How to Set Up An Apple Watch for a Child

Getting an Apple Watch for your child can be a great way to stay connected and help them build independence. The watch lets kids make calls, send messages, and share their location with parents even without having their own iPhone. You can set up an Apple Watch for your child using Family Setup on your iPhone, which links their watch to your account while giving them their own Apple ID.

Before starting the setup process, make sure you have a compatible Apple Watch model and cellular plan if needed. Parents need an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or newer to manage the watch. The Family Setup feature allows children to use many Apple Watch features like activity tracking, emergency SOS, and approved contacts without needing their own smartphone.

Once set up, parents can manage who kids can talk to, set screen time limits, and track their location. This balance of freedom and safety makes the Apple Watch a good first step into the world of tech for many families. Parents can also add their child to Family Sharing if they haven’t done so already.

🧭 Overview

Apple’s Family Setup feature allows parents to set up and manage an Apple Watch for a child who doesn’t have their own iPhone. Once set up, your child can make calls, send messages, share their location, and use many Apple Watch features — all under your supervision.

(source: Apple Support)

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✅ What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have:

• An iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later (the parent’s phone).
• An Apple Watch SE, Series 4, or later with watchOS 7 or later (must be GPS + Cellular model for Family Setup).
• Your child’s Apple ID (they must be part of your Family Sharing group).
• A Wi‑Fi or cellular connection.
• (Optional) A cellular plan for the watch if you want it to work independently from Wi‑Fi.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings → tap your name → Family Sharing.
2. Tap Add Member → Create Child Account if your child doesn’t have one.
3. Follow the prompts to set up your child’s Apple ID.
4. If your child already has an Apple ID, invite them to join your Family Sharing group.

(source: PCMag)

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⌚ Step 2: Pair the Apple Watch

1. Turn on the Apple Watch and bring it close to your iPhone.
2. Wait for the pairing screen to appear on your iPhone, then tap Continue.
3. Tap Set Up for a Family Member (not “Set Up for Myself”).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Apple ID sign-in screen.
5. Sign in using your child’s Apple ID (not yours).

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📶 Step 3: Set Up Cellular and Wi‑Fi

• If the watch supports cellular, you’ll be prompted to add a plan.
• Choose your carrier and follow their instructions to link the watch.
• If you skip cellular setup, the watch will still connect through Wi‑Fi for calls, messages, and tracking.

(source: US Mobile Guide)

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🔐 Step 4: Configure Parental Controls

During setup, you’ll be asked to configure:

• Screen Time – Set app limits, downtime, and content restrictions.
• Ask to Buy – Approve App Store or in-app purchases.
• Location Sharing – See your child’s location in the Find My app.
• Communication Limits – Control who your child can call, text, or FaceTime.

You can adjust these later:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap All Watches → your child’s watch → Done.
3. Choose Screen Time or Schooltime to make changes.

(source: 9Meters Parental Controls Guide)

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🏫 Step 5: Set Up Schooltime

Schooltime minimizes distractions during class hours.

1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app → select your child’s watch.
2. Tap Schooltime → Add Schedule.
3. Set start and end times for school hours.
4. During Schooltime, the watch shows a yellow face and silences notifications.

(source: Protect Young Eyes Guide)

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🧭 Step 6: Enable Safety and Health Features

• Find My – Lets you track your child’s location.
• Emergency SOS – Allows your child to call emergency services by holding the side button.
• Medical ID – Add allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contact info.
• Activity Sharing – Encourage daily movement goals and healthy habits.

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💬 Step 7: Teach Your Child the Basics

Show your child how to:

• Send messages and make calls to approved contacts.
• Use Siri for quick tasks.
• Check their Activity Rings.
• Use Walkie-Talkie with friends and family members you approve.

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🔄 Step 8: Manage or Unpair Later

You can manage or unpair the watch anytime:

1. Open the Watch app → tap All Watches.
2. Tap the info (ℹ️) icon next to your child’s watch.
3. Choose Unpair Apple Watch or adjust settings as needed.

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💡 Tips

• Family Setup works only on cellular models of Apple Watch.
• Keep both devices updated to the latest iOS and watchOS versions.
• If you experience pairing issues, restart both devices and try again within Bluetooth range (about 33 feet / 10 meters).

