Can I assign an existing apple watch cellular number to an iPhone?

Is it possible to assign/share a cellular number that is assigned to an Apple Watch to a new iPhone?

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 13, 2025 07:12 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 13, 2025 09:29 AM

elDuke2015 wrote:

Is it possible to assign/share a cellular number that is assigned to an Apple Watch to a new iPhone?


Some background, for those following along at home…


The Watch and the iPhone normally share the same number, though that’s through some carrier network settings, as the Watch and iPhone inherently have different numbers.


The carrier basically sets up a party line with the iPhone and the Watch, for those that might remember party lines and “distinctive ring” carrier features of years past.


But for carrier questions such as this request to port the Watch number elsewhere, best check with your carrier.


Let us know too, as I might want to try that.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 13, 2025 09:29 AM in response to elDuke2015

elDuke2015 wrote:

Is it possible to assign/share a cellular number that is assigned to an Apple Watch to a new iPhone?


Some background, for those following along at home…


The Watch and the iPhone normally share the same number, though that’s through some carrier network settings, as the Watch and iPhone inherently have different numbers.


The carrier basically sets up a party line with the iPhone and the Watch, for those that might remember party lines and “distinctive ring” carrier features of years past.


But for carrier questions such as this request to port the Watch number elsewhere, best check with your carrier.


Let us know too, as I might want to try that.

Sep 13, 2025 10:00 AM in response to elDuke2015

If you check your provider's phone bill, you may see the number for a cellular Watch on your plan. However, if the watch is paired with an iPhone on your plan, calling the watch's number doesn't go through to the watch. The cellular watch's calls use the iPhone's number, even when you don't have the phone with you.


That's a different case when it is a standalone cellular Watch set up for a family member.


M1 Mac mini, macOS 15.6.1;  Watch, Series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 11.6.1; iPhone 16, iOS 18.6.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 18.6 HomePods, audioOS 18.6

Can I assign an existing apple watch cellular number to an iPhone?

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