topic Re: Apple Watch cellular set up error message in Apple Devices

Apple Watch cellular set up error message

Talya — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:57:40 GMT

can anyone shed any light on why I am getting the above message when trying to activate cellular on my new Apple Watch series 11? I have never had to select set up as someone else before and I’m worried how this will affect pairing of my phone and watch functionality? Thank you for any support you can provide!

Re: Apple Watch cellular set up error message

Chris_B — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:44:42 GMT

@Talya The tariff you chosen you ordered this watch is a standalone tariff not a paired tariff. A standalone tariff is for when you give the watch to someone else and it has its own number and doesn’t ring when someone calls your phone. You need to call customer support to request it to be charged to a paired tariff.

Re: Apple Watch cellular set up error message

Talya — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:06:21 GMT

Thanks for this Chris- very frustrating as I was unable to upgrade my watch online so had to call and they’ve messed it up! Do you know of an EE complaints email I can use to contact them rather than having to phone?

Re: Apple Watch cellular set up error message

Alex_H — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:26:13 GMT

Hi @Talya,

Thanks for visiting the EE Community

We do not offer an email address to contact us on, but if you have the EE app you can contact us via live chat by going to the Help section> Talk to us> Message Us.

Otherwise you can find the number to call us on from our contact us page and they will be able to help change your plan to the paired one so you can complete the data setup.

Alex