Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? (2024)

The Apple Watch is one of the most complete experiences you’ll find in the company’s range.

Since its introduction in 2015, the electronic timepiece has become one of the dominant players in the wearable technology sector. Over different generations Apple has added features such as GPS, LTE and weatherproofing that make the Apple Watch ever more a standalone device in its own right – but is it possible to untether it from the iPhone entirely?

In this article, we explain what exactly an Apple Watch can achieve without the assistance of an iPhone.

Can you use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

Yes and no.

When you first get an Apple Watch, it requires an iPhone to set it up. There’s no getting around that. The Watch app on the iPhone does most of the heavy lifting, and without it you just have a pretty bracelet that cost far too much.

We explain the process in how to set up an Apple Watch, but the cold hard fact is that without an iPhone you won’t be able to set up the Apple Watch. Apple regards the Apple Watch as a companion device to its smartphone, so much so that you can’t even use a Mac or iPad to help get it up and running.

So why did we say “yes and no”, rather than just “no”? Well, although you can’t set up an Apple Watch without an iPhone, you can set up an Apple Watch for someone who doesn’t have an iPhone–a child, or another family member–using your iPhone. They will still be able to use many of the features of the Apple Watch. You will need to add them to your Family Sharing Group, and their Apple Watch needs to be connected to the internet to take full advantage–although this doesn’t need to be a cellular connection as the Apple Watch only needs to be able to connect to a Wi-Fi network to send or receive data. The only times they will need to be in range of your iPhone update the software on their Apple Watch and to tweak some settings.

Similarly, you can still enjoy plenty of features on your own Apple Watch even if you left your iPhone at home. We’ll run through the things your Apple Watch doesn’t need an iPhone for below.

Does Fall Detection/ Crash Detection on Apple Watch work without cellular/iPhone?

If you are thinking of purchasing an Apple Watch for an elderly parent because the Fall Detection feature could give you peace of mind, you may be wondering whether it will work without an iPhone nearby, or at least a cellular connection.

Similarly, the crash detection feature may appeal. But what if you don’t have a phone nearby, or a WiFi connection, when it happens?

These features require Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra (1 or 2).

The Apple Watch can contact the emergency services if it detects that you have been in a car crash, or fallen over, but it does need to either be on a cellular network, or connected to a Wi-Fi network to place the call.

What an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone

These are all things that an Apple Watch can do without requiring you to have an iPhone in your pocket.

In some cases, your Apple Watch will require a connection to a Wi-Fi network or cellular.

Track Activity and Workouts

Want to close your rings, but don’t fancy dragging your iPhone out on a run or long walk? The Apple Watch will happily record all of those steps and other health information while out and about. If you have an iPhone you can sync the data back up to your iPhone when you return home.

Use other Health features

Even if you have no iPhone, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection, you can still use the following Apple Watch features:

  • Check heart rate (all models)
  • Take an ECG (Apple Watch Series 4 or later)
  • Measure your blood oxygen (Apple Watch Series 6 or later)
  • Track sleep (Apple Watch Series 3 or later)
  • Track medications (Apple Watch Series 4 or later)
  • Track menstrual cycle (Apple Watch Series 1 or later)
  • Use the stopwatch, set alarms and timers

Listen to music

If you want some pumping tunes while running or just fancy listening to a podcast or album while you potter about in the garden, then you can store plenty of tracks on the Apple Watch itself, all of which you can listen to without the need for an iPhone. Of course, as there is no headphone jack on an Apple Watch, you’ll need a pair of Bluetooth headphones – unless you want the tiny little speakers to ruin your exercise session and relationship with the neighbors.

You can also stream music from Apple Music – if you are connected to Wi-Fi or have a cellular connection.

We explain how to use Bluetooth headphones with an Apple Watch and how to play music on Apple Watch separately.

Listen to podcasts and audiobooks

If you have synced podcasts and audiobooks with your Apple Watch you will be able to listen to them even if there is no Wi-Fi or cellular connection. And if you can connect to a Wi-Fi or cellular network then you can stream them too.

Read news

This is another one you will need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection for, but even without your iPhone nearby you can still check the latest stories on the News app, or track stocks.

Make and receive phone calls

If you have an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with cellular capabilities or are connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can set up the Watch to act as an extension of your iPhone. With this in place, you’ll then be able to make and receive calls directly on your Watch, even if your iPhone is in a drawer back home.

There are additional costs to using the eSIM feature, but you’ll find them far less onerous than the normal plans offered by carriers.

For more information read: How to make or answer a phone call on Apple Watch.

