Verizon appears to be creating unnecessary problems and roadblocks during the Apple Watch Series 10 activation process. It seems Verizon is penalizing users for not buying their latest Apple smartwatches from the telecom service provider.
Verizon accused of creating problems during Apple Watch Series 10 activation
Verizon is currently engaged in a massive layoff exercise to “reorganize” itself. The company will also have to defend itself in a lawsuit about the use of voiceprints and another concerning website accessibility.
Now Verizon is being accused of creating problems for cellular activation on Apple Watch Series 10. According to AppleInsider, multiple users have complained about the unnecessary hurdles they have to clear just to activate their latest Apple smartwatches on Verizon’s network.
Specifically speaking, Verizon is reportedly making Apple Watch Series 10 buyers go through an arduous activation process. Incidentally, if the Apple Watch is bought from Verizon, the activation process is quick and smooth.
How is Verizon troubling users who wish to activate their Apple smartwatches?
The latest Apple Watch Series 10 smartwatches have cellular connectivity. However, users need to register these wearable devices with a telecom service provider. After successful registrations, the activation process begins.
It appears Verizon could be causing friction during the initial registration process of the Apple Watch Series 10, indicated a buyer:
“When Verizon receives product from Apple for their inventory, Verizon logs the IMEI number into their system. When you go through… activation, the Watch App looks for the IMEI [International Mobile Equipment Identity] number in the Verizon system, finds it.. and voila, a connection to the Verizon network is made.”
Thank to @VerizonSupport, my wife no longer has a working cell phone because of repeated activation attempts for her new Apple Watch. No way to fix it except to “wait” and hope despite it being. Verizon mess up.
— Paul Weaver (@Mvestor) September 23, 2024
However, if a customer hasn’t acquired the Apple smartwatch from Verizon, there’s no entry for the device. In other words, Verizon’s representatives will have to create a fresh entry for the Apple smartwatch. Specifically speaking, once the smartwatch’s IMEI serial number goes into Verizon’s database, only then can the activation process begin.
Hence, Apple Watch Series 10 buyers who wish to register and activate Verizon’s cellular service, will have to get the Apple Watch’s IMEI into the Verizon database. It is not clear why Verizon’s customer support staff is unaware of this issue.