Apple Watch owners frustrated with Verizon

Some Apple Watch users say they’ve been unable to activate the Verizon cellular plan for their new wearable. The carrier suggests users try again.

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Based on complaints from several users shared with AppleInsider, an Apple Watch sold by Verizon will activate correctly, but a watch purchased elsewhere, even from Apple, will fail to correctly activate.‎

Why is this happening? One comment spotted by AppleInsider may have hit upon the cause.

When Verizon receives a product like an Apple Watch from Apple, the carrier records the IMEI number. As you try to activate the device, Verizon finds its IMEI number in their system, assigns it an eSIM, and the cellular connection is made. That’s the successful scenario if you buy the watch from Verizon.

But if you buy a product like the Apple Watch from another vendor and then try to activate it through Verizon, that’s when you run into the problem.

This is because the IMEI number for your device is not in Verizon’s system.

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Dan Uff

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