Apple Watch Shows No Service (7 Causes & 12 Fixes)
The Apple Watch might seem daily need for many of you, keeping you connected even when your iPhone is not nearby. Calls, messages, notifications, and even music, your Apple Watch can update you on all of these at once. But sometimes, instead of showing signal bars, your Apple Watch displays a frustrating message that says No Service.
The Apple Watch’s “No Service” issue is not bothering only you; it is affecting many Apple Watch users. But nothing is too serious to take; it is very easy to resolve.
In this guide, I have mentioned the 9 most possible causes why your Apple Watch shows No Service and also explained the fixes in my language.
I hope you will get your watch working fine after this guide!
Why is my Apple Watch Showing No Service?
Before jumping into solutions, it is important to understand what causes the “No Service” problem. Here are some very common and possible causes:
1. Weak or No Cellular Coverage
If you are in an area with poor network coverage, your Apple Watch may not be able to connect to your carrier. This often happens indoors, in basements, elevators, rural areas, or while traveling.
2. Cellular Plan Is Not Active
Only Apple Watch cellular models can connect to mobile networks on their own. If your cellular plan is not activated or has expired, the watch will show No Service.
3. Apple Watch Is Not Paired Properly
Your Apple Watch relies on your iPhone for many functions. If the pairing between your iPhone and Apple Watch is interrupted or corrupted, network issues can appear.
4. Airplane Mode Is Turned On
Airplane Mode disables all wireless connections, including cellular service. It is easy to turn it on accidentally from Control Center.
5. Software Bugs or Outdated watchOS
Running outdated software can cause unexpected bugs, including network-related issues.
6. Carrier Settings Issue
Sometimes your mobile carrier updates network settings. If these updates are not applied correctly, your Apple Watch may lose service.
7. Hardware Problems
Although rare, physical damage, water exposure, or internal hardware failure can also cause No Service issues.
How to Fix Apple Watch Showing No Service?
Now, let us go through the fixes step by step. Try these solutions in order, even if some seem very basic. Many users fix the problem in the first few steps.
Step 1: Check If Your Apple Watch Supports Cellular
Not all Apple Watch models support cellular connectivity.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap General
- Tap About
Look for Cellular or LTE. If your watch does not support cellular, it will only work with WiFi or a nearby iPhone.
If you own a GPS-only model, No Service is normal when your iPhone is not nearby.
Step 2: Confirm Cellular Plan Is Active
Your Apple Watch needs an active cellular plan from a supported carrier.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap Cellular
- Check if a plan is listed and marked as active
If you see an option to set up cellular, it means no plan is active. Contact your carrier to activate or renew your plan.
Step 3: Check Cellular Signal Strength
Move to an open area and see if the signal improves.
- Avoid enclosed spaces
- Go outdoors or near a window
- Try another location
If your iPhone also has a poor signal in the same area, the problem is likely network coverage.
Step 4: Turn Airplane Mode Off and On
This refreshes the network connection.
- On your Apple Watch, swipe up to open Control Center
- Tap Airplane Mode to turn it on
- Wait 10 seconds
- Tap again to turn it off
Check if the service returns.
Step 5: Restart Your Apple Watch
Restarting clears temporary glitches.
- Press and hold the side button
- Tap Power Off
- Wait 30 seconds
- Press and hold the side button again to turn it on
After rebooting, wait a minute to see if the service reconnects.
Step 6: Restart Your iPhone
Since the Apple Watch depends heavily on the iPhone, restarting it can help.
- Press and hold the power button on your iPhone
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn it back on
Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled.
Step 7: Turn Cellular Off and On Again
This refreshes the cellular module.
- Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone
- Tap Cellular
- Turn off Cellular
- Wait 15 seconds
- Turn it back on
Give the watch a minute to reconnect.
Step 8: Check Date and Time Settings
An incorrect date and time can affect network connectivity.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Date and Time
- Enable Set Automatically
Your Apple Watch will sync this information automatically.
Step 9: Update watchOS and iOS
Outdated software can cause network bugs.
- On iPhone, open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
Install any available updates for both iPhone and Apple Watch.
Step 10: Reset Network Settings on iPhone
This does not delete data but resets WiFi and cellular settings.
- Open Settings on iPhone, Tap General.
- Next, tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Choose Reset Network Settings
Reconnect your Apple Watch after the reset.
Step 11: Unpair and Pair Apple Watch Again
If nothing else works, re-pairing often fixes stubborn issues.
- Open the Apple Watch app
- Tap All Watches
- Tap the info icon
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch
After unpairing, pair it again and set up cellular during the process.
Step 12: Contact Your Carrier or Apple Support
If the problem persists, the issue could be related to your carrier account or hardware.
Contact your mobile carrier to check your account status
Visit an Apple Authorized Service Center
They can run diagnostics and confirm if repairs are needed.
FAQs
Why does my Apple Watch show No Service but my iPhone works fine?
Your Apple Watch uses its own cellular connection. Even if your iPhone has a signal, the watch may show No Service if its plan is inactive or the signal is weak.
Can the Apple Watch work without cellular service?
Yes. You can still use your Apple Watch with WiFi or when connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
Does No Service mean my Apple Watch is broken?
Not necessarily. Most No Service issues are caused by software, settings, or carrier problems.
How do I know if my Apple Watch is cellular or GPS only?
Check the model details in the Apple Watch app under About. Cellular models also have a red ring on the Digital Crown.
Will resetting my Apple Watch delete data?
Unpairing creates an automatic backup, so your data can be restored when you pair it again.
Conclusion
Seeing No Service on your Apple Watch can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for calls, messages, and fitness tracking. However, in most cases, the issue is straightforward and can be resolved with basic troubleshooting steps.
From checking your cellular plan and signal strength to restarting devices and updating software, these beginner-friendly steps solve the problem for most users. Only in rare cases does the issue require professional repair.