Apple Watch for Elderly Parent - do emergency services work on WIFI only?

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Apple Watch for Elderly Parent - do emergency services work on WIFI only?

I purchased a Apple Watch Series 6 for my 87 year old father basically for the emergency services i.e. fall detection, SOS, and GPS tracking.

We do not live in the same household. It was originally paired with his own iPhone. He was not able to use the iPhone. The phone is now paired with my iPhone. However my phone is a company phone and so I am unable to add cellular coverage to my Verizon plan.

Question, does fall detection and emergency services work with WIFI only (no cellular)?

It's been difficult finding a solution. He will not wear one of those fall detection pendants. He does wear the watch 24/7. Seniors need simple solutions.

Thank you.

iPhone 6s, iOS 11

Posted on Jan 15, 2021 4:46 AM

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Answer 1

guylainegg Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 15, 2021 10:30 AM in response to guylainegg

So I read through and learned that for emergency services, you need to have Wi-Fi Calling. In order to enable Wi-Fi calling, though, you need to have an iPhone. We use his iPad for FaceTime calling. Would that work for emergency services? Can you pair an iWatch to an iPad?

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Answer 2

guylainegg Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 15, 2021 12:12 PM in response to Community User

To clarify for others who may have this question, in order for an iWatch to call emergency services when a fall is detected, it must have cellular service or be paired with an iPhone in the same household that has wi-fi calling.

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