Smartwatches FAQs
What are the benefits to having a Smartwatch?
Having a smartwatch linked to your smartphone, allows you to make and receive phone calls or send and receive text messages even if your smartphone is not nearby.
Do I need to pay a monthly service charge for a smartwatch to be active?
If you want to use your watch when out of Bluetooth range of the paired smartphone, then you will need to activate the watch on a cellular service plan. If you do not want to activate cellular service then it will function like the GPS-only model.
If I purchased a smartwatch somewhere else, can I activate cellular service with Cellcom?
Yes. Any Apple Watch GPS + Cellular series 3 or later and Google Pixel Watch can be activated with Cellcom. The smartwatch and smartphone must use the same carrier. For example, you cannot have the iPhone activated on Cellcom’s network and the Apple Watch activated with a different carrier.
How much data does a smartwatch use?
The smartwatch will use data similarly to how your phone uses data. But, if it is in Bluetooth range to the linked smartphone, then all data used will be through the smartphone. So, it just depends on how much you do on the watch when out of Bluetooth range to the linked smartphone.
Can I add device protection or AppleCare to the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular?
Yes, you can add Applecare or device protection (available on select plans). If you have device protection, you need to have cellular service on the watch, as that is a requirement.
Can I pair my smartwatch to multiple smartphones?
No, smartwatches cannot be paired with more then 1 smartphone at a time, nor is it possible to conveniently switch from one smartphone to another (you would instead need to repeatedly unpair and re-pair your smartwatch).
Can the smartwatch be used without being paired to a smartphone?
No.
Do I have to pair the watch to a smartphone?
Yes, smartwatches need to be paired to a smartphone to work.
Do I need to activate cellular service on my smartwatch?
No, you do not have to activate cellular service. Without cellular service, it will work like the GPS model.
How do I activate Cellular service on a smartwatch?
Use the following guides to help you enable Cellular service on your smartwatch:
- Apple Watch(PDF) or use the Apple guide at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207578.
- Google Pixel Watch(PDF)
How do I deactivate cellular service?
To deactivate cellular service on the watch, you must call Cellcom.
How many lines can I have on a plan?
That depends on the plan you are subscribed to. Please contact Customer Care to review this information with you.
How often can I upgrade my smartwatch?
Smartwatches are not eligible for early upgrades. You can upgrade to a new watch at any time, but will be responsible to pay for the previous equipment if it has not been paid off.
I unpaired my watch, but I am still getting billed for it. Why?
Unpairing the watch in the smartphone app only unpairs it from the phone. It does not cancel the line of service at Cellcom, since there is nothing that tells us that it is unpaired. To stop cellular service on the watch, you must call Cellcom.
Is Family Set Up currently supported at Cellcom?
No, Family Set up is not supported at this time.
On what plans can I activate a smartwatch?
Cellcom will allow you to activate the smartwatch on the following plans:
- Unlimited Plus Plan
- Prepaid Unlimited Plan
- Premium Unlimited Plan
- Lifestyle Unlimited Plan
- Unlimited Plan
- Advantage Plan
- Share Plus Plan
- Share Unlimited Plan
- Share 1200 Plan
- Business Unlimited Select Plan
- Business Share Plus Plan
- Business Unlimited Plan
- Business Share Plan
- Business Unlimited Plus Plan
- Single Unlimited Plan
- Smart Data Plan
If you are on a different plan than listed above, you may switch to a current sellable plan to activate a smartwatch on your account.
What is Family Set Up?
Family Setup lets family members who don't have their own iPhone enjoy the features and benefits of an Apple Watch. With Family Setup, a family member who doesn't have their own iPhone can use their Apple Watch to do things like make phone calls, send messages, and share their location with you.
What is the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular eligibility?
iPhone 8 or later running the latest software version on a Cellcom Share, Advantage, Unlimited or Prepaid Unlimited Plan.
What’s the difference between Apple Watch GPS and Apple Watch GPS + Cellular?
The main difference is the presence, or absence, of cellular connectivity.
- Apple Watch GPS lets you send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, and receive notifications when it’s connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The built-in GPS works independently of your iPhone for distance, pace, and route mapping in workouts.
- Apple Watch GPS + Cellular has all the same features as the GPS watch, as well as built-in cellular. It gives you the freedom to send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, receive notifications, and stream Apple Music and Apple Podcasts – even when you don’t have your iPhone with you.
When I make a phone call from my smartwatch, what phone number appears on the receiver’s device?
The smartphone's number will appear.
Why does the smartwatch have a different phone number than the linked smartphone on the bill?
Every cellular device has to have a phone number to work. For smartwatches, that phone number is blocked for all incoming calls (except 911). When a call is placed to the linked smartphone, the watch will ring as well.
Will my current Apple Watch GPS work on the cellular network?
No, only Apple Watch GPS + Cellular have cellular connectivity capability.
Will the smartwatch phone number work for others to call?
No, the phone number on the invoice will be blocked for all incoming calls (except 911). Since the watch is linked with the smartphone, all calls to the phone number will ring on the watch as well.