Send and receive text messages

As with phone calls, as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data you will be able to send and receive messages on your Apple Watch.

Read and send emails and view your calendar

The same is true of emails – as long as you are on a Wi-Fi or cellular network you don’t require your iPhone.

Look at photos

Sync your favorite photos and you can look at them on your Watch whenever you like.

Use Maps

Another very useful feature that’s available on an Apple Watch is the ability to use the Apple Maps app without an iPhone nearby. Again, this will require a cellular contract or a Wi-Fi connection. With that in place, you’re free to roam without an expensive and heavy iPhone-shaped bulk in your pocket.

See how to use Apple Maps on Apple Watch for all you need to know.

You can also use the Compass to work out which way is north without needing any network connection.

Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? (7)
Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? (8)

Foundry

Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? (9)

Foundry

Foundry

Use Apple Pay

You might not realize it, but once you’ve set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, there’s no need to have your iPhone with you when paying for things at the checkout. Just double-press the Side button and hold the Watch over the contactless sensor, and the payment should go through automatically.

If you haven’t used this feature yet, then a quick read of how to use Apple Pay on Apple Watch will speed up those moments at the checkout.

You may also be able to load up transit cards and ID cards on your Apple Watch.

Can you use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?

No. If Apple doesn’t want the Watch working with iPads and Macs, then you can assume that Android phones are well down the list.

It’s possible that Apple sees the Watch as a system-seller, in that people will stick with the iPhone just to use the Apple Watch. There’s no great temptation for the company to open up the devices to new platforms any time soon.

If you’ve yet to take the plunge on an Apple Watch or need to update your existing model to take advantage of some of the features listed above, be sure to check out best Apple Watchand best Apple Watch deals.

Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? (2024)

FAQs

Can you use the Apple Watch without an iPhone? ›

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.

Is it possible to use an Apple Watch without an iPhone? ›

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.

Is an Apple Watch worth it if you don't have an iPhone? ›

With Family Setup, everyone in the family can have an Apple Watch, even if they don't have their own iPhone. Your kids are able to make calls, text, ask Siri questions, listen to music, use apps, and let you know when they arrive at a destination safely.

Can you answer calls on an Apple Watch without a phone? ›

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.

Does the Apple Watch count steps without the phone? ›

While it can sync data with your phone to provide a more comprehensive overview of your fitness activity, the watch has its sensors and memory to track your steps independently. This means you can leave your phone behind and still get accurate step count data on your watch.

Can I have an Apple Watch but no iPhone? ›

Family Setup lets family members who don't have their own iPhone enjoy the features and benefits of an Apple Watch.

Can I give my kid an Apple Watch without a phone? ›

You can set up and manage Apple Watch for someone who doesn't have their own iPhone—your school-aged child or parent, for example. To do so, you must be the family organizer or parent/guardian in your Family Sharing group.

Can I leave my phone at home and use my Apple Watch? ›

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.

Which Apple Watch doesn t need a phone? ›

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.

Can you do 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.

How far can the Apple Watch be from your phone? ›

What to Know. Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.

How many miles is 10,000 steps? ›

Using 2,000 steps in one mile as an average benchmark, 10,000 steps is approximately 5 miles.

Is cellular service on Apple Watch worth it? ›

For those people who want to get into a habit of leaving their iPhone behind in favor of an Apple Watch, it makes sense to have a cellular plan. Especially for those who run or take walks – with a cellular model, you don't need to keep a bulky iPhone with you to have access to calling, texting, music, and more.

Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone? ›

You cannot pair an Apple Watch with an Android phone. However, there is a workaround that will let you use them both as independent devices together. If you use an iPhone to get a cellular variant Apple Watch through its initial setup, you can then use your Android phone and the Apple Watch independently.

Can an Apple Watch play music without a phone? ›

When you add music to your Apple Watch, you can listen to it wherever you go, even when you don't have your iPhone with you. You can add specific playlists and albums to your Apple Watch using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Can I use an Apple Watch with an iPad only? ›

Will Apple Watch Ever Work With iPadOS? Apple Watch is designed as a companion to the iPhone. The Watch app isn't available for iPadOS, so an iPhone is the primary device for setting up any Apple Watch.

Can I use a non Apple Watch with my iPhone? ›

These include the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5, along with the Google Pixel Watch. That means watches below are running earlier builds of Wear OS. You miss out on some functionality by sticking with Wear OS 2 but they still play nicely with iPhones and provide a greater range of designs and styles.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jerrold Considine

Last Updated:

Views: 6056

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jerrold Considine

Birthday: 1993-11-03

Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765

Phone: +5816749283868

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.