Apple watches are now in style, especially in this modern day, where everyone wants to be connected to the latest technology. The issue here is that the majority of consumers don’t know the basic specifications of these watches. They buy them and afterwards wish they hadn’t. If you’re someone considering an Apple watch purchase, you might be wondering,” Are Apple watches locked to a carrier?”
You don’t need to worry because you’ll get all the authentic information regarding your query in this reader-friendly guide. Let’s dive into it.
What Is A Phone Carrier Anyway?
To start, it’s essential to understand what a phone carrier is.
A company that offers users wireless cellular connectivity on phones and tablets is referred to as a cellphone carrier.
You will be required to pay a cell carrier fee in exchange for the service.
So, Are Apple Watches Really Locked To A Network/Carrier?
Apple watches are not locked to a specific carrier innately, allowing users to select the service provider they prefer. The brand-new Apple watch is never carrier-locked. You may only get a carrier-locked Apple Watch if you are purchasing a used model.
However, Apple watches are region-specific devices of cellular models.
It means they are manufactured for use in that particular geographical area and need a compatible carrier.
Therefore, pre-research on regional limitations of Apple watches is good to do while purchasing so you may get the right Apple watch for yourself!
For example, if you purchase a watch from Toronto and are planning to use it in India, you’ll be restricted from doing so because it is locked to Canada.
Before getting into the purchase of the GPS+ cellular model, ensure the carrier’s compatibility with the desired watch model so that you’ll be served with good cellular functionality and not regret your decision later on.
What If My Watch Is Wi-Fi Or GPS Only?
This model of Apple watch is quite easy to use. If it is a GPS or Wi-Fi-only model, carrier support is not required.
All you need is to go to watch settings and tap on Wi-Fi. Select the network you need to join. Enter password if required.
Connecting with GPS is also very easy.
Just go to the Maps App on your Apple Watch, select a location, and pin it on the map. You can see directions from the location info.
Choose your mode of transportation, then pick a route and follow the instructions to travel to your destination.
Is The Apple Watch Locked or Unlocked?
As discussed earlier, Apple watches are never locked to a carrier; no worry about whether it is locked or not.
The only way an Apple Watch might be considered to be network-locked is if you’ve included it in your monthly subscription.
You cannot use the watch with another carrier provider while you are still paying for it as part of your mobile data plan.
However, the carrier will remove the Apple Watch from your contract as soon as you let them know that you don’t want to pay for its addition.
After that, you can go for a different network provider if you want.
How To Remove The Carrier From Your Apple Watch?
If you’re searching for the possibility of removing the carrier from your Apple Watch, your search ends here.
That’s because Apple lets you cancel cellular plans using your iPhone. Follow these steps to do so:
1. Open up the Apple Watch app using your iPhone.
2. Come to the “My Watch” feature at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap on the “Cellular” option
4. Choose “Remove Carrier Plan” and confirm by tapping it.
Here you go! Your Apple Watch is disconnected from the previous network, and you can now go ahead with a new carrier plan.
How To Switch Carrier Of An Apple Watch?
Changing the network provider of your Apple watch is not a hard nut to crack.
If you’ve purchased a used watch with a different carrier or you’ve changed the carrier provider of your iPhone and want to switch your Apple watch to the same carrier, then this section is going to be magical for you.
Follow these easy instructions to change carriers on your Apple Watch.
As previously mentioned, start by disconnecting the current carrier plan from your gadget.
Contact your new carrier next and ask them to set up a new plan for your Apple Watch.
The information required for activation of eSIM on your device will be provided by them.
After activation, your Apple Watch will be linked to the new carrier so you can use all of its cellular services smoothly.
Is The Apple Watch 6 Locked to The Carrier?
Apple Watch 6 is not locked to a certain carrier provider.
When you are pairing your watch with your device, you need to ask your current carrier to add your watch to your data plan.
Most carriers charge about $10 for adding the Apple Watch 6 to the same cellular plan used for the iPhone.
Suppose you want to gift someone an Apple watch, or you desire to purchase it for yourself but are concerned about its compatibility with a specific cellular network.
In that case, it’s best to consult with the carrier prior to purchase.
Apple Watches are a significant source of revenue for all major carriers, so they all offer support for including them in data plans.
The embedded electronic sim card of the Apple Watch 6 can be linked to the existing cellular data plan that is being used for the sim inside your iPhone.
After receiving the Apple Watch 6, all you have to do is attach it to your iPhone, then get in touch with your carrier and let them know you want to include the watch in your plan.
They will assist you in setting this up, and you will soon be able to use the smartwatch’s cellular services.
Is The Apple Watch Series 4 Carrier Locked?
Just like the previous ones, your Apple Watch Series 4 isn’t really carrier-locked because it can be used with any carrier, and it freely supports any device.
But the important thing to note here is that certain features and services may vary depending on the carrier and plan you are currently using!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Apple Watches Unlocked For Any Carrier?
Any carrier that offers support to the Apple Watch is compatible and able to be used with your watch.
Contact your network provider to ensure compatibility. If you buy a watch with a cellular model, it must use an identical carrier to your iPhone.
It is impossible to use a different network for your watch than your iPhone.
Is It Possible To Use An Apple Watch In Another Country?
With compatible carriers, your Apple Watch can be used worldwide. But there are some factors to consider.
Make sure your device can use the local area network of the region you visit.
Also, find out if the carriers in your target country have roaming arrangements in place with your home carrier.
How Do I Know If My Apple Watch Is Locked To A Carrier?
You don’t need to be concerned about this since Apple watches are not carrier-locked.
Are Apple Watches Locked to a Carrier Series 7?
Even if you are using Apple Watch Series 7, you must know that there is no way this smartwatch is connected to a carrier. Therefore, the answer to this question is no, which means this series 7 watch isn’t connected to the Carrier at all.
Are Apple Watches Locked to a Carrier Series 6?
Are you using a Series 6 Apple Watch? If that’s the case, it is still not connected with any carrier service provider. You can choose the carrier for your Apple Watch all by yourself after registering it with the right service providers.
Are Apple Watches Locked To a Carrier Series 3?
It’s not a problem or a thing to wonder if you hold a series 3 watch with you. Because that will also not be connected to the Carrier of any type. So, use your watch carefully, and don’t stop exploring all of its features!
Final Thoughts:
If you own an Apple Watch with a cellular model, you must be concerned about choosing a network to use with your Apple Watch since it is not carrier-locked. However, if you don’t have this option, you can simply rely on Wi-Fi and GPS models to save a few extra dollars a month instead of adding the watch to your carrier’s monthly plan.
The Family Setup is compatible with the majority of carriers, so you can set up the Apple Watch for your child using both your iPhone and cellular service provider. One of the numerous advantages of purchasing an Apple Watch is this, and the fact that Apple watches are not carrier-locked makes them even more versatile.