Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Is the Apple Watch compatible with all iPhone? ›

What you need. To set up and use a new Apple Watch, you need iPhone XS or later with iOS 17. Learn how to identify your iPhone model and how to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

Hold your iPhone near your Apple Watch, wait for the Apple Watch pairing screen to appear on your iPhone, then tap Continue. You can also open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap Pair New Watch. Tap Set Up for Myself.

If your Apple Watch isn't pairing, you'll see a red iPhone icon or red X on your watch face. Moving your devices closer together or restarting them can resolve your issue. If all else fails, reset your Apple Watch and try re-pairing it to your iPhone.

If your cellular carrier offers Wi-Fi calling, you can use your Apple Watch to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network—even when your paired iPhone isn't with you or is turned off. Your Apple Watch just has to be within range of a Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to in the past.

The Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone. However, with a cellular watch, the phone does not need to be nearby for most operations.

Certain settings needs to be on or off in order for pairing to work. Open your Settings app. Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off and that you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid any connectivity issues. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and see if it gives you the option of pairing with your Apple Watch.

If you don't have your old iPhone or you erased it

Erase your Apple Watch. Set up your new iPhone and sign in to iCloud. If you've already set up and signed in, skip this step. Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone, then pair your watch with your new iPhone.

If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data

With a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn't with you. Make and answer phone calls. Send and receive messages.

To allow Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone for Siri requests or when an obstruction prevents Face ID from recognizing your face, do the following: On iPhone, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode. Scroll down to Unlock With Apple Watch, then turn on the setting for your watch.

When your iPhone is off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. Your watch can also connect to a cellular network if it's a cellular model. And if you've set up an Apple Watch for a family member, they can use a cellular or Wi-Fi connection with their watch.

Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch? ›

If your smartwatch has cellular connectivity and is capable of making and receiving phone calls and texts, then you can leave your phone at home and still use your smartwatch to stay connected.

Answer a call

to talk using the built-in microphone and speaker or a Bluetooth device paired with your Apple Watch. , then tap an option. If you tap Answer on iPhone, the call is placed on hold and the caller hears a repeated sound until you answer on your paired iPhone. on your Apple Watch.

The important point to note is: Not all Apple Watches are compatible with all iPhones. Apple is continually updating their software and creating additional features for its devices, so it's important to remember that not all Apple Watches are compatible with all iPhones.

Place your iPhone SIM card into your Android phone and then turn it on. Once your Android phone has powered on and is connected to your cell carrier's network, power on the Apple Watch. You should now see your Android device is connected to your carrier as usual and that your Apple Watch is also connected.

iPhone apps won't just do the trick on the Apple Watch; they have to be specifically fashioned for it. You see, our buddy the Apple Watch has a different OS, termed watchOS, not iOS. Now, since watchOS isn't iOS, you can't simply parachute an iPhone app onto your wrist and expect it to work.

As has already been mentioned in the thread you replied to, any Apple Watch series 4 or later will work with an iPhone 14. Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 8 or later.