Want to unlock the true potential of your Apple Watch, allowing you to leave your iPhone behind and still stay connected? With Verizon Number Share, you can do just that! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up cellular service on your Apple Watch with Verizon, ensuring you're always reachable, whether you're at the gym, on a run, or simply enjoying some phone-free time.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Be Truly Untethered? - Essential Prerequisites
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you have everything you need. This is crucial for a smooth setup experience!
Your Apple Watch Must Be Cellular-Enabled: This guide is specifically for Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models (Series 3 and newer). If your watch is a GPS-only model, it cannot connect to cellular networks independently. You'll usually see a red ring around the Digital Crown if it's a cellular model.
A Compatible iPhone: Your Apple Watch needs to be paired with an iPhone running a recent version of iOS (iOS 13 or higher is generally required, but always aim for the latest). Your iPhone will be the host device for your watch's cellular plan.
Active Verizon Service on Your iPhone: Your iPhone must be connected to the Verizon network. This means you need an active postpaid account with Verizon. Prepaid accounts or some older plans might not be eligible for Number Share.
The My Verizon App: Ensure you have the My Verizon app installed on your iPhone and that you're logged in as an Account Owner or Account Manager. This is essential for managing your account and activating Number Share.
Two-Factor Authentication for Your Apple ID: For security reasons, Apple requires two-factor authentication to be enabled on your Apple ID for cellular setup.
Sufficient Charge: Make sure both your Apple Watch and iPhone are adequately charged.
Proximity: Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close to each other throughout the entire setup process. Bluetooth needs to be enabled on your iPhone.
Step 2: Pairing Your Apple Watch with Your iPhone (If Not Already Paired)
If your Apple Watch is already paired with your iPhone, you can skip this step. Otherwise, let's get them connected!
Sub-heading 2.1: Initial Setup for a Brand New Watch
Power On Your Apple Watch: Press and hold the Side button on your Apple Watch until you see the Apple logo.
Open the Watch App on Your iPhone: On your iPhone, open the "Watch" app.
Start Pairing: Tap "Start Pairing." You'll see an animation on your Apple Watch.
Align and Scan: Hold your iPhone over your Apple Watch so the watch face appears in the viewfinder. Wait for the message "Your Apple Watch is Paired." If the animation doesn't work, tap "Pair Apple Watch Manually" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Set Up as New or Restore: You'll have the option to "Set Up as a New Apple Watch" or "Restore from Backup." If it's your first time, choose "Set Up as a New Apple Watch."
Review and Agree: Read the Terms and Conditions and tap "Agree."
Create a Passcode (Optional but Recommended): You'll be prompted to create a passcode for your watch. This is highly recommended for security.
Customize Settings: Follow the on-screen prompts to customize text size, Siri settings, and other preferences.
Shared Settings: Tap "OK" to enable your Watch to share settings like Location Services and Find My iPhone with your iPhone.
Sub-heading 2.2: Switching an Existing Apple Watch
If you're switching your Apple Watch from a different iPhone or setting up a watch that was previously in "Standalone Mode" for a family member, you'll need to unpair it first.
Unpair Your Apple Watch:
On your iPhone, open the "Watch" app.
Tap "All Watches" at the top of the screen.
Tap the "i" icon next to the watch you want to unpair.
Tap "Unpair Apple Watch" and confirm.
You may need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
Reset Your Apple Watch: After unpairing, your watch will reset to factory settings.
Follow "Initial Setup" Steps: Once reset, follow the steps in Sub-heading 2.1 to pair it with your current iPhone.
Step 3: Activating Cellular Service with Verizon Number Share
This is where the magic happens! You'll be prompted to set up cellular during the initial pairing process, or you can do it later.
Sub-heading 3.1: Setting Up Cellular During Initial Pairing
"Set Up Cellular" Prompt: During the pairing and setup process, you'll see a "Set Up Cellular" option on your iPhone. Tap it.
Sign In to My Verizon: You'll be directed to the My Verizon app to sign in. Make sure you are an Account Owner or Account Manager.
Enter My Verizon Credentials: Enter your My Verizon username and password, then tap "Continue" or "Sign Me In."
Price Plan Compatibility Check: The system will check if your current Verizon price plan is eligible for Number Share. If it's not, an error will display. You may need to upgrade your plan.
Wi-Fi Calling Setup (If Prompted): If prompted, tap "Set up Wi-Fi calling."
Enter 911 Address: You'll be asked to enter or confirm your 911 address. Ensure the State is abbreviated (e.g., "NY" for New York).
