Are you curious about how to make the most of your Apple Watch even when your iPhone isn’t around? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore the possibilities your watch offers when it flies solo.
Unleashing Your Apple Watch Without an iPhone Nearby
Your Apple Watch is impressively versatile, and it doesn’t strictly depend on your iPhone to be useful. If you’re using a Wi-Fi network or a cellular model, your watch can remain smartly connected. There’s also a bonus for family setups, as family members can get their watches online through either a Wi-Fi or cellular network. When you see the Wi-Fi or cellular icon light up in the Control Center, you’re good to go.
Understanding Low Power Mode on Your Apple Watch
Activating Low Power Mode on your Apple Watch can conserve battery life but might tweak a few functions you rely on. Here’s what changes:
- Wi-Fi and cellular data deactivate when your iPhone isn’t close, unless an app needing a network connection is opened.
- Incoming calls are diverted to voicemail, and placing calls might take extra time.
- Heart rate, blood oxygen tracking, and alerts linked to heart rate are paused.
- Updates for Live Activities become less frequent.
Apple Watch Features Available with Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection
When your Apple Watch connects to Wi-Fi or a cellular network, you can expect it to handle many tasks without missing a beat:
- Making and receiving calls
- Sending and getting messages
- Accessing Siri for help, such as directions or sending an iMessage
- Getting weather updates
- Tracking your stocks
- Controlling your smart home devices
- Finding friends, devices, and items
- Setting reminders
- Listening to podcasts
- Using Walkie-Talkie
- Streaming music
- Finding your path with Maps
- Handling emails
- Reading top news stories
Apple Watch Functions Without Internet Connection
Even without a Wi-Fi, cellular, or nearby iPhone connection, your Apple Watch isn’t left useless. You can still enjoy a bunch of features, including:
- Tracking your workouts
- Checking the time and using Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch apps
- Monitoring activity goals
- Viewing photos from synced albums
- Playing synced music, podcasts, or audiobooks
- Making purchases with Apple Pay
- Checking heart rate
- Practicing mindfulness with breathing exercises
- Recording your thoughts and ideas
- Navigating with Compass
- Protecting your hearing
- Tracking your menstrual cycle or sleep
- Measuring blood oxygen levels or taking an ECG
- Managing your calendar and contacts
- Keeping track of medications
Keep in mind, not every feature is supported on all Apple Watch models or available in every region.
FAQ
Can my Apple Watch make calls without my iPhone?
Yes, if your Apple Watch has a cellular option and is connected to a cellular network, you can make and answer calls without your iPhone nearby.
How can I send messages from my Apple Watch when I’m not near my iPhone?
To send messages, your Apple Watch needs to be linked to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Also, ensure that you’re signed in to iMessage on your iPhone.
Are all features available on every Apple Watch model?
No, there are variations in features depending on the model and the region you’re in, so it’s best to check which ones your model supports.
Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?
Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.
| Carrier | Cost (per month) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | FREE with Unltd Premium Or $6.5/mo annually Or $9.5/mo Taxes & fees included! | Works with any plans. |
| Verizon | $15 + tax & fees | $7.50 credit with certain plansVerizon |
| AT&T | $10 + tax & fees | |
| T-Mobile | $12 + tax & fees | Only works with certain planswww.iphonelife.comiMore |
| Xfinity Mobile | $10 + tax & fees | Pairs well with Xfinity home internet www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic |
| C Spire | $10 + tax & fees | Only available in select regionsWear To TrackiMore |
