How to pair and use an Apple Watch with your Android phone
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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’stop smartwatchesaren’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.
Not a huge step up
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 theGoogle Pixel Watch 3andSamsung Galaxy Watch 7,might be a better companion for your Android phone than awatchOSsmartwatch 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 recentlyaccused of violating antitrust laws, and the Department of Justice (DoJ) used theApple 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.
Dream come true or compatibility nightmare?
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 yourApple Watch solely on your Android phone. Plus, you mayrun into compatibility issuesthat 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:
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:
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 theSamsung Galaxy Watch 7or theGoogle Pixel Watch 3. You may be surprised by what thelatest Android watch’s Wear OShas in store for you.
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Just switched to Pixel 9. Looked at Pixel Watch and considered Garmin, but am having a hard time finding a replacement for Overcast and am thinking maybe I just keep the Apple Watch to keep getting podcast synched for my workouts.
I would recommend the Galaxy watch 7, or the pixel watch I have had issues with ticwatch and the garmin watch
I have a Android how I how I’m going to connect it that I have Apple watch age and it don’t works
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