How to Set Up Apple Watch for Family Without an iPhone

Hey there! If you’re an Apple Watch lover but don’t have an iPhone, you’re not out of luck. Thanks to Apple’s Family Setup feature, you can now set up a watch for a family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone. It’s perfect for kids or other loved ones to stay connected. Let’s walk through how you can make it happen and what you’ll need.

Understanding Family Setup Requirements

While you don’t need an iPhone for every person involved, there are specific requirements to get started. Here’s what you should check:

• You need an iPhone 6s or later, running on iOS 14 or higher for the setup process. Make sure your iPhone is updated by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
• An Apple Watch Series 4 or later that supports cellular, or an Apple Watch SE with cellular, is required, sporting watchOS 7 or higher. Check your Watch app for updates under General > Software Update.
• Although a cellular plan isn’t a must for setting up, it’s required for using specific features.
• Don’t forget each family member needs an Apple ID with Family Sharing enabled.

Pairing Your iPhone with the Apple Watch

Time to pair the devices! Start by powering on the watch you want to set up, keeping it close to your iPhone. A notification for setting up this Apple Watch with your iPhone should pop up. Tap on Continue. Didn’t get the notification? No worries! Open your Watch app, go to the All Watches section, and tap Add Watch. From there, select Set Up for a Family Member.

Data Privacy and Setting Orientation

After reading through Apple’s privacy information, set the watch’s orientation (left or right wrist) and choose whether to enable Bold Text. Next, create a passcode directly on their watch.

Connecting a Family Member

Pick the family member for whom the watch is being set up. If they have other Apple devices, like an iPad, you’ll receive a temporary verification code on those devices – enter this code to proceed. For iCloud users, you’ll continue with backup and encryption setups.

Setting Up Cellular Features

If the watch doesn’t have a Wi-Fi connection, cellular services like making calls, using Siri, and messaging need a setup. Opt to set up these services now or handle them later.

Customizing Family Member’s Apple Watch

Post-setup, you can tweak your family member’s watch settings through your iPhone’s Watch app. Whether altering the App Store settings, enabling handwashing reminders, or updating software under General > About, you’re in control.

Enabling Schooltime Mode

For children, Schooltime mode is gold – it keeps distractions away during school hours. Activate it from the watch’s Settings by adjusting its daily schedule. Deciding whether to use it every day, only on weekdays, or on a personalized schedule, provides flexibility.

Unpairing the Apple Watch

If the time comes when your family member gets their own iPhone, unpairing their watch from yours is simple. Head to All Watches in the Watch app, select their watch, tap Unpair Apple Watch, and follow prompts to remove the pairing.

FAQ

Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?

Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.

Carrier	Cost (per month)	Additional Details
US Mobile	FREE with Unltd Premium Or $6.5/mo annually Or $9.5/mo Taxes & fees included!	Works with any plans.
Verizon	$15 + tax & fees	$7.50 credit with certain plans​Verizon​
AT&T	$10 + tax & fees
T-Mobile	$12 + tax & fees	Only works with certain plans​www.iphonelife.com​iMore
Xfinity Mobile	$10 + tax & fees	Pairs well with Xfinity home internet​ www.iphonelife.com​Coverage Critic
C Spire	$10 + tax & fees	Only available in select regions​Wear To Track​iMore