Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi

Learn how your Apple Watch uses Wi-Fi when your iPhone isn't nearby.

When you're near your iPhone, your Apple Watch uses your iPhone for connectivity. If your iPhone isn't nearby, your watch can use Wi-Fi for things like messages, email, and music.

Your Apple Watch can connect to a Wi-Fi network:

  • If the iPhone that's paired with your watch has connected to the network before.

  • If the Wi-Fi network is 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, or 5GHz if your watch supports it.*

  • If the Wi-Fi network isn't a public network that requires a login, subscription, or profile. These networks can include free and pay networks in places like businesses, schools, dorms, apartments, hotels, and stores.

When your Apple Watch connects to a compatible Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon appears at the top of Control Center.

*Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra or later, can connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier, and Apple Watch SE, can connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Choose a Wi-Fi network

If your Apple Watch isn't connecting automatically to a known Wi-Fi network, you can choose one:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

  2. Tap Wi-Fi. Your device automatically searches for networks.

  3. Tap the name of the network that you want to join.

  4. If asked, enter the network's password.

  5. Tap Join.

Forget a Wi-Fi network

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

  2. Tap Wi-Fi, then tap the name of the network you’re connected to.

  3. Tap Forget This Network, then tap Forget.

Connect to other networks

Learn about Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch.

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