Can You Use an Apple Watch Without an iPhone? Which Apple Watch Should You Choose?

Co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 28, 2022 References

If you're looking for a sleek watch that can do more than just tell you the time, you've probably looked into the Apple Watch. It's well-known for its fitness tracker, customizable design, water resistance, and built-in GPS. Although you can use the watch without the iPhone nearby, you do have to have an iPhone to set it up first. For more guidance, read our answers to common questions about using an Apple Watch.

Question 1 of 7:

Can I use an Apple watch as a watch without an iPhone?

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Unfortunately, you can't without pairing it first. If you turn on a new Apple Watch it will first ask you to select your language. Then, the screen will direct you to open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.^{[1]
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Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview} You'll have to do this to use any of the watch's features.^{[2]
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- The good news is that you can use your watch without the iPhone nearby once you've paired it.

Question 2 of 7:

Do I need an iPhone for the Family Setup option?

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Yes, but you can pair multiple watches with a single account. This way, kids or relatives who don't have their own iPhone can use their Apple Watch. To set it up, you'll be the organizer. Select the family member who'll use the watch and enter their Apple ID password to add them to your family's cellular plan. You can share contacts and set the following features:^{[3]
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- Location Services
- Apple Cash Family
- Messages in iCloud
- Health Data
- Emergency SOS and Contacts
- Photos

Question 3 of 7:

Can you use an Apple Watch with Android?

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No—you can't connect your Watch since the app isn't available. If you use your Android phone to go into the Google Play Store, you won't see the Apple Watch app. Unfortunately, you can't pair the watch with your Android phone via Bluetooth either. The good news is that you can use some of the features of the watch without having your iPhone nearby.^{[4]
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- For example, you can use the clock, stopwatch, timer, and see events on your calendar.

Question 4 of 7:

What's the difference between cellular and GPS Apple Watches?

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GPS watches must have the iPhone nearby while cellular watches work alone. If you bought a GPS Apple Watch, you've always got to be connected with your iPhone to use most of the features. If you've got a cellular Apple Watch, you can connect directly with your cellular network for a monthly fee. This lets you send and receive messages or make calls.^{[5]
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- It's totally up to you which Apple Watch is best for you. If you plan on using the Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby, go for the cellular option. If you usually have your iPhone with you and want longer battery life, choose the GPS watch.

Question 5 of 7:

What features does a GPS Apple Watch have without Wi-Fi?

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It can play music and podcasts or record voice memos. You can also display photos or listen to voice memos. In addition to just using the Apple Watch to tell time, you can also:^{[6]
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- Use the world clock, alarms, timer, and stopwatch
- Buy things at stores using Apple Pay
- See events on your calendar
- Track your fitness activities and workout
- Measure sound levels around you

Question 6 of 7:

What features does a cellular watch have with Wi-Fi?

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A cellular Apple Watch has a lot of features that your iPhone has! It can configure Wi-Fi networks without you doing anything so it's super easy to connect to a wireless network. Once you're connected, you can get apps from the App Store or send and receive messages through iMessage. You can even make phone calls if you have calling enabled! You can also:^{[7]
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- Use the walkie-talkie feature
- Stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Check the weather
- Track your stocks

Question 7 of 7:

What features can I use if the watch isn't paired or connected to Wi-Fi?

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You can use the watch, alarm, stopwatch, and timer features. Plus, you can still track your workouts or activity goals, display photos, play content that you've synced to your watch, record memos, and use the compass. ^{[8]
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- The watch also has wellness features to help you monitor things like your heart rate, menstrual cycle, sleep schedule, and blood oxygen levels.