Add Apple Watch For Your Kids

Set up family members with an Apple Watch so they can call, text, and share photos.

Requirements

An iPhone^® 10S or above
Apple Watch^® on an AT&T Wireless^SM plan
An iCloud^®account for the person who will use the Apple Watch (if they don’t have an account, you can create one during Family Sharing)

Good to know:

Each watch has its own phone number, voicemail, messages, and contacts.

Calls made to a family member’s watch won’t ring the paired iPhone.
Calls made to the iPhone won’t ring the Family Sharing watches.

Watches can have different mobile service providers than the paired iPhone, but you can’t buy another provider’s plan during setup. You have to purchase one before you start.
Have another wireless provider and want to use AT&T for your watch? Visit an AT&T store or contact us.

Set up and add a family member’s watch

Want to add an existing watch to Family Sharing group? Reset the watch before you start. If you’re using a different wireless service provider for the watch, you must buy a plan before setup.

Place the Apple Watch close to your iPhone.
Open the Watch app.
Tap All Watches and then Add a Watch.
Select Set up for a Family Member and follow the prompts.
Follow the instructions to set up mobile service on the watch.
- Using AT&T? You’ll see AT&T in the Cellular Plan section.
- Using a different provider? You’ll see the watch’s wireless provider in the Cellular Plan section.
Review and turn on optional features to complete setup.

Want more info? Check out Apple Support: Set up an Apple Watch for a family member

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Last updated: January 22, 2026

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Ready, set, go! Activate your device, set it up on our network, and transfer your contacts and info.