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✅ Summary

Step	Task	Purpose
1	Set up Family Sharing	Link your child’s Apple ID
2	Pair the watch	Connect via Family Setup
3	Add cellular/Wi‑Fi	Enable communication
4	Configure parental controls	Manage safety and screen time
5	Turn on Schooltime	Limit distractions
6	Enable safety features	Location & emergency protection
7	Teach your child basics	Responsible usage
8	Manage or unpair	Maintain control

Key Takeaways

• Apple Watch can be set up for children without them needing their own iPhone using Family Setup.
• Parents can control contacts, track location, and set limits directly from their own iPhone.
• The setup process requires a compatible watch model, family sharing, and possibly a cellular plan for full features.

Prerequisites

Before setting up an Apple Watch for your child, you need to make sure you have the right devices and accounts. Family Setup lets kids enjoy an Apple Watch even without their own iPhone.

Compatible Devices

Your child needs an Apple Watch SE with cellular or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later that has cellular capabilities. Not all models work with Family Setup, so double-check before purchasing.

The parent or guardian must have an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or newer installed. This iPhone will be used to manage the child’s watch settings.

Both devices need to be on the same cellular carrier in most cases. Check with your carrier about adding an Apple Watch to your existing plan, as this usually costs extra per month.

Make sure the Apple Watch has watchOS 7 or later installed for full Family Setup features to work properly.

Setting Up an Apple ID for a Child

A child needs their own Apple ID to use an Apple Watch. If they don’t have one yet, parents can create it.

To create an Apple ID for a child:

• Open Settings on your iPhone
• Tap your name at the top
• Select Family Sharing
• Tap Add Member
• Choose Create Child Account
• Follow the on-screen instructions

Children under 13 can’t create their own Apple ID. The parent must set it up for them.

The child’s Apple ID must be part of your Family Sharing group before you can set up their watch.

Understanding Family Setup

Family Setup lets children use an Apple Watch without needing their own iPhone. It works through the parent’s iPhone instead.

With Family Setup, parents can:

• Control contacts: Choose who your child can call or message
• Track location: See where your child is on a map
• Set up Schooltime mode: Limit distractions during school hours
• Manage app downloads: Approve what goes on the watch

Family Setup requires a cellular Apple Watch model because it needs to connect independently. This means monthly carrier fees will apply.

The setup process happens through the Watch app on the parent’s iPhone. The child’s watch will have its own phone number through the cellular connection.

Starting the Setup Process

Setting up an Apple Watch for your child involves a few simple steps that will keep you connected while giving them independence. The process requires your iPhone and the Apple Watch you want to give to your child.

Pairing the Apple Watch with iPhone

To begin, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. You’ll need an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or higher for this process. Tap the “All Watches” option at the top of the screen, then select “Set Up for a Family Member” when prompted.

Hold the Apple Watch close to your iPhone until a pairing animation appears. The camera viewfinder will open automatically on your iPhone. Position the Apple Watch in the frame until you see a message that it’s paired.

Next, you’ll need to choose which family member will use the watch. If your child is already part of your Family Sharing group, select their name from the list. If not, you can add them as a family member first.

Creating a Passcode

After pairing, you’ll be prompted to create a passcode for the watch. This is an important security step to protect your child’s information.

Choose a simple passcode that your child can remember but isn’t too obvious. You can select either a 4-digit or 6-digit code depending on what works best for your child’s age and memory.

Have your child enter the passcode twice to confirm it. Make sure they understand the importance of keeping this code private.

For added security, you can also enable the wrist detection feature which locks the watch automatically when it’s not being worn. This helps protect your child’s privacy if the watch is misplaced.

The passcode also serves as protection for Apple Pay if you choose to set that up for your child later.

Enabling Features for Children

Once your child’s Apple Watch is set up, you can enable special features designed to help them use their watch safely and responsibly. These tools give parents control while allowing children appropriate independence.

Setting Up Screen Time

Screen Time on Apple Watch helps parents monitor and manage how children use their devices. To set up Screen Time, open the Watch app on your iPhone and select your child’s watch under Family Watches.

Tap “Screen Time” and follow the prompts to create settings. You can set daily time limits for apps and create app restrictions based on content ratings.

The Downtime feature lets you schedule periods when only approved apps and phone calls are allowed. This is perfect for school hours or bedtime.

