Do you want to purchase a new Apple Watch? Are you wondering whether Apple Watches need a data plan to work or not?
In this article, I am going to solve all your doubts regarding the Apple Watch and cellular data plan. I will tell you what you can and can’t do on your Apple Watch with and without a cellular data plan. Moreover, I will tell you if you need a separate data plan and need to pay extra for it or not.
Quick Navigation
- Do Apple Watches Need A Data Plan?
- Does Apple Watch Need A Separate Data Plan?
- What Can Be Done On Apple Watch With A Cellular Data Plan?
- What Can Apple Watch Do Without Data Plan?
- Can Apple Watch Work Without Internet?
- Do You Have To Pay Extra For Apple Watch Cellular?
- FAQs
Do Apple Watches Need A Data Plan?
No, not all Apple Watches need a data plan to work. You can use them without an Internet plan but you will not be able to do a few things without a cellular data plan.
If you are planning to buy a new Apple Watch then you must be wondering about a number of questions. One such question is whether an Apple Watch requires a cellular data plan or not.
Let me put your wondering to rest. If you don’t know then let me tell you there are basically two Apple Watch variants:
- GPS Only Apple Watch
- GPS + Cellular Apple Watch
Out of these two variants, GPS Only variants do not require an e-sim and hence do not need any data plan. These variants make use of the data plan of your smartphone or connect to a WiFi network to access the Internet. So if you are planning to buy the GPS Only variant of the Apple Watch then you do not need any separate data plan for your Apple Watch.
On the other hand, GPS + Cellular variants of the Apple Watch need a sim card and can connect to the Internet without the need for a smartphone or a WiFi network. So if you are buying this variant then you may need a data plan. Having said that, these variants can also use the data plan of your smartphone or connect to a WiFi network and you do not necessarily need to have a data plan for your watch.
So the answer to the above question is both yes and no, depending on your need and the variant of the Apple Watch you have.
Does Apple Watch Need A Separate Data Plan?
Yes, if you own the cellular variant of the Apple Watch then you need to have a separate data plan for it.
As discussed, you can use your Apple Watch without a data plan as well. But if you want to accomplish certain tasks then you will need a separate data plan for your Apple Watch Cellular variant.
The thing that you need to note here is that you need to have a separate data plan for your watch but your watch and smartphone should also be connected to the same cellular network. You cannot buy a data plan for your smartphone and smartwatch from different Internet service providers.
What Can Be Done On Apple Watch With A Cellular Data Plan?
Let me now tell you what features of the Apple Watch you can use if you have a cellular data plan for it. You will be able to do the following things:
1) Emails
If you have an active data plan for your Apple Watch then you will be able to receive and reply to emails from your watch.
2) Play Music
You can also play Spotify on your watch and listen to music from your Apple Watch without connecting it to your iPhone.
3) Apple Home
If you own other smart devices in your home then you can connect to them remotely using the Apple Home App.
4) Browse The Internet
There is no Safari browser app on Apple Watch but you can use Siri to browse the Internet on your Apple Watch if it has an active data plan.
What Can Apple Watch Do Without Data Plan?
As discussed, a data plan is not necessary to use the Apple Watch. Therefore, you can do almost everything on your Apple Watch without needing a separate data plan for it.
You can:
- Measure your workouts
- Track your heart rate, sleep, SpO2, etc.
- Make and receive calls from your watch
- Reply to emails from your watch if it is connected to your iPhone
- Get cell phone notifications, etc.
You will only miss the data plan if you use Apple Watch when your iPhone is dead. If your watch is connected to a smartphone then you can do everything.
Can Apple Watch Work Without Internet?
Yes, Apple Watch can work without an Internet connection. It does not need to be connected to the Internet all the time to function. You can do everything on your Apple Watch without connecting it to the Internet, it only needs to be connected to your iPhone. In fact, you can also use an Apple Watch without an iPhone to a certain extent.
Do You Have To Pay Extra For Apple Watch Cellular?
Yes, you will have to pay extra to buy an Apple Watch Cellular variant as well as to use it.
Now you know you do not necessarily need a separate data plan to use your Apple Watch. But the question that arises is will you have to pay extra for Apple Watch cellular data plan? Or to buy the Apple Watch cellular variant?
The answer to these questions is a yes. As discussed, there are two Apple Watch variants, and the cellular variants cost more than the GPS variants of the Apple Watch. So you will have to shell out more money at the time of buying the Apple Watch.
Moreover, you will need a separate data plan for your Apple Watch to be able to use the Internet on it independently. Therefore, you will have to pay an additional amount for this data plan to your network service provider as well. The general cost of a data plan for Apple Watch generally costs between $15 to $30 per month.
FAQs
Can I Use Apple Watch Cellular Without Data Plan?
Yes, you can use your Apple Watch cellular without a data plan.
Which Apple Watch Does Not Require A Data Plan?
A data plan is not necessarily required for any Apple Watch.
Can You Answer Calls On Apple Watch Without Cellular?
Yes, you can answer calls from an Apple Watch without cellular if it is connected to your iPhone.
Does Your Apple Watch Need A Data Plan?
Yes, your Apple Watch needs a data plan if you want to access the Internet on it without connecting it to your iPhone.
Will My Apple Watch Work Without A Data Plan?
Yes, your Apple Watch will work even without a data plan.
