Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (2024)

When your iPhone isn't nearby, your Apple Watch can connect to Wi-Fi. To choose which Wi-Fi network your Apple Watch connects to, you need watchOS 5 or later.

Choose a Wi-Fi network

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

  2. Tap Wi-Fi. Your device automatically searches for networks.

    Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (1)
  3. Tap the name of the network that you want to join. If you have Apple Watch Series 6 or later, you can connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier, and Apple Watch SE, can connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.

  4. If asked, enter the password using Scribble or the Apple Watch keyboard.

  5. Tap Join.

You can use Scribble in these languages: English (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States), French (France and Canada), German, and Italian.

Forget a Wi-Fi network

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

  2. Tap Wi-Fi, then tap the name of the network you’re connected to.

  3. Tap Forget This Network, then tap Forget.

    Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (2)

Find compatible Wi-Fi networks

Your Apple Watch can connect to a Wi-Fi network:

  • If your iPhone, while connected to your watch with Bluetooth, has connected to the network before.

  • If the Wi-Fi network is 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz (or 5GHz if you have Apple Watch Series 6 or later).

Your Apple Watch won't connect to public networks that require logins, subscriptions, or profiles. These networks, called captive networks, can include free and pay networks in places like businesses, schools, dorms, apartments, hotels, and stores. When your Apple Watch connects to a compatible Wi-Fi network instead of your iPhone connection, the Wi-Fi iconConnect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (3) appears in the Control Center.

Adjust auto hotspot settings

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

  2. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi.

  3. Scroll to Auto Hotspot Settings, then tap to choose an option.

    Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (4)

Connect to other networks

Learn about Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch.

Published Date:

Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support? ›

Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap Wi-Fi. Your device automatically searches for networks. Tap the name of the network that you want to join.

How do I force my Apple Watch to connect to Wi-Fi? ›

Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap Wi-Fi. Your device automatically searches for networks. Tap the name of the network that you want to join.

How to connect Apple Watch to Wi-Fi that requires login? ›

Choose a Wi-Fi network
  1. Press the side button to open Control Center.
  2. Touch and hold. , then tap the name of an available Wi-Fi network. ...
  3. If the network requires a password, do one of the following: Use the keyboard on Apple Watch to enter the password (on supported models only, not available in all languages). ...
  4. Tap Join.

Does the Apple Watch need to be connected to Wi-Fi? ›

Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models can connect to cellular. With a cellular connection, you can make calls and use data or apps when you don't have your iPhone or Wi-Fi. Learn how to add your Apple Watch to your cellular plan.

How to connect watch with Wi-Fi? ›

How do I connect the Smartwatch to Wi-Fi?
  1. Press the middle button or swipe down from the top of your screen.
  2. Scroll and tap on Settings.
  3. Tap on Connectivity.
  4. Tap on Wi-Fi.
  5. Tap on Add network.
  6. Scroll to find your network and tap.
  7. Power on phone and start Wear OS by Google app.

Why is my Apple Watch not connected to the internet? ›

On your iPhone, make sure that Airplane Mode is off and that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. To check, open Control Center. on your watch face, Airplane Mode is on. Open Control Center, then turn off Airplane Mode.

How do I reconnect my Apple Watch? ›

If your Apple Watch is stuck while pairing
  1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time until your watch restarts. ...
  2. After your watch restarts, firmly press the screen or press and hold the Digital Crown.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. After your watch resets, you can pair it with your iPhone.
Apr 24, 2024

Can I connect my Apple Watch to Wi-Fi without my phone? ›

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.

Why isn't my Apple Watch connecting to my phone? ›

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.

How do I know if my Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi? ›

To determine if you are connected to Wi-Fi, look for the indicator in the upper-left of the Control Center screen. (upper-left) is displayed in place of the phone icon and the wireless signal icon is highlighted if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Can Apple Watch connect to iPhone without Wi-Fi? ›

For example, if compatible Wi-Fi is available and your iPhone isn't in Bluetooth range, your Apple Watch uses Wi-Fi. If Bluetooth and Wi-Fi aren't available, and you set up a cellular plan, cellular models of Apple Watch can connect to cellular networks.

How far away can an Apple Watch be from your phone? ›

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.

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.

Why my watch is not connecting to Wi-Fi? ›

There could be several reasons why your watch won't connect to a Wi-Fi network. For example, the Wi-Fi settings on your watch may be set to off, or there may be an issue with the wireless network you're trying to connect to.

How do I connect my Apple Watch to my phone? ›

If your Apple Watch doesn't turn on, you might need to charge the battery. 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.

How do I share Wi-Fi with Apple Watch? ›

How to share your Wi-Fi password
  1. Make sure that your device (the one sharing the password) is unlocked and connected to the Wi-Fi network.
  2. Select the Wi-Fi network on the device you want to connect.
  3. On your device, tap Share Password, then tap Done.
Jan 12, 2024

How do I get my Apple Watch to automatically connect to Wi-Fi? ›

Adjust auto hotspot settings
  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Scroll to Auto Hotspot Settings, then tap to choose an option.
Apr 26, 2024

How to update Apple Watch when not connected to Wi-Fi? ›

Try these steps:
  1. Make sure that your Apple Watch. connects to its charger.
  2. Restart your Apple. Watch. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off, then drag. the slider. ...
  3. Restart your paired. iPhone. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears, ...
  4. Try to start the update. again.
Mar 15, 2017

Why will my Apple Watch not pair? ›

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.

Can I connect my Apple Watch to Wi-Fi without 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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lidia Grady

Last Updated:

Views: 5405

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lidia Grady

Birthday: 1992-01-22

Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

Phone: +29914464387516

Job: Customer Engineer

Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.