Forum Discussion

donnyjoe's avatar
donnyjoe
Newbie Caller
Hace 2 años

Is it possible to activate an international model Apple Watch (Series 6 or 7) on a T-Mobile plan?

I need to upgrade my Apple Watch, and due to near-future plans, I know I will need the LTE bands from an international model more than I need the unique US model ones now. However, it would be nice to upgrade now and use it in here in the meanwhile. I realize I will be missing one of the extended range LTE T-Mobile bands, but I don't think that will affect me much. 

Anyway, the question is, has anybody activated (or does anyone know if T-Mobile will allow us to) an international model Apple Watch on a watch line? It should technically be possible, but I've read that some carriers in other countries don't allow US models to be activated while others do, so I'm wondering what the T-Mobile policy is.

  • syaoran's avatar
    syaoran
    Transmission Titan

    Most non-Us models lack band 71.  It is a possibility that this is deployed where you intend to use it.  T-Mobile does not deploy multi bands in the same locations so if your area is serviced by band 71, you will more than likely not have connectivity.  band 4/Band 66 is probably the more commonly used for LTE along with band 12 currently. 

    T-Mobile is very friendly when it comes to non-T-Mobile devices on their network.  If you plan on using it for calls.  You might be out of luck using it in standalone if it does not support T-Mobile's implementation of VoLTE.  

  • what band will it be missing though? might end up being one of the main bands used in most areas of the U.S.