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Can I use Apple Watch GPS + Cellular without data plan?

In the realm of smartwatches, the <a href="https://www.apple.com/watch/">Apple Watch GPS + Cellular</a>, such as the <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-2/">Apple Watch Ultra2</a>, <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-se/">Apple Watch SE</a>, and <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-9/">Apple Watch Series 9</a>, definitely takes the lead as a powerful accessory that offers users versatile features. But if you&#39;re wondering whether you can skip adding a data plan, we recommend you think again. You can use the smartwatch without a data plan, but you may not want to because it may have some limitations.

Without a data plan, you&#39;ll still be able to use the GPS and other non-cellular features on your Apple Watch. However, you&#39;ll miss out on the full potential of this impressive gadget. Cellular features like making calls, sending texts, and streaming music are only accessible via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi&reg; when connected to your iPhone.

To truly unleash the power of your Apple Watch GPS + Cellular, it&#39;s worth considering adding a compatible data plan from your wireless carrier. This way, you can experience the freedom of using your smartwatch independently from your iPhone and embrace the convenience of cellular connectivity even when your phone isn&#39;t nearby.

With the right plan in place, you&#39;ll be ready to enjoy the full range of features your Apple Watch has to offer!

Why do I need a plan for my smartwatch?

You may wonder why it&#39;s even necessary to have a plan for a smartwatch. Let&#39;s dive into why a dedicated plan is essential for getting the most out of your device.

Convenience on the go: One of the primary reasons to have a plan for your smartwatch is the ability to stay connected even when your phone isn&#39;t nearby. With a dedicated data plan, your smartwatch can independently make calls, send texts, and access the internet without relying on your phone&#39;s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. Leaving your phone behind is especially convenient for those outdoorsy and sporty people. Whether going for a bike ride, or hitting the gym, having your phone with you is not always convenient or even wise. A smartphone is bulky and can also easily get lost or damaged. However, a smartwatch plan allows you to leave your phone behind without sacrificing connectivity, allowing you to stay in touch and access essential features directly from your wrist.

Enhanced features: A data plan for your smartwatch unlocks a range of advanced features, such as streaming music, receiving notifications, and using GPS navigation. With a dedicated plan, you can fully utilize these capabilities and enhance your overall smartwatch experience.

Emergency preparedness: In an emergency, having a smartwatch plan ensures you can quickly contact help even if you don&#39;t have your phone. This added layer of safety can be invaluable in critical situations.

Personalized experience: Many carriers offer tailored plans for smartwatches, ensuring you get the best value and features suited to your needs. By choosing a plan that matches your usage patterns, you can optimize your smartwatch experience while keeping costs in check.

Can you use a smartwatch as a cell phone? Do smartwatches have their own phone number?

Some smartwatches can function as standalone communication devices. Smartwatches with cellular or LTE capabilities can make calls, send texts, and access data without needing a paired smartphone nearby.

These LTE-enabled smartwatches connect to mobile networks, allowing you to stay connected even when your smartphone isn&#39;t within reach. To use a smartwatch as a cell phone, you&#39;ll generally need to add through your mobile carrier a separate line to your mobile plan for the watch, which will give it its own phone number.

On the other hand, some smartwatches rely solely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to pair with your smartphone, so they don&#39;t have their own phone numbers. These smartwatches still boast many features and functionalities but require a nearby paired smartphone for tasks like making calls or sending texts.

If you&#39;re considering purchasing a smartwatch without a cell phone, consider some of the limitations you will likely face. While cellular smartwatches can perform many tasks independently, they may not provide a smartphone&#39;s full range of features and functionalities. For instance, app compatibility, screen size, and overall functionality could be more limited on a smartwatch than on a smartphone.

Can you use a smartwatch on a prepaid plan?

Yes, you can indeed use a smartwatch on a <a href="https://www.att.com/prepaid/">prepaid plan</a>! However, keep in mind that this depends on the compatibility between your smartwatch and the prepaid plan offered by your mobile carrier.

For smartwatches with cellular capabilities or LTE smartwatches, you&#39;ll likely need to <a href="https://www.att.com/wireless/how-to-add-a-line/">add a separate line</a> to your <a href="https://www.att.com/prepaid/">prepaid plan</a> to accommodate making calls, texting, and using data with your watch. Ensure that your carrier offers support for smartwatches on their prepaid plans, as not all carriers may provide this option.