"Cellular Is Ready" / "Device Added": Once successful, you'll see a "Cellular Is Ready" or "Device Added" screen. Tap "Continue" or "OK."
Syncing: Keep your watch and iPhone close together until you receive an alert that syncing is complete.
Sub-heading 3.2: Setting Up Cellular After Initial Setup
If you skipped the cellular setup during initial pairing or want to add it later, follow these steps:
Open the Watch App: On your iPhone, open the "Watch" app.
Navigate to Cellular: Tap on "My Watch" at the bottom, then tap "Cellular."
Add a New Plan / Set Up Cellular:
If you've never set up cellular, you'll see "Set Up Cellular." Tap it.
If you've had cellular before, you might see "Add a New Plan." Tap it.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will guide you through the same process as Sub-heading 3.1, including signing into My Verizon, checking plan compatibility, and confirming your 911 address.
Step 4: Confirming Your Number Share Activation
Once the setup process is complete, it's a good idea to confirm that Number Share is active and working correctly.
Check Your Watch's Cellular Status:
On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the watch face to access Control Center.
Look for the cellular icon (it looks like a few green bars). If it's highlighted in green, your watch has a cellular connection.
Make a Test Call/Text:
Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode or turn off Bluetooth to ensure your watch is using its cellular connection.
Try making a call or sending a text message directly from your Apple Watch.
If successful, congratulations! You're now untethered.
Verify in My Verizon App:
Open the My Verizon app on your iPhone.
Go to the "Mobile" tab and then "Devices."
You should see your Apple Watch listed with its associated Number Share plan.
Step 5: Managing Your Number Share Plan
You can manage your Number Share plan directly from the My Verizon app.
Open My Verizon App: Launch the My Verizon app on your iPhone.
Navigate to Devices: Tap the "Mobile" tab, then "Devices."
Manage Number Share: Find your iPhone's mobile number and tap "Manage" or "Manage Number Share" under "Device Management."
Switch to a Different Line (If Applicable): If you have multiple lines, you can select which smartphone number your Apple Watch shares.
Review Plan Details: You can typically view your plan details, including data usage, here.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process is generally straightforward, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
"Carrier does not currently support Apple Watch" error: This usually means your carrier settings on your iPhone need to be updated. Go to
Settings > General > Abouton your iPhone and check for a carrier settings update."Your device is not eligible for pairing" error: This could be due to an incompatible plan. Contact Verizon customer support to verify your plan's eligibility for Number Share.
Cellular connection issues on the watch:
Ensure your iPhone is connected to the Verizon network and has Bluetooth enabled.
Try toggling cellular on your Apple Watch off and on: On your watch, go to
Settings > Cellular.Restart both your Apple Watch and iPhone.
Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch, attempting cellular setup again.
Check for Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone's Watch app. Some users have reported that content restrictions can interfere with the activation process. Temporarily disabling "Web Content" restrictions under
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictionsand then re-enabling them after activation can help.
Contact Verizon Support: If you've tried everything and are still facing issues, it's best to contact Verizon customer support directly. They can often resolve account-specific problems.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Apple Watch is cellular-enabled?
Look for a red ring around the Digital Crown (the rotating button on the side) of your Apple Watch. If it has one, it's a GPS + Cellular model.
How to update carrier settings on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. If an update is available, you'll be prompted to install it.
How to enable two-factor authentication for my Apple ID?
On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Turn On Two-Factor Authentication. Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to know if my Verizon plan is compatible with Number Share?
Most current postpaid unlimited plans from Verizon are compatible. If you encounter an error during setup, contact Verizon customer support or visit their website's Number Share FAQs for a definitive list of eligible plans.
How to unpair my Apple Watch from my iPhone?
Open the "Watch" app on your iPhone, tap "All Watches," then tap the "i" icon next to your watch, and select "Unpair Apple Watch."
How to restart my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the Side button until the Power Off slider appears, then drag the slider. To turn it back on, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
How to check cellular signal strength on my Apple Watch?
Swipe up from the watch face to open Control Center. The cellular icon (green bars) will indicate your signal strength.
How to disable cellular on my Apple Watch temporarily?
Open Control Center on your watch (swipe up from the watch face), then tap the cellular icon to toggle it off.
How to find my Apple Watch's IMEI number?
On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find the IMEI number. You can also find it in the "Watch" app on your iPhone under My Watch > General > About.
How to contact Verizon customer support for Apple Watch issues?
You can call Verizon customer support at 1-800-922-0204 or visit their official support website for chat and other contact options.
