Activating Your Apple Watch GPS + Cellular

July 24, 2024

Before you activate your watch

  • Make sure that you have the latest software on your iPhone and your Apple Watch
    • iPhone must be on iOS 15.4, Bundle 50.1
    • Supported Apple Watches include Series 3 and newer
  • Validate that the Apple Watch is capable of cellular activation. There are two versions of Apple Watch: GPS and GPS + Cellular. Only the cellular capable watch has a red ring on the Digital Crown, also known as the dial, of the watch.
  • Make sure that you have a supported plan (includes Unlimited and Unlimited+ Data Plans).
  • Activate both your Apple ID/iTunes account and MyGCI account prior to attempting activation. Both the Apple ID and iTunes account on the iPhone must be set up. You will need these account credentials during the activation process.
  • Confirm both VoLTE and VoWiFi are implemented and active on the iPhone.
 

Activating your Apple Watch GPS + Cellular 

  1. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
  2. Click the My Watch tab, then click Cellular.
    • You may need to power cycle your iPhone to be able to select Cellular
  3. Click Set Up Cellular.
    Cellular setup

  4. Enter your MyGCI login credentials.
    Confirm phone number activation screen

  5. Confirm that this is the phone number with which you want to pair your Apple Watch.
    Add watch to plan Apple Watch activation screen

  6. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions before selecting to add the watch to your plan.
    Confirm address apple watch activation screen

  7. Enter/verify the service address to use for this device.
    Verify order screenshot

  8. Enter a nickname for your Apple Watch to help you identify the watch in your MyGCI account. This is called an Alias. Please note that using the _ (underscore) is not allowed.
    Create alias apple watch activation screen

  9. Review and verify your order.
    Order in progress screenshot

  10. Congrats! Your Apple Watch has been activated. You may now click Exit.
    Cellular is ready screenshot

  11. Your Apple Watch GPS + Cellular is set up. Click Continue to view cellular settings for your watch.
    Too many watches on plan screen

 

Potential Errors in Activation

Mobile plan not supported
Apple Watch is not available with your current mobile plan. Visit our Apple Watch GPS + Cellular FAQ page to learn about supported mobile plans.
Mobile plan not eligible screen 

Number not found on MyGCI
The phone number you tried to pair with the Apple Watch is not connected to the MyGCI profile entered. Contact Customer Service for assistance if this is a number that should be on your account.
Number not found apple watch activation screen 

Too many watches
A device can only be paired with up to three watches at a time. To add another watch, you must first select one to remove or choose a different phone number on your plan to pair it with.
MyGCI Login screenshot 

Watch already activated
The previous GCI owner of this device still has the watch activated on their account. Contact the previous owner of the watch to have them resolve this issue with Customer Service.
Watch already activated apple watch activation screen

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