How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby

If you don't have your iPhone with you, learn what you can still do with your Apple Watch. 

If you have your Apple Watch, but not your iPhone

You need your iPhone to get the most out of your Apple Watch. If your iPhone is off or you don't have it with you, you can still do these things. 

 

Workout app

Track your workouts with the Workout app.*

Activity app

Track your goals with the Activity app.

Clock, Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch apps

See the time and use the Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch apps.

Music app

Use the Music app to listen to synced playlists on your watch.
 

Photos app

Display photos from synced albums in the Photos app.
 

Wallet app

Make purchases with Apple Pay

Heart Rate app

See your current heart rate. 
 

Breathe app

Relax and breathe mindfully. 
 

Control Center screen

If you have a Wi-Fi connection

When your iPhone is off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use Wi-Fi networks that you've connected to previously on your iPhone. If your watch connects to one of these Wi-Fi networks, Cloud icon appears in the Settings glance and you can also do these things.

Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more.
 

Messages app

Send and receive messages using iMessage. 
 

Phone app

Make and receive phone calls if you can use Wi-Fi calling.
 

Weather app

Check the current weather. 
 

Stocks app

Track your stocks.
 

Home app

Control your home. 
 

Find My Friends app

Use apps that support Wi-Fi. 

 

Reminders app

Set and respond to reminders. 
 

* For GPS accuracy when you walk, run, or cycle outdoors, select the appropriate Workout and bring your iPhone. For indoor and outdoor walking and running, this will also help calibrate the accelerometer in Apple Watch for times when you don’t have GPS. For GPS accuracy, you can also calibrate your Apple Watch. Apple Watch Series 2 has built-in GPS that allows you to get more accurate distance and speed information during an outdoor workout without your paired iPhone. 

Last Modified: