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Yes - all models of Apple Watch, including Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) - can be used to send and receive texts and to make and receive calls when your iPhone is nearby and connected to a cellular network and, potentially, also under other certain other circ*mstances (see below):
For Apple Watch models without built-in cellular capability the full range of features is available when your Apple Watch and the paired iPhone are connected via Bluetooth and your iPhone has access to both cellular service and the Internet (via either cellular data or Wi-Fi).
You do not necessarily need to have your iPhone on or immediately around you (within arm's reach, for example) for the devices to establish and maintain their Bluetooth connection. Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters (this will vary in practice due to wireless interference).
Whenever your watch cannot connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a known Wi-Fi network - this being a compatible 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (some exceptions apply) that your iPhone has connected to before whilst your Apple Watch was connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
When instead connected to Wi-Fi, the watch also still offers a number of features, including receiving and sending messages via iMessage. If your carrier offers Wi-Fi Calling and it is supported on your plan and enabled on your iPhone, you can also use Apple Watch to make calls and (subject to carrier support) to send and receive SMS / text messages.
If your Apple Watch is unable to connect either via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it again still offers some - although fewer - features.
Features that are available in each case are detailed here:
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
For the best performance from your iPhone and Apple Watch, including the most power-efficient communication between them, Apple recommends keeping both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permanently enabled on your iPhone.
More information:
About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch - Apple Support
Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple
Apple Watch - Compare - Apple
FAQs
Yes - all models of Apple Watch, including Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) - can be used to send and receive texts and to make and receive calls when your iPhone is nearby and connected to a cellular network and, potentially, also under other certain other circ*mstances (see below): Send messages. Answer phone calls.
Can you answer calls and texts on all Apple watches? ›
If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular
With a Wi-Fi or cellular 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. Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more.
Can you text and answer calls on Apple Watch without cellular? ›
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.
Can you answer texts on Apple Watch? ›
Reply to a message
Turn the Digital Crown to scroll to the bottom of the message, then choose how to reply. To quickly respond with a Tapback, double-tap a specific message in a conversation, then choose a Tapback—like thumbs-up or a heart.
Can you use Apple Watch to answer calls? ›
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.
Can I leave my phone at home and use my Apple Watch? ›
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby
With Apple Watch with cellular and an activated cellular plan, you can stay connected even when away from your iPhone. For all other models of Apple Watch, there are still things you can do even when you are away from your iPhone and not connected to Wi-Fi.
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.
Does the Apple Watch require a separate cellular plan? ›
Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same carrier, unless the watch was set up for a family member who doesn't have an iPhone. If you change carriers on your iPhone, you need to remove the previous service plan on your Apple Watch and sign up for a new plan.* Here's how: On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
Is it worth getting an Apple Watch with cellular? ›
Key Takeaways. Upgrading to a cellular Apple Watch comes with added cost, but it allows you to leave your iPhone behind while continuing to make phone calls and stream music. Both the cellular and GPS-only Apple Watch models have the same hardware, but the cellular version unlocks Family Setup and exclusive watch faces ...
Does Apple Watch cellular have a monthly fee? ›
No, you do not have to pay a monthly charge to use your watch. As long as you have your paired iPhone with you, you can answer and make calls from your watch, send messages, etc., without paying the $10 monthly fee. You only have to pay if you want to use your watch as a phone, independently of your iPhone.
With your Apple Watch connected to Wi-Fi, you can make calls, send text messages, stream music and podcasts, keep up with weather and stock updates, use the Walkie-Talkie feature, and enjoy a variety of other functions — all without your phone present.
Can you see someone's text messages on an Apple Watch? ›
You get notifications on your watch about messages you receive. But the message is actually on your iPhone. If someone saw the notification on your apple watch , it would most likely be because you showed it to them.
How long do messages stay on an Apple Watch? ›
How Long Do Messages Stay on the Apple Watch? All messages will be deleted automatically after 30 days, unless we delete them manually. This is an unchangeable setting.
Can you FaceTime on an Apple Watch? ›
Open the Messages app on your Apple Watch. Start a new message or open a conversation, scroll down, then tap FaceTime Audio to make a call.
Can you answer a call with an Apple Watch without touching? ›
The built-in sensors on Apple Watch can help you answer calls, control an onscreen pointer, and launch a menu of actions—all through hand gestures. Using gestures with AssistiveTouch, you can perform these and other actions: Tap the display. Press and turn the Digital Crown.
Does the Apple Watch have a camera? ›
Apple watches don't have a camera and so it's not possible to look through a camera lens of an Watch.
Which Apple Watch allows you to text and call? ›
Stay connected when you're away from your phone.
Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 cellular models with an active service plan allow you to make calls, send texts, and so much more — all without your iPhone.
Do all Apple Watch have cellular? ›
To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, cellular models of Apple Watch come in regional models for the Americas, China mainland, and Europe/Asia Pacific. Unlike iPhone, there isn't a worldwide Apple Watch model that supports all cellular bands used globally.
Can a Series 3 Apple Watch call and text? ›
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has all the same features, as well as built-in cellular. It gives you the freedom to send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, and even receive notifications when you don't have your iPhone with you.
Can my Apple Watch number receive texts? ›
To receive SMS, MMS, or push notifications from third-party apps on your cellular Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but it doesn't need to be nearby. You also need to be signed in to iMessage on your iPhone to use Messages on your watch.