On the other hand, if your smartwatch relies on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, you can still use it with your smartphone on a prepaid plan. These smartwatches don&#39;t require a separate line, as they connect to your smartphone for tasks like making calls or sending texts.

Can I give my kid an Apple Watch instead of a phone?

A smartwatch, particularly one with cellular capabilities, is an excellent alternative communication device for your child.

An LTE-enabled Apple Watch, for example, allows your kid to make calls, send texts, and even use some data without a nearby smartphone. As mentioned earlier, to make this possible, you&#39;d need to <a href="https://www.att.com/wireless/how-to-add-a-line/">add a separate line to your mobile plan</a> for the Apple Watch, which will give it its own phone number.

Additionally, the Apple Watch offers various features like fitness tracking, reminders, and access to select apps, which can be useful and engaging for your child.

Another advantage to consider when giving your child a smartwatch instead of a phone is that they are less likely to lose it or have it fall and break, as it&#39;s fastened to their wrist with a <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/watch/bands">trendy wristband</a>. Moreover, the Family Setup feature on compatible Apple Watches allows you to set up and manage an Apple Watch for your child, even if they don&#39;t have an iPhone.

As the <a href="/gift-ideas/christmas-and-holiday">holiday season approaches</a>&nbsp;don&#39;t forget to take advantage of the great discounts AT&amp;T offers on Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch devices.

Can I use Apple Watch without an iPhone?

Yes, you can use an Apple Watch without an iPhone for certain functions. But, as we covered earlier in the article, some features and capabilities will be limited. Here are some things you can do without an iPhone:

<ul>
	<li>Track your fitness and health metrics, such as heart rate, steps, and calories burned</li>
	<li>Access the time, alarms, timers, and the stopwatch</li>
	<li>Use Apple Pay for contactless payments</li>
	<li>Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks when synced to your watch</li>
	<li>Connect to Wi-Fi networks</li>
</ul>

However, you&#39;ll miss out on features that require an iPhone connection, such as receiving calls, messages, and notifications, using Siri, or installing new apps.

How do I add a smartwatch to my AT&amp;T account?

Adding a smartwatch to your AT&amp;T account is a rather straightforward process. Here&#39;s an <a href="https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1018340/">overview of the steps</a> you may need to follow:

<ol>
	<li>Check compatibility: Ensure your smartwatch, particularly an LTE or cellular smartwatch, is compatible with AT&amp;T&#39;s network.</li>
	<li>Choose a plan: To add a smartwatch to your account, <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/byod/">purchase a wireless plan online</a> (providing it has cellular capabilities): 
	Step 1: Visit ATT.com and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.att.com/acctmgmt/login">sign in to your account</a> 
	Step 2: Select the Add a device option 
	Step 3: Decide if you&#39;ll be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.att.com/buy/byod/">connecting your own device</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.att.com/buy/wearables/">buying a new one from AT&amp;T</a> 
	Step 4: Pick the plan and features for your new line 
	Step 5: Set up and activate the new line on your AT&amp;T wireless plan&nbsp; 
	Step 6: If you purchased a new device, you can usually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.att.com/stores/">pick it up in-store</a> the same day, or choose if you want to have it delivered. 
	You can also visit your <a href="https://www.att.com/stores/">local AT&amp;T store</a> or <a href="https://www.att.com/support/contact-us/">get in touch with the customer support team</a> to discuss your options.</li>
	<li>Activate your smartwatch: Follow the instructions online to complete the process and activate your smartwatch. This may involve pairing it with your smartphone and ensuring it&#39;s connected to the AT&amp;T network. You can also seek assistance from an AT&amp;T representative at your <a href="https://www.att.com/stores/">local AT&amp;T store</a> or on a call with<a href="https://www.att.com/support/contact-us/"> the customer support team</a>.</li>
</ol>

Tamar Levin is a Sr. Digital Content Editor at AT&amp;T, who specializes in wireless technology and innovation. With dual Master of Science degrees from the University College London, Tamar brings over a decade of editorial expertise to her role. She currently spearheads the Content Standards Council at AT&amp;T. Tamar is based out of Dallas, Texas.

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