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How to pair and use an Apple Watch with your Android phone
Since its April 2015 debut, the Apple Watch series has undergone generational changes and yearly watchOS updates to improve its design and functionality. Arguably, the biggest draw is the Apple ecosystem's seamless connectivity and great iPhone integration. Moreover, Android's top smartwatches aren't far behind. But what happens if you own an Apple Watch but use an Android phone? While it is technically possible to pair the two devices together, it does come with limitations.
Did you recently switch from an iPhone to an Android phone? You can still use your Apple Watch with your new Android phone. While the Apple Watch and Android phone combo doesn't deliver a seamless experience, the setup is possible. Our guide explains how to pair your Apple Watch with an Android phone.
Can you use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
Yes, you can use an Apple Watch LTE independently of an iPhone, but there are some drawbacks. We discuss how you can pair your Apple Watch with an Android smartphone, features Android users don't have access to, and why a Wear OS smartwatch from Google and Samsung, like the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, might be a better companion for your Android phone than a watchOS smartwatch from Apple. Other brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and Mobvoi would also be a much better fit than using your Apple Watch on your Android phone.
Despite all of this, it is not like Apple didn't consider compatibility with Android. It turns out that Apple was also recently accused of violating antitrust laws, and the Department of Justice (DoJ) used the Apple Watch as evidence.
Apple's response to the DoJ case was that (Android support for the Apple Watch) "wasn't doable because of technical limitations." Apple didn't explicitly say why. However, based on what we know, we can deduce the source is because of the underlying OS differences: the Apple Watch runs on watchOS, and most Android watches use Wear OS. Additionally, there's always a concern about iOS and Android OS compatibility when pairing with apps/on-device features. Simply put, the infrastructure is just not there.
Apple designed the Apple Watch lineup to work within the Apple ecosystem. That means you will get the whole experience and functionality when you pair your Apple Watch to an iPhone. Android OS watches work best with Android phones, which is why we can't confidently recommend pairing your Apple Watch solely on your Android phone. Plus, you may run into compatibility issues that can't be rectified without using third-party apps (Wear OS and WatchDroid; note that WatchDroid is old and may not work on newer devices) or reconnecting the watch to your iPhone.
Be aware of the risks you face by relying on third-party applications claiming to fix or bridge compatibility issues. These apps can pose security risks by being able to access sensitive data, install malware, or have vulnerabilities that could put your devices/personal information in danger.
Fair warning: Your Apple Watch will lose some functionality when paired with an Android
Before you start, keep these limitations in mind:
- You need an iPhone to complete the Apple Watch setup process.
- Certain iOS-exclusive apps and on-device features, like Apple Pay and Siri, won't work right (or at all) while using an Apple Watch with an Android device.
- iMessage works fine when sent from a Watch, but SMS messages tend to fail. You should be fine if you message using Telegram or WhatsApp.
- You can use the Apple Watch's fitness and health monitoring apps, but they won't sync with your Android device because Apple Health and Fitness become unavailable.
- It's tricky to keep the Apple Watch up-to-date with an Android phone, and reconnecting it to an iPhone could be necessary.
What will I need to make my Apple Watch work on my Android phone?
You need a few things to make the two devices work together. First, you need an iPhone (at least an iPhone 6) and a cellular Apple Watch. You'll want the cellular model to make and receive phone calls and text messages independently of your iPhone. You'll also transfer your SIM card to an iPhone during the initial steps.
If you have an iPhone 13 or an older iPhone, use a SIM card tool to take out and transfer the physical SIM card between your devices. Make sure your Android phone and iPhone use the same-sized physical SIM card. All modern iPhones and most modern Android phones use a nano SIM card, but not all Android phones do. Some Android devices may use a micro SIM card. If you have an iPhone 15, use a virtual eSIM card on your Android phone that you can transfer to the iPhone.
Check the SIM card compatibility before continuing.
How to set up an Apple Watch to work with an Android phone
When you have all the items you need, follow these steps:
- Pair yourApple Watch with an iPhone that's logged in to your iCloud account. This step is necessary to connect the device with your phone number and download the apps you want on the Apple Watch. Note that not all apps will work with an Android phone.
- Make sure your SIM card is in the iPhone before turning on the Apple Watch.
- Turn on both devices and hold them near each other. A new pairing screen appears. You can also go to the Watch app and select Pair New Watch.
- Select Set Up for Myself.
The home screen of an iPhone with the Watch app highlighted with a red box around it© Provided by Android Police
The Start Pairing screen in the Apple Watch app on an iPhone© Provided by Android Police
Close - A swirling blue circle appears on the Apple Watch, and the Viewfinder camera opens on your iPhone. Center the phone over the device so that the Viewfinder captures the image. The devices begin syncing.
- Select Get to Know Your Watch to learn more about how the watch works and select apps.
An Apple Watch being positioned within the frame to pair it in the Apple Watch app© Provided by Android Police
Manually setting up an Apple Watch through the Apple Watch app using a 6 digit pairing code© Provided by Android Police
Close - Turn off all of your devices.
- Transfer your SIM card from the iPhone to the Android phone.
- Turn on your Android device and let it connect to your cellular network, then turn on the Apple Watch. You may need to turn on Airplane Mode on your iPhone for this to work properly.
At this point, your Apple Watch receives calls and sends messages, even though your primary number is connected to an Android device. Your Apple Watch and Android phone aren't connected, but you can use the watch's basic functions without an iPhone. If you have trouble with messaging or phone calls, re-pair the device with your iPhone and update it.
Why we recommend a Wear OS smartwatch for most Android users
While setting up an Apple Watch with an Android phone is possible, you won't gain the complete experience without an iPhone. You also lose several core health features, such as iMessage. If you want the full-fledged smartwatch experience with your Android device, try the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or the Google Pixel Watch 3. You may be surprised by what the latest Android watch's Wear OS has in store for you.