You can also set Communication Limits to control who your child can contact. This keeps them from talking to strangers while still letting them reach family members.

All Screen Time settings sync between the watch and any other Apple devices your child uses with the same Apple ID.

Activating Schooltime

Schooltime mode helps children stay focused during class hours by limiting distractions. It shows a simple yellow watch face and restricts access to apps and notifications.

To activate Schooltime:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone
2. Select your child’s watch under Family Watches
3. Tap “Schooltime”
4. Set the schedule for school days and hours

When Schooltime is active, your child can temporarily exit by turning the Digital Crown and confirming. Parents receive a notification when this happens.

You can customize which apps remain available during Schooltime. Essential safety features like Emergency SOS still work even when Schooltime is active.

Many schools now allow Apple Watches for kids during class when Schooltime is enabled, as it reduces distractions while maintaining safety benefits.

Managing Communication and Contacts

Setting up communication features on your child’s Apple Watch helps them stay connected safely. You can control who they talk to and how they communicate.

Configuring Messaging and Calling

When setting up an Apple Watch for your child, you can manage how they communicate with others. First, make sure Contacts in iCloud is turned on. Go to Settings > [child’s name] > iCloud on your iPhone, then turn on Contacts.

To control who your child can message or call:

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone
• Tap “All Watches” and select your child’s watch under Family Watches
• Go to Communication settings
• Choose which contacts your child can communicate with

You can limit messages to just family members if you prefer. This gives you peace of mind while still letting your child stay in touch with important people.

Customizing the Contact List

Managing who appears in your child’s contact list is important for their safety. You can add or remove contacts through Family Setup on your iPhone.

If you notice contacts showing as “Pending” on your child’s Apple Watch, there’s a simple fix. Some users have solved this by turning off “manage contacts” in Screen Time settings. Try these steps:

1. Go to Family Sharing on your iPhone
2. Select your child
3. Go to Screen Time settings
4. Turn off “Manage Contacts”
5. Restart the Apple Watch

You can also add emergency contacts to ensure your child can reach the right people when needed. This feature provides an added layer of safety while giving you control over their communication.

Setting Up Cellular on the Apple Watch

Adding cellular service to your child’s Apple Watch lets them stay connected even without their phone nearby. This feature works on many Apple Watch models including the Apple Watch SE and Series 4 or newer cellular models.

Choosing a Cellular Plan

When setting up an Apple Watch with cellular for your child, you’ll need a compatible plan from your carrier. Many major carriers offer Apple Watch For Your Kids options that can be added to your existing phone plan.

Not all carriers support family setup with Apple Watch. Check with your provider first to confirm they offer this service. Some plans cost around $10 per month in addition to your regular phone bill.

The watch requires its own phone number, but it can share your child’s existing number. This means calls and texts to your child’s number will reach both their phone and watch.

Activating the Cellular Service

To activate cellular service, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Tap Set Up Cellular and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, select “Install Data Plan” to continue.

During setup, the app will ask if you’re setting up the watch for yourself or a family member. Choose the family member option.

The activation process usually takes 5-10 minutes. Your carrier might require account verification through a text message or email.

Once activated, check the cellular connection by swiping up on the watch face to see the Control Center. A green dots icon indicates the watch is connected to cellular.

You can manage cellular data usage in the Screen Time settings through the Apple Watch app.

Exploring Additional Settings and Features

After setting up your child’s Apple Watch with Family Setup, you can manage several important features. These settings help keep your child safe while allowing them to enjoy the watch’s many benefits.

Location Sharing and Safety Features

You can track your child’s location through the Find My app on your iPhone. This feature works even when your child doesn’t have their phone with them. The watch sends location updates regularly.

Emergency SOS is an important safety tool on your child’s Apple Watch. To use it, they press and hold the side button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. This can call emergency services if needed.

You can also set up Medical ID with important health information. This includes allergies and medical conditions that emergency responders should know about.

School Time mode lets you limit watch features during class hours. This helps your child stay focused during school. You can manage these settings through the Watch app on your phone.

Installing Apps and Customizing the Watch Face

Adding apps to your child’s watch is simple. Your child can open the App Store directly on their watch to download apps. The first download will trigger the terms and conditions process that you’ll need to approve.

