Are Apple Watches Carrier Locked? They Might Be!

What Is Even A Carrier

I’m sure everyone will be familiar with the word ‘Carrier’ however if you are little fuzzy here this is all you need to know about it: A network carrier, often referred to as a mobile carrier or service provider, is a company that provides communication services to mobile device users.

It operates the infrastructure (such as towers and networks) that allows your phone to make calls, send messages, and access the internet. Examples include AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. When you choose a carrier, you’re selecting the company that will facilitate your phone’s connectivity and services.

Mostly if you are already a customer of one the big ones (Verizon and AT&T) they give you option to extend your plan to Apple Watch. Albeit it comes with a extra charge which depending on what you are choosing can be one time fee or monthly fee on agreed upon terms. My point is you cannot expect your Apple Watch to work with a plan you have for your iPhone (or phone). Especially if you are living in the United States.

How Apple Watches Works With A Carrier

So Apple Watches are not locked to a certain carrier. It is not like Apple sells their watches with a label which will dictate you to buy only Verizon package. No. That is not how it works. In stead all Apple Watches and I am focusing on those with LTE ability are locked to a region.

Which means that if you want to use an Apple Watch within the states then it is not a good idea to get one from the Chinese market. Because chances are your Apple Watch bought from Shanghai will not work properly in New York. At least it will become a hassle setting up a cellular plan on it.

For your ease we have created the guide which can help you out in learning about both size and region of your Apple Watch. It is quite comprehensive with visuals to aid you. Another important thing that you should keep in mind is that all Apple Watches models are given unique model number and this only changes with size (41mm, 42mm, 44mm , 45mm) so keep an eye for it. This model number is key to know every little detail about your smartwatch.

Your GPS Apple Watch Is Not Ready For Carrier Convo…

Before someone’s mind wander to there, let me clear one more thing: All these restrictions that we have talked about, how Apple Watches are locked to a region, it only applies to Apple Watches with cellular coverage.

Your normal GPS Apple Watch can be bought from anywhere in the world and it will function without any problem. It is only LTE watches which requires you to be cautious about the place you are buying them from and the place where you will be using it mostly. Otherwise even they can function as GPS smartwatch without an issue. Wi-Fi and other connectivity features will work without interruption.

Region Matters When LTE Is Concerned

So by know we know one thing for certain: Apple Watches are not carrier locked, they are region locked. Which means it is your choice which network carrier you want to go for, be it big ones like Verizon and AT&T or small time fish like Straight Talk. Or if you are from another country then whatever network carrier in that country is authorized by the Apple. For example if you are in Canada then Bell and Telus are popular option. In India Vodafone and Airtel are by far the best. It is your call (pun intended).

Now another vital piece of information which you should know is that all Apple Watch supports up to 5 cellular plans at a time. Also there is no limit which says that you have to use the same carrier with your iPhone and Apple Watch. You can do same or different, there is no problem in it. Although in the later case you might have to pay more since each carrier will charge in their own way so the wise thing is to stick with one which is giving good service for both smartphone and smartwatch.

“Will Google Fi Work On My Apple Watch?”

Google. Google. Google.

If I didn’t know better I would say Google is Godfather of the Internet world. But I don’t so let’s skip that. Now what you are looking for is answer to if Google has finally allowed the Apple Watches to get benefit of Google Fi. After all, Google’s MNVO has been available for the iPhone for a long time now so logic dictates the answer should be yes.

But is it? Is it true that Google has finally stopped being petty and allowed Apple Watches?

Umm, well I am very disappointed to announce though not surprised to let you know that NO.

APPLE WATCHES ARE STILL NOT ALLOWED ON GOOGLE FI.

Now before you take up the pitch forks hear me out, even Fitbit has not got it. Yes, Fitbit the company that Google bought to gain unfair advantage has still not got the VIP card to see the other side. So Apple Watches still on waiting list makes lots of sense.

Things To Keep In Mind!

In order to add a new carrier it is important that you remove the one which is working on your watch currently. To do so if you don’t know how to remove a carrier from your Apple Watch you can do by following these steps:

• Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
• Navigate to the “My Watch” tab at the bottom.
• Scroll down and select “Cellular.”
• Locate the carrier plan you want to remove, and tap the “i” icon next to it.
• Choose “Remove [Carrier] Plan.”
• Confirm by tapping “Remove” again when prompted.

After these steps, your Apple Watch will be disconnected from the previous carrier, allowing you to set up a new plan or use the watch without cellular service.