Use your Apple Watch when your iPhone is not nearby
Find out what you can do with your Apple Watch when you don’t have your iPhone with you.
When your iPhone is turned off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. Your watch can also connect to a mobile network if it’s a GPS + Cellular model. And if you’ve set up an Apple Watch for a family member, they can use a mobile or Wi-Fi connection with their watch.
When your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi icon
will appear in Control Centre. When it’s connected to mobile, the mobile icon
appears.
If your Apple Watch is in Low Power Mode
When your Apple Watch is in Low Power Mode, several features are turned off or modified, which can affect some of the apps listed here.
Wi-Fi and mobile data will be turned off when your iPhone isn’t nearby until you open and use an app that requires a network connection.
Incoming phone calls will be sent to voicemail when your iPhone isn’t nearby, and outgoing calls may take longer to make.
Background heart rate measurements, background blood oxygen measurements and heart rate alerts will be turned off.
Live Activities update less frequently.
If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
With a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn‘t with you.
Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages and more.
If your Apple Watch can't connect to Wi-Fi, mobile data or your iPhone
When your Apple Watch is disconnected – for example, if you're hiking in an area without Wi-Fi or mobile data signal, or your iPhone is turned off – you can still do these things.
Display photos from synced photo albums.
Play music, podcasts or audiobooks that you’ve synced to your watch.
Not all features are available on all Apple Watch models. Also, not all features are available in all countries or regions.
1. If you’re on Wi-Fi and want to call a phone number, make sure Wi-Fi calling has been turned on for your Apple Watch. Otherwise, try making a FaceTime audio call.
2. To receive SMS, MMS or push notifications from third-party apps on your GPS + Cellular Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be turned on and connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network, but it doesn't need to be nearby. You also need to be signed in to iMessage on your iPhone to use Messages on your watch.
3. For better GPS accuracy during an outdoor workout without your paired iPhone, you can calibrate your Apple Watch.
