Use
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
- 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.
