Apple Watch Ultra 3s not connecting to Verizon cellular service (updated) — and Verizon, not Apple, is the problem

Some, and perhaps all, Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners are having trouble setting up cellular service on the smartwatch. And Verizon  says it’s due to a smartwatch glitch. But they were either wrong or flatout lied.

I tried for three days to set up cellular connectivity on my Apple Watch Ultra 3. I finally succeeded Monday afternoon after another THREE HOURS on the phone with Verizon “tier 2” support. But some background: I tried setting up cellular via the Apple Watch app on my iPhone in tandem with the smartwatch on Friday, September 19. This is something I’ve always done in the past with no problem. But this time I had no luck.

I visited two Verizon retail stores. No one there could figure out the problem. Finally, after multiple calls to Verizon’s miserable tech support, I was told that it a software issue and that Apple was working on a fix. I was told to call “tier 2” tech support (611 on a phone with Verizon service). I called and spent three hours on the phone on three different calls.

On call one, I was told that the problem must be with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and was told by a Verizon tech support numbskull that I should return it to Apple and buy one from Verizon. Of course, this made no sense. I also called Apple’s excellent tech support. The person who assisted me ran some diagnostics over-the-air and found there was no problem with the smartwatch.

Then it was back to Verizon tier 2 tech support. After almost three hours, they removed the “line” with my previous iPhone and set up a new “line” for my Apple Watch Ultra 3. Along the way, they tried to convince me to 1) upgrade my service, and 2) sign up for their Internet service.

I told them they were out of their minds. Why would I want more service from an incompetent company that can’t even figure out out how to add a smartphone to a cellular plan?

If you have any option besides Verizon for wireless service in your area, I recommend you at least check it out. Because Verizon’s tech support could be better handled by chimps.

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