Can Apple Watch be used with Android phones?

Can you use Apple Watch with Android phone? The straightforward answer is no. Apple Watch cannot be paired with Android, no matter what version of Android your phone is Samsung, OnePlus, Google, or running.

However, you can set up your Apple Watch with your iPhone, then use it for fitness tracking and other basic purposes while using your Android phone as your daily driver. . Here's how you can do this.

Set up Apple Watch Cellular with iPhone

Since the Apple Watch is not compatible with Android, you need to use it as a standalone smartwatch.

For this, you need to make sure that you buy the Cellular version of the wearable; otherwise, you'll be significantly limited in what the watch can do. Then you need to set up your new Apple Watch using your iPhone. You can't connect the Apple Watch to an Android phone, and you can't set up the wearable using an Android phone or even an iPad.

You must also use your own iPhone because the Apple Watch will use the Apple ID associated with the device - any older iPhone will work as long as Apple still supports it. This means you can't use your friend's iPhone to set up the watch.

While establishing a cellular connection on your watch, make sure your Android phone is turned off. For best results, insert your primary SIM into your iPhone during this process. This process can be complicated if you have switched to eSIM.

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Once you have your Apple Watch paired and set up, proceed with installing all your important and favorite apps on it. You must do this from the paired iPhone

The good thing is that you can install new apps from the App Store on your Apple Watch directly over a cellular connection - you don't need an iPhone to do that. You'll also receive notifications from many apps that can work independently of your iPhone, including iMessage.

However, many watchOS apps are not standalone, meaning they require the watch to be connected to the iPhone to function. This is also why you should not use a GPS-only Apple Watch because you will not be able to use most of the apps installed on the watch or receive any notifications from them.

If you're planning to buy an Apple Watch to track your fitness activities or to document your hikes or diving trips, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely a better value because of its outdoor features. Does not depend on iPhone.

Cellular connectivity will also help the smartwatch get a GPS lock faster, which will be useful when tracking outdoor activities. Please note that depending on your mobile carrier, you may have to pay extra for a mobile connection on your watch.

Use Apple Watch and Android device simultaneously

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Now you can wear your Apple Watch and use it with your Android phone. The two devices won't communicate with each other, so you won't receive notifications from your Android phone on your Apple Watch.

However, standalone apps on smartwatches that only require an Internet/LTE connection will work fine. You can use this setup to track your daily steps, workout routines, and stream music to your headphones via the watch.

However, occasionally, you will have to connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone to sync data. This will also be necessary when installing the latest watchOS update on the wearable.

Apple Watch and Android compatibility

Since Apple Watch doesn't officially work with Android, your only option is to follow the above solution. While not ideal, you can at least enjoy the Apple Watch's health tracking features this way. Given how closely Apple protects its ecosystem, this is unlikely to change in the future.

There are plenty of other smartwatches you can try as an Android user, although admittedly they all fall short in some aspects when compared to the Apple Watch.

Jessica Tanner

Update 12 October 2023