Using Pixel or Samsung Watch WITHOUT NumberSync

It can be done with a Samsung watch, but you'll need technical support from someone at an AT&T store to get it activated as a standalone device, like an E-Sim enabled phone rather than connecting it with number sync. There's no way to do it yourself without getting number sync involved and pairing it with your phone which is not what you want to do

https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyWatch/comments/kj5ypd/galaxy_watch_standalone_att_success/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2

You will need your phone, a Samsung phone in order to set up a Samsung watch. And to manage features and updates. But you should be able to go without number sync, so that the watch will call and text from its own number.

You may be forced onto a phone plan. But a decent rep will probably just put you on a $10 watch plan.  The $10 watch plan is meant to be a companion plan to a phone, not a standalone.

Somebody listed some kids watches the other day that will work on att MVNOs. Most of them require you purchase a plan in conjunction with the watch. I think the plans are through red pocket.  

Angel watch?

Gab watch

Thanks for  this response! I found out, though, that AT&T has changed their tune with the Galaxy6 and Pixel. AT&T does not allow the Pixel or the Galaxy 6 to be setup without NumberSync installed.

Just my opinion, but if Google and Samsung want to sell more watches they're going to have to allow them to work a standalone devices. Same for the service providers. A lot of people want to buy this watch and stick it on their kid.  

Get with it all of you!  

But, is it an AT&T requirement, or it an OEM requirement?  And does the device being 'unlocked' have any bearing?

We just returned to Samsung store a Watch6 Classic 47mm  that we got direct from Samsung online. Didn't even have it out of box 12 hours, the battery wouldn't last that long with only bluetooth turned on (no eSim yet) and paired to son's phone.  Charged it up, paired, left off charger overnight, was in low battery mode next morning. He is back to rocking a watch3, will put another battery into the Watch3.  The 3-4 days is legendary I guess.

Edit: spelling, size

@krbjmpr 

That's battery life is not unusual first day after setup.   Even phones can take a couple of weeks before the adaptive battery figures out how to function best and last longest.

As for AT&T and Samsung, I love Samsung devices they have the best screen out there which is why apples going to be using theirs. The function is excellent they're attractive. But they are not infallible. I see a complaint here maybe twice a week about the S22 ultra. Not so much the regular S22 or the S22 Plus. Zero complaints on the S23 series.  The folding phones are a boondoggle. For God's sakes run

AT&T is inflexible, and difficult. Their number sync program is complete garbage. Never worked well (It is especially poor with Android)

There's so many other reasons I switched to Verizon, but after trying Verizon's number share, I would never expect to have a synced device on a different service provider.  

Well, I can understand part of the battery life, guy at Using Store said similar.  But, the watch was advertised at 30+ hours. We were sitting at 5 or 6% after overnight.

It did have a VERY fast charge, however.  Hmm, I wonder if it indeed reached full charge as the watch had notbjad chance to profile battery just yet.

Nonetheless, its gone.  Less than 12 hours and I am out.

Watch 5 pro will last me 4 days 

I get 2+ days with light use on the small watch 5.  

Amen thank you for the data ( removing ATT as a option for my 16 stand alone watches )