Thinking about getting an Apple Watch and wondering what it'll cost to stay connected with Verizon? You've come to the perfect place! Understanding cellular plans for smartwatches can feel a bit like decoding ancient hieroglyphs, but don't worry, we're going to break it down step-by-step. By the end of this lengthy guide, you'll be a Verizon Apple Watch plan expert, ready to make an informed decision.
The Ultimate Guide to Verizon Apple Watch Plans: Stay Connected, Anywhere!
Have you ever imagined leaving your phone behind and still being able to make calls, send texts, stream music, and even get directions, all from your wrist? That's the magic of an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity, and Verizon makes it happen. But how much does that convenience actually cost, and what are your options? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Experience True Wrist Freedom?
Before we even talk about prices, let's establish why you're looking into a Verizon Apple Watch plan. Is it for:
Ultimate independence? You want to go for a run, swim, or just leave your phone at home and still be reachable.
Safety and peace of mind? Features like Emergency SOS and Fall Detection are incredibly valuable, and cellular ensures they work even without your iPhone.
Family connectivity? Setting up an Apple Watch for a child or elderly parent who doesn't have an iPhone (using Family Setup) is a game-changer.
Convenience on the go? Receiving notifications, controlling smart home devices, and making payments directly from your wrist.
If any of these resonate with you, then a cellular plan for your Apple Watch is definitely worth considering!
Step 2: Understanding Verizon's Smartwatch Plan Landscape
Verizon simplifies its smartwatch plans, primarily offering options that integrate with your existing phone line or standalone plans for devices used by family members without an iPhone.
Sub-heading: The Primary Plan: Adding to Your Existing Line (Number Share)
For most users, the most common and cost-effective way to get an Apple Watch on Verizon is to add it to an existing unlimited mobile phone plan. This is often referred to as "Number Share" because your Apple Watch shares the same phone number as your iPhone.
Cost: This plan typically costs $10 per month, plus taxes and fees.
Discount Opportunities: Verizon often offers discounts if you have certain unlimited phone plans (like Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate). With these plans, the cost for your smartwatch line can drop to as low as $7.50 per month, plus taxes and fees. This discount usually applies to one connected device plan per eligible phone line.
Data and Features: These plans generally include unlimited 5G/4G LTE data. However, there's usually a premium data allowance (e.g., 15GB), after which speeds may be reduced during times of network congestion. You also get unlimited talk and text. Some plans may even include Canada and Mexico roaming.
Requirement: Your Apple Watch (cellular model) needs to be paired with your iPhone, and both devices must be on the Verizon network. Your iPhone needs to be running a compatible iOS version (e.g., iOS 13 or higher).
Sub-heading: Standalone Plans: Apple Watch For Your Kids (Family Setup)
Verizon also offers plans for Apple Watches used via Family Setup, where the watch doesn't need to be paired with an iPhone and can have its own phone number. This is ideal for children or older adults who might not have their own iPhone.
Cost: These plans, often referred to as "Unlimited for Gizmo & CareSmart watches," are typically $10 per line per month, plus taxes and fees.
Features: Similar to the Number Share plans, these usually come with unlimited data, talk, and text, allowing the user to stay connected independently. Features like location tracking and emergency contacts are often part of these plans, enhancing safety.
Requirement: An Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular, or Apple Watch SE with cellular, running watchOS 7 or later. The iPhone used for initial setup needs to be iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later, and part of a Family Sharing group.
Step 3: Factors that Influence Your Apple Watch Plan Cost
While the base prices are fairly straightforward, a few elements can subtly impact your overall expenditure.
Sub-heading: Taxes and Fees: The Unavoidable Add-ons
It's crucial to remember that the quoted monthly prices (e.g., $10 or $7.50) are before taxes and fees. These can vary significantly based on your location and can add a few extra dollars to your monthly bill. Always check your local tax rates.
Sub-heading: Device Payment Plans: The Watch Itself
The plan cost we're discussing is for the cellular service. If you're purchasing a new Apple Watch through Verizon, you'll likely be on a device payment plan (e.g., 24 or 36 months at 0% APR). This is a separate monthly charge for the hardware, not the cellular service. For example, an Apple Watch Series 10 might start at $13.88/month for 36 months, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 could be $24.99/month for 36 months.
Sub-heading: Promotions and Bundles: Keep an Eye Out!
Verizon frequently runs promotions. These can include:
Discounts on the watch itself when you add a new line.
Trade-in offers for your old smartwatch.
Bundled savings if you're adding multiple connected devices or signing up for new phone lines.
Always check Verizon's official website or speak with a representative for the latest deals.
Step 4: Activating Your Verizon Apple Watch Plan
Once you've decided on the right plan, activating your Apple Watch is a relatively simple process.
Sub-heading: Preparation is Key!
Before you begin, ensure the following:
Your iPhone is updated: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version (e.g., iOS 13 or higher for Number Share, iOS 14 or higher for Family Setup).
Apple Watch is charged: Both your iPhone and Apple Watch should have sufficient battery.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on: Your iPhone needs these enabled.
My Verizon App: Have the My Verizon app installed on your iPhone and be logged in as an Account Owner or Account Manager.
Sub-heading: The Activation Process (Number Share - Set Up for Myself)
Pair Your Watch: Power on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Hold it near your iPhone. Your iPhone should prompt you to set up the Apple Watch. If not, open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Start Pairing: Tap "Start Pairing." You can either use the iPhone's camera to scan the animation on the watch face or tap "Pair Apple Watch Manually" and follow the on-screen prompts.
