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Carrier specific watch?

Hi I bought a series 3 with cell online from a vendor on amazon. New watch not used. Setup was easy except for activation of cell service. For a few days I have been attempting to get watch turned on with my carrier Verizon but they are telling me I have to have a watch that was bought from Verizon for it to work? Are these watches carrier specific?

Posted on Feb 17, 2018 9:15 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 17, 2018 9:27 AM

Hi


No - Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and does not need to be bought from any specific carrier in order to be used with its service plans.


It has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the iPhone's SIM card.


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


Follow the instructions here for setting up the cellular feature on your Apple Watch:



If you still need help, then I suggest that, in the first instance, you contact your carrier again for assistance with setting up and using the built-in cellular feature.


Depending on your carrier's advice, I suggest that you next contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:


Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 17, 2018 9:27 AM in response to allenfromweldona

Hi


No - Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and does not need to be bought from any specific carrier in order to be used with its service plans.


It has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the iPhone's SIM card.


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


Follow the instructions here for setting up the cellular feature on your Apple Watch:



If you still need help, then I suggest that, in the first instance, you contact your carrier again for assistance with setting up and using the built-in cellular feature.


Depending on your carrier's advice, I suggest that you next contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:


Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support

Feb 17, 2018 10:10 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks! I have been on the phone with Verizon for 2 days and they told me if I didn’t buy the watch from them then can’t be added to their network. Some about the IMEI number doesn’t register however they did offer to upgrade my iPhone and sell me another watch. I was on apple chat and it wasn’t much help either. They said I need to get a refund on the current watch and buy a Verizon registered watch.

Carrier specific watch?

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