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NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular)

Learn how NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) lets you use your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) on the AT&T domestic cellular network.

How NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) works on the AT&T network

NumberSync℠ for Compatible Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular)1 lets your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) work on the AT&T domestic cellular network (U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Once your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) is set up with NumberSync, you can talk, and text, using your AT&T iPhone number and use cellular data from your watch.

NumberSync for Apple Watch (Cellular) will automatically connect your watch to the AT&T domestic cellular network when there is no available Wi-Fi network or your iPhone is not within Bluetooth range.

Requirements to use NumberSync with your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular)

  • An Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular).
  • An iPhone® (6 or later including SE) that has been set up for AT&T HD Voice.
  • iPhone running iOS version 11.0 or higher.
  • An AT&T Cellular rate plan for the Apple Watch.
  • An AT&T user ID and password for the account to sync your Apple Watch.

For specific instructions on how to setup NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) with your iPhone, visit Set up NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular).

Voice and Data Usage Priority

There are three ways the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) can connect to a network for voice and data services:

  • Bluetooth connection: The Apple Watch communicates via Bluetooth with the iPhone. When a call is made or received on the watch, the iPhone makes or receives the call, but the Voice is relayed to the watch much like what happens with a Bluetooth headset. Similarly, the watch uses the data network that the iPhone is attached to to provide data access.
  • Wi-Fi connection: Outside of Bluetooth range, the watch can connect to a known Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls, send messages, and use data. However, the watch learns how to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot via the iPhone. The watch will connect to hotspots that the iPhone has previously connected to and remembered.
  • Cellular connection: When the watch is not within Bluetooth range, or there is no Wi-Fi network to connect to, the watch will connect to the AT&T cellular network for voice and data services.

Messaging
If you would like to receive SMS/MMS messages and iMessages on your watch, you'll need to ensure the following have been set up on your iPhone:

  • iMessage is enabled.
  • NumberSync is enabled (allows access to AT&T cellular network to receive messages on your watch when away from your iPhone).
  • For SMS/MMS, your iPhone will need to be powered on and have a connection to the AT&T cellular network, or via a Wi-Fi connection (with Wi-Fi calling enabled on iPhone).

Roaming, International Dialing, and Billing

Roaming
Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) does not support domestic or international cellular roaming.

Calling using your watch when traveling abroad
Calling on the watch when traveling abroad is supported via Wi-Fi and calls will be billed to the watch plan. Calls on the watch using Bluetooth will be billed to your iPhone plan.

International Dialing
International Long Distance calling is supported from the U.S. over the AT&T cellular network and Wi-Fi. Rates are based on your Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) plan. Current rates and available packages can be found at att.com/worldconnect.

Calls to international numbers are charged based on the following, when using cellular or Wi-Fi:

  • If you have an international long distance package and you call a country in that plan, those rates will apply.
  • If your domestic voice plan has a reduced international calling rate and you call a country covered by your plan, those rates will apply.
  • Otherwise, you will pay the pay-per-use rates for international long distance.
  • International calls made over Wi-Fi will be billed the same as if the call were made in the U.S.

Billing NumberSync for Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular)

  • Inbound/Outbound calls will be billed to the iPhone plan when the watch is answering or making a call via Bluetooth.
  • Inbound/Outbound calls will only be billed to the watch plan when the watch is answering or making a call on Wi-Fi or cellular.
  • Cellular data usage by the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) will be billed to the watch plan.
  • When the Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular) is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth, cellular data usage will be billed to the iPhone plan.

For additional information for Firstnet subscribers go to www.firstnet.com/numbersync

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Last updated: December 7, 2022