You can control which apps your child can download through Screen Time settings. This gives you oversight of their app usage and content.

Watch faces are fun to customize. Your child can choose from many colorful options that match their style. To change the watch face:

• Press firmly on the current watch face
• Swipe left or right to see options
• Tap to select a new face

Activity rings can be adjusted to set appropriate exercise goals for your child’s age. This helps them track physical activity in a healthy way. The Apple Watch app for kids offers other customization options that make the watch more kid-friendly.

Keeping the Apple Watch Up to Date

Regular updates help keep your child’s Apple Watch running smoothly and securely. Apple releases new WatchOS versions with bug fixes and new features that improve the watch experience.

To manage updates for your child’s watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Then go to All Watches > Family Watches > Your Kid’s Apple Watch. This is where you install updates for their device.

Setting up automatic updates is the easiest option. Here’s how:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
2. Tap All Watches
3. Select your child’s watch under Family Watches
4. Tap General > Software Update
5. Turn on Automatic Updates

With automatic updates enabled, the watch will update overnight when it’s charging and connected to Wi-Fi. This ensures your child always has the latest features and security patches.

Sometimes you may want to update the watch manually. Make sure the watch has at least 50% battery and is connected to its charger during the update process. Updates might take longer than expected, so it’s best to do them when the watch won’t be needed for a while.

If your child’s Apple Watch seems slow or has battery issues, checking for an update is a good first step. Newer WatchOS versions often fix common problems and improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Setting up an Apple Watch for your child involves several steps and considerations. Parents need to understand device requirements, setup procedures, and the various options for managing their child’s watch experience.

What are the steps to configure Apple Watch Family Setup for a child?

To set up Apple Watch with Family Setup for your child, you need an Apple Watch SE or Series 6 or later with cellular capabilities. The child must be part of your Family Sharing group.

Start by turning on the watch and bringing it close to your iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap “Set Up for a Family Member.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

You’ll need to sign in with your child’s Apple ID or create one during the process. The setup will guide you through configuring communication limits, location sharing, and other parental controls.

Is there a way to set up an Apple Watch SE for use by a child without an iPhone?

Yes, Apple’s Family Setup feature allows a child to use an Apple Watch without having their own iPhone. The parent uses their iPhone to set up and manage the child’s watch.

This feature works with cellular-capable models (Apple Watch SE or Series 4 and later). The parent maintains control over contacts, apps, and other watch features through their iPhone.

The child can then use the watch independently for calls, messages, and apps without needing their own phone.

What limitations should be expected when using the Family Setup feature on an Apple Watch for a child?

Family Setup has some limitations compared to a standard Apple Watch setup. Not all apps work with Family Setup, and some features require the watch to be connected to cellular or Wi-Fi.

Health tracking features may be limited for younger users. Certain apps like Mindfulness and ECG aren’t available through Family Setup for children.

App installation requires parental approval, and parents need to trigger the Terms and Conditions process when the child wants to download new apps.

Can a child’s Apple Watch possess an independent phone number when set up with Family Setup?

Yes, a child’s Apple Watch set up with Family Setup can have its own phone number. This is provided through a cellular service plan that adds the watch as a connected device.

The watch receives a separate number from the parent’s iPhone. However, calls and messages to the child’s Apple ID can still come through on the watch.

Parents can control who the child can communicate with through the Screen Time settings on their iPhone.

How does the Apple Watch Family Setup function without cellular connectivity?

Without cellular, a child’s Apple Watch with Family Setup can still function using Wi-Fi networks. Many features like apps, music, and some messages will work when connected to Wi-Fi.

The watch can store music and podcasts for offline use. Emergency features like Emergency SOS still work without cellular, though location sharing will only update when the watch connects to Wi-Fi.

However, features like calls, messages, and real-time location updates require either cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity to function properly.

What are the options for enabling cellular service on an Apple Watch designed for a child’s use?

To enable cellular service, you’ll need to add the watch to your existing cellular plan. Most carriers offer this as an add-on device for an additional monthly fee.

During the Family Setup process, you’ll be prompted to add cellular service. You can choose your current carrier if they support Apple Watch, or select a different compatible carrier.

If you skip cellular setup initially, you can add it later through the Watch app on your iPhone by selecting your child’s watch and tapping the Cellular option.