This post explains everything you need to know about connecting an Apple Watch to Android. If you search online for guides, you’ll find conflicting information. Some suggest you can connect an Apple Watch to your Android device when, in reality, you can only use one alongside the other.
You’ll learn what an Apple Watch can and can’t do with an Android phone and whether the two can truly connect. Finally, this guide will show you how to make the devices coexist.
Can You Connect an Apple Watch to Android?
No. You can’t connect an Apple Watch to Android or any non-Apple device. Unlike AirPods, which work with Android, an Apple Watch cannot establish a direct connection with an Android phone to share information. You need an iPhone to use one.
There’s a way to receive calls from an Android phone on an Apple Watch, but that doesn’t mean the two are connected. The app that links an Apple Watch to a phone is only available on iOS.
What an Apple Watch Can Do With Android
If you have an Android phone and want to buy an Apple Watch, here’s what to expect. The two devices cannot connect, and you need an iPhone to set up the Apple Watch. However, once set up, you can still use the watch with an Android phone.
With an Apple Watch, you can track workouts, install and use apps, and access all of the watch’s features. These are some of the best Apple Watch apps. But everything runs within the watch, and no data syncs with your Android phone. In addition, you need an Apple Watch model with LTE and internet access to download apps. We also have a guide to help you identify your Apple Watch model.
Your Apple Watch won’t receive notifications from your Android phone, and the two devices won’t interact. You can’t view photos from one device on the other or use the watch to control the camera. In short, they function as completely separate devices.
If you’ve set up your Apple Watch to receive calls, you can still get calls on it while using the SIM card in your Android phone. However, you must first configure the watch with an iPhone before transferring the SIM to an Android device.
Receiving Calls on an Apple Watch With Android
As mentioned, you must first buy an Apple Watch with LTE. Then, set it up by pairing it with an iPhone and linking it to your Apple ID. The iPhone must be a 6s or later.
Once you've set up the Apple Watch and confirmed it can make calls, turn off the iPhone, Apple Watch, and the Android phone you plan to use. If you're unsure how to do it, check out our post on how to turn the power off on your device.
Next, remove the SIM card from the iPhone and insert it into the Android phone. Turn on the Android phone first, and once it establishes an LTE internet connection (Wi-Fi won’t work), turn on the Apple Watch.
At this point, the Apple Watch will recognize that a device is using the same mobile internet connection. You’ll be able to make and receive calls on the Apple Watch, even while using an Android phone. So, if you have an Android smartphone and are looking for a compatible watch, check out this comparison of the Galaxy Watch6 vs. Pixel Watch 2.
Image | Apple edited by Xataka On
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