Pair Watch but have independent number for Watch

[notsure017]

I have an apple watch gps + cellular. I’d like to set up the cellular so the watch *doesn’t* receive calls sent to my iphone number -- but only receives calls sent to the separate number assigned to the watch. This works as I want when the watch is set in “Family Sharing” mode -- but then the watch is limited in functionality.

Is there any way to have the watch - paired to my phone - and supporting all apps - while having the two numbers operating independently??

Thanks for your help!

 

[Apple_Robert]

That is not possible.

 

[notsure017]

That is not possible.

Thanks for the quick reply! I've asked several people at my carrier, and I've gotten incorrect advice. I'm sure you are right since everything I've tried hasn't worked - do you happen to know if this restriction is clearly documented anywhere? There might well be other folks who get numerous calls on their iPhone but want to reserve their watch to a chosen few. I can't think of a technical reason why Apple couldn't provide watch-cellular-independence as an option...

I appreciate your help.

 

[hg.wells]

It’s one number, this is what Apple’s support site says:

You might see a phone number assigned to your Apple Watch that differs from the phone number assigned to your iPhone. The number shown for your Apple Watch is for your carrier's billing or tracking purposes only; your iPhone and Apple Watch share the same number

 

[notsure017]

It’s one number, this is what Apple’s support site says:

You might see a phone number assigned to your Apple Watch that differs from the phone number assigned to your iPhone. The number shown for your Apple Watch is for your carrier's billing or tracking purposes only; your iPhone and Apple Watch share the same number

Yes - but this is not entirely true! When the watch is configured for "Family Sharing" the phone number shown as "assigned to the watch" is actually fully functional and can be used to make and to receive calls. I know this for sure since my iPhone had been with a carrier that didn't support watches, so my watch was set up with family sharing and I was happy with way the phone access worked.

The way this was configured, when I am home I don't carry my phone around with me and the numerous calls I get go to voicemail. I give my watch number to a few folks only so they can always reach me, and this works out well - but unfortunately since I am in family sharing many watch functions don't work.

And I do understand the the Apple Watch has been developed as an extension to the phone and family sharing was implemented later.

Now I just switched to a carrier that supports cellular watches - and I need advice from the folks here. I dread having a watch that will be buzzing all day will incoming calls. I will be reconfiguring my watch to work together with my iPhone - what are you experienced users doing to limit calls to the watch??

Thanks again!!

 

[arc of the universe]

you are right about a Watch that is set up through Family Sharing being able to get calls to its otherwise hidden/not used cell number.

as has been mentioned, i dont think you can do what you want (receive calls on the hidden watch cell number) if it is paired with your own iPhone.

if i understand you correctly, couldn't you be able to do what you want by having your own watch paired with a family member's iPhone through the Family sharing process? that would allow you to receive calls on yr iPhone through your main iPhone number(or turn off the cellular facility if you dont want to receive calls on yr iPhone) as well as receive calls placed to your Watch through a Family Sharing process?
it would take a trusted family member to do that, im sure.

 

[notsure017]

you are right about a Watch that is set up through Family Sharing being able to get calls to its otherwise hidden/not used cell number.

as has been mentioned, i dont think you can do what you want (receive calls on the hidden watch cell number) if it is paired with your own iPhone.

if i understand you correctly, couldn't you be able to do what you want by having your own watch paired with a family member's iPhone through the Family sharing process? that would allow you to receive calls on yr iPhone through your main iPhone number(or turn off the cellular facility if you dont want to receive calls on yr iPhone) as well as receive calls placed to your Watch through a Family Sharing process?
it would take a trusted family member to do that, im sure.

Just to clarify, I got my first Apple Watch a few months ago when my iPhone used a carrier that didn't support watches, so my new watch was set up - by a kind relative - with family sharing, and I was very happy with way the phone access worked. But I then found that dozens of watch apps don't work in "Family Sharing" mode!!

So I decided to switch to a (more expensive) iPhone plan, while foolishly thinking that if I had a "Standalone" cellular watch plan from the new carrier I'd have two independent phone numbers, while also having all apps supported.

Doesn't work that way! (Maybe someday)

So in addition to moaning and groaning, I thought I would come here for advice.

Please take pity on this newbie...

I carry my iPhone with me during the day so there is no issue if calls go to both the phone and watch. When I come home I toss my phone in the corner and just talk to people when I damn please! Only if relatives or friends need to reach me would I want to be bothered. I guess this is what "Do Not Disturb" is for - but I can't find any detailed doc on this.

Is there the same flexibility on the watch for exceptions to DND - "Emergency Bypass" or "Allow Calls From"? How do folks deal with this problem (if this is a problem for anyone else).

Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

[xraydoc]

What happens if someone calls the 'hidden' Apple Watch number directly? I'm guessing nothing happens, but I've had a cellular Apple Watch for years and I've never tried that.

 

[transmaster]

The Apple Watch is provisioned by the Carriers like an iPad. You can get a cellular connection with one but you cannot make phone calls from one unless it is paired with an iPhone. This is why getting an iPad with a cellular connection as long as you have a iPhone is not entirely necessary. Especially if your iPad stays at your desk. This is the main reason why I will not get an iPad Mini. it is not to big to make a good cell phone, but you cannot make direct phone calls from one.

 

[G35flyer]

One suggestion, you could create a Focus mode that automatically turns on as you arrive home that allows calls from your relatives and friends only. Here is more info: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212608

 

[MarkNewton2023]

I have an apple watch gps + cellular. I’d like to set up the cellular so the watch *doesn’t* receive calls sent to my iphone number -- but only receives calls sent to the separate number assigned to the watch. This works as I want when the watch is set in “Family Sharing” mode -- but then the watch is limited in functionality.

Is there any way to have the watch - paired to my phone - and supporting all apps - while having the two numbers operating independently??

Thanks for your help!

Not what I know of from my cellular provider. The idea of having an independent number for Apple Watch is great but the cost might be too steep if it existed. Maybe someday in the future, it might exist when Apple Watch is totally independent from iPhone. We will see 😊

 

[jetsam]

What happens if someone calls the 'hidden' Apple Watch number directly? I'm guessing nothing happens, but I've had a cellular Apple Watch for years and I've never tried that.

Okay, you piqued my curiosity. I called my watch's number from my landline. It rang once and then I got this recorded message:

"I'm sorry, but the person you called has a voice mailbox that has not been set up yet."

This is on AT&T.