Use Apple Watch without its paired iPhone

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Use Apple Watch without its paired iPhone

Use Apple Watch without its paired 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.

Listen to music on Apple Watch
Listen to podcasts on Apple Watch
Listen to audiobooks on Apple Watch
Record and play voice memos on Apple Watch
Ride transit and use your student ID card
Use the watch, world clock, alarms, timer, and the stopwatch
Display photos from synced photo albums
Make store purchases with Apple Pay
See the existing calendar events on your Apple Watch
Track your activity and workout
Check your heart rate, edit your sleep schedule, measure your blood oxygen levels, track reproductive cycles, and relax and breathe mindfully
Measure sound levels around you

Note: Apple Watch has a built-in GPS that allows you to get more accurate distance and speed information during an outdoor workout without your paired iPhone. Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, and Apple Watch Series 5 also have a built-in barometric altimeter to get more accurate elevation gain/descent information. The always-on altimeter in Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 is even more accurate, showing your current real-time elevation with no latency.

If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi

When your Apple Watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can still do the following (even if your iPhone is turned off):

Get apps from the App Store
Send and receive messages via iMessage
Make calls on Apple Watch (make phone calls if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled or want to make a FaceTime audio call and you’re within range of a Wi-Fi network)
Use Walkie-Talkie
Stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks to your Apple Watch
Add music to Apple Watch
Check current weather conditions
Track your stocks
Control your home with your Apple Watch
Use third-party apps that support Wi-Fi connectivity

Your Apple Watch uses Bluetooth® wireless technology to connect to its paired iPhone and uses the iPhone for many wireless functions. Your Apple Watch can configure Wi-Fi networks on its own, and also connect to Wi-Fi networks you’ve set up or connected to using the paired iPhone. For more information, see the Apple Support article About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch.