Can my son use Apple Watch SE without a cellular plan?

Can my son continue to use his Apple Watch SE without a Celular Plan? We set up his watch with his own Apple ID and phone number, managed by my iPhone, while we were on Verizon. We recently switched to Mint Mobile, knowing that they don't support Apple Watches, but hoping he would still be able to use WiFi for iMessage with friends (or us) who also had Apple IDs. That doesn't seem to be the case -- if he texts me it's as a green SMS and it (of course) doesn't go through).


Anyone have any sunshine to shed on this? We'll be switching back to Verizon next year, but in the meantime shouldn't he be able to use his Apple ID, which I thought wasn't tethered to a specific cell phone?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Watch SE without a Celular Plan?

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Aug 18, 2025 04:02 AM

Reply
3 replies

Aug 18, 2025 07:37 AM in response to MachuPicchuMan

Something is definitely missing. If the Apple Watch has no Cellular service, then it cannot send the green messages which actually require it.


What you are describing, suggests the watch does have cellular service, but iMessage is turned off, so he sends green messages instead not Blue messages.


Make sure, iMessage is turned on, on his Apple Watch.

click here ➜ If you can’t send or receive messages on your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Also, without Cell service, the Apple Watch will need to be connected to Wi-Fi to send messages.

Make sure it is connected to Wi-Fi.

Can my son use Apple Watch SE without a cellular plan?

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