Session Status

Due to inactivity, your session will end in approximately 2 minutes. Extend your session by clicking OK below.

Due to inactivity, your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue.

Apple Watch
Set Up in Standalone Mode (Apple Watch For Your Kids)

2026-10-02 11:12:39.501

Apple Watch
Set Up in Standalone Mode (Apple Watch For Your Kids)

Configuring an Apple Watch® in Standalone Mode lets a family member enjoy its features independently, even if they don't own an iPhone®.

Before you begin

The steps below don't apply to Watch Series 3 or older.
The watch doesn't need to be connected to the same carrier as your Apple® iPhone® when setting up in Standalone mode for a family member.
An Apple ID for yourself and one for the family member using the watch is needed. Your Apple ID needs to have two-factor authentication turned on.
You need a Family Sharing setup with an organizer or parent / guardian role to set up the watch for a family member.
Verify your iPhone:
  • has iOS 14 or newer installed.
  • the Bluetooth® setting turned on.
  • has a network connection and data or Wi-Fi enabled.

Steps

  1. Power your Apple Watch on by pressing and holding the
    Side button
     until the Apple logo displays.
  2. On your iPhone, open the
    Watch app
    .
    If you're pairing or activating a replacement iPhone or watch, refer to unpair and erase your Apple Watch before proceeding.
  3. Tap
    Start Pairing
    .
    If you already have a watch connected, tap
    All Watches
     then tap
    Add Watch
     to add an additional watch for yourself or a family member.
    If your device was set up with Number Share for yourself and you're switching to Standalone mode for a family member, unpair your watch before completing these steps.
  4. Tap
    Set Up for a Family Member
    .
    If you're setting the watch for yourself with Number Share, refer to Set Up with Number Share (Set Up for Myself).
  5. To continue, review the on-screen prompts (e.g., Apple Watch For Your Kids, Data & Privacy, etc.) then tap
    Continue
    .
  6. Center the watch face in the viewfinder on your iPhone until 'Apple Watch is Paired' is displayed then tap
    Set Up Apple Watch
    .
    If you can't use the camera, or you don't see the pairing animation or your iPhone can't read it, tap
    Pair Apple Watch Manually
    .
  7. Select the wrist on which you wear the watch, pick the Digital Crown Orientation (top or bottom) then tap
    Continue
    .
  8. To continue, review the Terms and Conditions then tap
    Agree
    .
  9. Tap
    Create a Passcode
    , then follow the on-screen prompts.
  10. Do one of the following to add a family member to your Apple account:
    • To add an existing family member:
      1. Tap the desired family member.
      2. Enter their Apple ID password then tap
        Continue
         and follow the on-screen instructions.
    • To add a new family member:
      1. Tap
        Add New Family Member
        .
      2. Tap
        Use Existing Apple ID
        .
        If you need to set up an Apple ID for your family member, tap
        Create New Apple ID
         and follow the on-screen instructions.
  11. Tap
    Set Up Cellular
    .
    If your iPhone is activated with another carrier and your watch is not activated, contact us to get it activated.
    If your watch says Cellular Is Ready, tap
    Continue
     then skip to step 14.
  12. Do one of the following:
    • If you're setting up your Apple Watch for the first time:
      1. Enter your phone number then tap
        Sign Me In
        .
      2. Enter your My Verizon password then tap
        Continue
        .
      3. Tap
        Add device
        .
        If necessary, pick a phone number and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Wi-Fi Calling.
      4. Review and agree to the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement, then tap
        Confirm
        .
    • If you are switching from Number Share for yourself to Standalone mode for a family member:
      1. Tap
        Standalone
        .
      2. Enter your My Verizon phone number and password then tap
        Continue
        .
      3. Tap
        I want Standalone
        .
      4. Enter an address for Wi-Fi Calling then tap
        Continue
        .
      5. Review the info then tap
        Confirm
        .
  13. To share your Wi-Fi passwords with your family member, tap
    Share [Network Name]
    .
  14. To continue with setup, follow the on-screen prompts (i.e., Location Services, Siri, Watch Analytics, etc.) to customize additional watch features.
  15. If prompted, tap
    Set Up Contacts
     then follow the steps to manage your family members contacts.
  16. If prompted to create a school schedule, tap
    Turn on Schooltime
    , enter the required info then tap
    Done
    .
  17. To begin using your Apple Watch, tap
    Done
    .