If you’re buying an Apple Watch, and you are a frequent traveler, you may be wondering about the Apple Watch’s regional restrictions. The Apple Watch’s cellular compatibility depends on which version you have.
While the GPS-only Apple Watch offers global use without restrictions, the cellular version has some fine print. There are three versions, depending on your region. If you buy an Apple Watch designed for the US, for example, it may not be compatible with the cellular companies in certain countries outside the US. Although you will be able to use the watch’s other features, it won’t support a local SIM card.
It’s important to know about these regional restrictions before buying a watch if you are an international traveler.
Why Are Apple Watches Region Locked?
The reason for the Apple Watch’s region lock is due to cellular frequency compatibility. Different cellular companies in different countries use different cellular bands. Regional carrier agreements may determine which companies use which bands, but in general, the bands being used depend on the country.
Many phones now try to support as many bands as possible, which is why you can usually buy a phone in one country and use it in another. In the past, though, it was common for phones to only support certain bands, making it impossible to use some phones abroad.
The same applies to the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch only supports certain regional bands, depending on the version you get. So, if you go to another country, it may not support the bands that the cellular companies there use.
In other words, it’s not really a “region lock” per se but rather a lack of support for certain cellular bands.
Using an Apple Watch in a Foreign Country
The Apple Watch’s use abroad depends on whether you have a version with region-locked Apple Watch limitations.
The GPS Apple Watch’s travel compatibility is unrestricted. You can use the GPS-only version of the Apple Watch anywhere, just like you can in the US.
The only thing you would need to have is a travel adapter so you can charge the Apple Watch, as different countries have different styles of plugs and power outlets.
However, if you have a cellular Apple Watch, you may not be able to use it to receive cellular service abroad. While you can still use the other features of the watch, including GPS, you may not be able to make calls or get mobile data when using the watch as a standalone device.
Cellular Functionality by Region
Unfortunately, there is no Apple Watch that supports all countries. To see supported countries and cellular regions, check out the Apple Watch carrier compatibility chart. Find the model number and see which countries and carriers it supports. Alternatively, search by country and then see which model numbers are supported there.
Changing Regions on an Apple Watch
You can change the region on your Apple Watch to adjust your regional preferences. This may affect things such as app availability, language, etc. However, changing your Apple Watch’s region settings will not impact cellular compatibility, because that is a hardware issue. If the bands are not supported, they are not supported, and changing the region won’t do anything to change that.
To change the region, open the Watch app on your iPhone and head to the My Watch tab. Then, navigate to General > Language & Region and select a different region.
Regional Warranties and Repairs
Another thing worth noting is Apple Watch warranty limitations.
If you are interested in whether there is an international Apple Watch warranty, the answer is that it depends. According to Apple’s one-year limited warranty, “Apple may restrict warranty service for hardware products to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.”
That means that region-specific repairs may not be available if you are trying to get the watch repaired under warranty in a different country. Your mileage may vary, and in some countries and Apple service providers, the warranty may be honored, even if the watch was purchased elsewhere, so it’s worth a try! If it’s not honored, though, you may need to pay for the repair.
Determining if Your Apple Watch Is Unlocked
Apple Watches don’t have carrier locks, so you don’t need to check your Apple Watch’s unlocked status. They are not locked to specific carriers like some phones may be.
However, it may still not be compatible with cellular companies in other countries due to hardware restrictions. If the bands are not supported, it won’t work. You can do an Apple Watch regional lock check by referring to the chart I linked above, where you will see which models work with which carriers in which countries.
Recommendations for International Travelers
So, what are some Apple Watch travel tips for international travelers? What is the best Apple Watch for travelers?
There is no definite answer to that, as there is no single Apple Watch that offers cellular compatibility worldwide. What you can do is buy a version that is specific to the region you travel most in (such as Asia). If you travel across multiple regions, this might not be a valid solution.
The best alternative is to ensure that you have, at least, a smartphone that can work worldwide. It might not be as convenient as using your Apple Watch as a standalone device, but at least you won’t get stuck without cellular connectivity!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this compatibility overview of Apple Watch’s regional restrictions. Regional functionality for cellular service depends on the version of the Apple Watch you have. Unfortunately, there is no Apple Watch that offers cellular support worldwide, but you can still use your Apple Watch in other ways – just without standalone cellular service.
Our Tech Essentials:
Related posts:
Are There Apple Watch Challenges?
Apple Watch Bluetooth – 16 Questions Solved
Screen Mirroring On IPhone – How To & Tips
My Macbook Won’t Turn On – How To Fix
What Is The Apple Watch Walkie Talkie Range?
Roblox Songs Id – 13 Tips
33 Facts About Apple Watch Low Power Mode
21 Facts About Apple Watch Home Screen
