watch purchased in the US are detailed here:


Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty


Depending on your carrier's advice, if you need further assistance, I suggest that you contact Apple Support, make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider:


Apple Watch Zentrale für Servicefragen – Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 7, 2018 9:49 AM in response to Mskris10

Hi


Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the iPhone's SIM card.


The built-in cellular features require a carrier plan for your iPhone in your country of use that specifically includes support for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan.


If buying Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) in another country, then, in order to use the built-in cellular feature, you would need to buy a model that supports the relevant LTE and UMTS bands for your intended country of use and your supported carrier there.


There are three different regional versions of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), each supporting different LTE and UMTS bands, as detailed here - there are different models for the US and Germany:


Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple


I suggest that you consult your carrier for further assistance.


If a model is confirmed by your carrier as being compatible, then it may help to check that you are following the instructions here, under the heading "Changing carriers":


Set up and use cellular on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) - Apple Support


Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can instead be used without activating the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model, in conjunction with an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan from any carrier.


The built-in cellular features cannot be used when roaming. The warranty terms for an Apple Watch purchased in the US are detailed here:


Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty


Depending on your carrier's advice, if you need further assistance, I suggest that you contact Apple Support, make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider:


Apple Watch Zentrale für Servicefragen – Apple Support

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Apple Watch 3 carrier locked?

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