Set Up as New or Restore: Choose whether to "Set Up as a New Apple Watch" or "Restore from Backup" if you're upgrading.
Agree to Terms & Conditions: Review and agree to the terms.
Set Up Cellular: When you reach the "Set Up Cellular" screen, tap on it. You'll be prompted to sign in to your My Verizon account.
Sign In: Enter your My Verizon username and password. The system will check your eligibility for a cellular plan.
Confirm Details: Review the plan details and your 911 address (ensure the state is abbreviated, e.g., "NY" for New York).
Activate: Tap "Activate now" or "Add Device" to complete the activation.
Syncing: Your Apple Watch will then sync with your iPhone. Keep them close until the process is complete.
Sub-heading: The Activation Process (Family Setup - Apple Watch For Your Kids)
Prepare Devices: Ensure the Apple Watch is a cellular model (Series 4 or later, or SE cellular) and updated. Your iPhone should be running iOS 14 or later and be part of a Family Sharing group.
Pair the Watch: Power on the Apple Watch. Hold it near your iPhone.
Choose Family Member Setup: On your iPhone's Watch app, tap "All Watches," then "Add Watch." Select "Set Up for a Family Member," then tap "Continue."
Pairing and Passcode: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the watch and set up a passcode.
Select Family Member: Choose the family member who will use the Apple Watch. You'll need to enter their Apple ID password.
Set Up Cellular: During the setup, you'll be given the option to "Set up Cellular." Follow the prompts to add the watch to your Verizon plan.
Manage Features: You can then manage various features like Ask to Buy, Location Services, Siri, and contacts through your iPhone's Watch app.
Step 5: Managing Your Verizon Apple Watch Plan
Once activated, managing your plan is straightforward through the My Verizon app or website.
Sub-heading: Checking Data Usage
You can monitor your Apple Watch's cellular data usage directly from the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the "My Watch" tab, tap "Cellular," and scroll to "Cellular Data Usage."
Sub-heading: Turning Cellular On/Off
To quickly toggle cellular connectivity on your Apple Watch, swipe up from the watch face to open Control Center, then tap the cellular button. Be aware that keeping cellular on for extended periods will consume more battery.
Sub-heading: Changing or Cancelling Your Plan
You can typically change or cancel your smartwatch plan anytime through the My Verizon app or by contacting Verizon customer service. Remember that canceling the service doesn't cancel any device payment plans you might have for the watch itself.
Conclusion: Is a Verizon Apple Watch Plan Right for You?
The convenience and peace of mind that come with a cellular Apple Watch plan from Verizon are undeniable. With monthly costs starting as low as $7.50 (with eligible phone plans) or $10 for standalone family watches, it's an accessible way to enhance your connectivity and safety. Remember to factor in taxes and fees, and always look for current promotions to get the best deal!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Verizon Apple Watch data usage?
You can check your Apple Watch data usage by opening the Watch app on your paired iPhone, going to the My Watch tab, tapping Cellular, and then scrolling down to the Cellular Data Usage section.
How to activate a new Apple Watch on my existing Verizon plan?
To activate a new Apple Watch, pair it with your iPhone via the Watch app. During the setup process, you'll be prompted to "Set Up Cellular." Sign in with your My Verizon account, confirm the details, and the watch will be added to your existing plan.
How to switch my Apple Watch cellular plan to a new iPhone on Verizon?
First, unpair your Apple Watch from your old iPhone. Then, when setting up your Apple Watch with your new iPhone, choose to "Set up Cellular" during the pairing process, and Verizon will guide you through transferring your existing plan.
How to use my Apple Watch with cellular without my iPhone nearby on Verizon?
Once your Apple Watch has a cellular plan activated with Verizon, it can make and receive calls, send messages, and use apps that require an internet connection, even when your iPhone is powered off or out of range, as long as the watch has a cellular signal.
How to set up an Apple Watch for a child without an iPhone on Verizon?
You can set up a cellular Apple Watch for a child using "Family Setup" through your iPhone. This allows the watch to have its own phone number and plan ($10/month), enabling the child to communicate and use features independently.
How to cancel my Verizon Apple Watch plan?
You can cancel your Verizon Apple Watch plan through the My Verizon app or by contacting Verizon customer support directly. Be aware that this cancels the cellular service, but not any device payment agreements for the watch itself.
How to troubleshoot Verizon Apple Watch cellular connectivity issues?
Check if your iPhone is updated, Bluetooth is on, and you have a strong Verizon signal. On your Apple Watch, swipe up to Control Center and ensure cellular is enabled. If issues persist, try unpairing and re-pairing the watch, or contact Verizon support.
How to add a second Apple Watch to my Verizon account?
You can add a second Apple Watch to your Verizon account by following the same activation steps as the first. Each cellular Apple Watch will require its own separate smartwatch line, typically costing $10/month (or $7.50 with eligible discounts).
How to know if my Apple Watch is compatible with Verizon's cellular plan?
To use cellular on Verizon, you need a GPS + Cellular model of the Apple Watch (Series 3 or newer for Number Share; Series 4 or newer, or SE cellular, for Family Setup). Your iPhone also needs to be compatible with Verizon's network.
How to get a discount on a Verizon Apple Watch plan?
Discounts on Verizon Apple Watch plans are typically available if you subscribe to certain unlimited smartphone plans like Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate, which can reduce the monthly cost from $10 to $7.50. Check Verizon's current promotions and your specific phone plan details for eligibility.
