Hey there! With the release of the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, Apple rolled out a fantastic feature known as Family Setup. It’s designed with families in mind, enabling parents to configure Apple Watches for their kids. But it’s not just limited to children; it can be equally beneficial for setting up a watch for grandparents or anyone who doesn’t have an iPhone but wants to enjoy all the health and fitness perks. Let’s dive into the Family Setup features and how you can get started right away!
Getting Started with Family Setup
Before you can start using Family Setup, you’ll need a GPS and Cellular-enabled Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 7. Unfortunately, older models or those without cellular functionality won’t cut it.
Main Requirements
- An iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 installed.
- All participants need an Apple ID and must be included in a Family Sharing group.
- A cellular plan if you want the watch to work simultaneously without an iPhone.
Creating Apple IDs and Setting up Family Sharing
Ensure everyone participating has their Apple ID and that Family Sharing is turned on. Doing this ahead of time will make the setup smoother. But don’t fret if this isn’t done; you can set these up during the Family Setup process too!
Setting Up Family Setup on Your iPhone
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get Family Setup going:
Step 1: Prep Your Apple Watch
Switch on your Apple Watch, erase it if necessary, and start fresh. Open the Apple Watch App on your iPhone, navigate to the setup screen, and pick “”Set up for a Family Member.””
Step 2: Pair the Watch with Your iPhone
Align your watch’s display with the camera area on your iPhone to pair. Then, select “”Set Up Apple Watch.””
Step-by-Step Setup
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Choose wrist preference, text size, and set a passcode.
- Select a family member from Family Sharing or add a new member.
- Finish up by selecting settings like Ask to Buy and Location Sharing.
Connecting to Cellular and WiFi
Set up cellular access by following the instructions provided by your carrier or choose to rely on WiFi for connectivity.
Final Steps
You’ll go through final setup screens configuring Siri, analytics, health data sharing, and more. Opt into Apple Cash Family to manage your child’s spending through Apple Pay.
Exciting Family Setup Features
Family Setup provides extensive options for parental control—right down to who your child can contact and use their watch time.
Screen Time and Monitoring
Parents can employ Screen Time settings to limit app access and usage durations, helping to manage how kids use their Apple Watch.
Schooltime Mode
This feature makes sure the Apple Watch doesn’t become a distraction during school hours. It locks down features but allows emergencies to break through.
Apple Cash Family
You can top up funds for your little one’s Apple Cash, so they can use it with Apple Pay—it’s like giving an allowance!
Health and Activity Tracking
Apple Watch makes fitness fun for all ages with exercise goals and activity tracking, while parents gain insights through the shared health data option.
FAQ
Do I need to buy a separate cellular plan for Family Setup?
Yes, a cellular plan is required if you want the Apple Watch to work independently without an iPhone, although it can be activated without one.
Can Family Setup be used for older individuals?
Absolutely! Family Setup works wonderfully for older adults by providing features like larger watch faces and medical alerts.
Does the child’s Apple Watch sync with the parent’s iPhone?
Yes, the child’s Apple Watch is managed via the parent’s iPhone through the Apple Watch app, allowing efficient control and oversight.
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 plansVerizon |
| AT&T | $10 + tax & fees | |
| T-Mobile | $12 + tax & fees | Only works with certain planswww.iphonelife.comiMore |
| Xfinity Mobile | $10 + tax & fees | Pairs well with Xfinity home internet www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic |
| C Spire | $10 + tax & fees | Only available in select regionsWear To TrackiMore |
