What to Know
- Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice.
- If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
- Apple Watch models with built-in LTE cellular access can connect to the internet wherever they have cellular data access.
This article explains the range for an Apple Watch, how far apart an Apple Watch and iPhone can be and still work, what you can do with an Apple Watch that isn't connected to an iPhone, and related topics.
While this article primarily refers to recent Apple Watch models—Series 6 and Series 7—the ideas and concepts discussed here generally apply to most modern Watch models.
Does Apple Watch Work When the Phone Is Far Away?
The Apple Watch is useful in many different situations, but it's best when paired or connected to an iPhone and within a specific range. In that situation, the Watch and iPhone can communicate and exchange data, such as notifications, music, health data, and more.
The critical question for that scenario is: How far apart can the Apple Watch and iPhone be?
The answer depends on how the Watch and iPhone connect. The two devices connect via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology. The most recent Apple Watch models use Bluetooth 4.0, which has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet.
The maximum connection distance supported by Bluetooth 4.0 isn't always quite that long in real-world use. In many cases, the maximum length will decrease because of environmental circ*mstances: primarily walls and floors and the number of wireless signals in any given area.
What Happens When an Apple Watch Is Out of Bluetooth Range?
What happens if the Apple Watch and iPhone are so far apart that they can't connect to each other? That's where Wi-Fi comes in.
If the Watch and iPhone can't connect over Bluetooth, they fall back to trying to connect via their built-in Wi-Fi chips.
In that case, if the iPhone is connected to a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi network (the Watch isn't compatible with 5Ghz Wi-Fi networks), the Watch attempts to make contact with it over Wi-Fi. That means the supported distance between the devices, in that case, is anywhere that Wi-Fi can reach. While that's not necessarily a lot farther apart than with Bluetooth, it does mean that the Watch and iPhone can communicate with each other when they're in the same building, for example.
The Apple Watch primarily relies on Bluetooth because Bluetooth uses less power than Wi-Fi. So while the Apple Watch can use Wi-Fi to communicate with the iPhone, it falls back to Bluetooth as often as it can to preserve battery power.
Can You Use Apple Watch Without a Phone?
Even if the Apple Watch and iPhone are so far apart that they're out of range for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, there are many ways to use an Apple Watch without an iPhone. Some of the things you can do with an Apple Watch that don't require an iPhone include:
- Tracking activity and workouts.
- Listening to music and podcasts that have been synced to the Watch.
- Changing the Watch face.
- Recording voice memos on the Watch.
- Viewing calendars.
- Making purchases with Apple Pay.
- Using timers, alarms, and stopwatches.
Unlimited Range: Apple Watch With Cellular
The significant exception to everything in this article is the Apple Watch with Cellular models. These models aren't limited to connecting via Bluetooth (or, as a fallback, Wi-Fi). These models access the internet over 4G LTE cellular networks like smartphones do.
That means that these Apple Watches can perform tasks and make connections anywhere that there's a 4G LTE network (as long as they have an active monthly plan with a phone company, that is).
If you've got an Apple Watch with Cellular, the things you can do without a connection to an iPhone include:
- Making calls.
- Sending text messages.
- Streaming music.
- Receiving notifications.
FAQ
How far does the Walkie Talkie reach on Apple Watch?
There are no distance limitations when you use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie app. The Walkie-Talkie function uses FaceTime audio over the internet. As long as both Apple Watches have a working internet connection, Walkie-Talkie will work.
How do I turn on Bluetooth on an Apple Watch?
Press the digital crown to reveal the apps screen. Tap Settings > Bluetooth > tap the Bluetooth switch.
How do I unpair an Apple Watch?
To unpair an Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and tap My Watch > i > Unpair Apple Watch. Or open the apps screen and select Settings > General > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your password and select Erase All.
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe
FAQs
Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
How far does an Apple Watch reach? ›
Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
Can I leave my phone at home and use an Apple Watch? ›
If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular
With a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn't with you. Make and answer phone calls. Send and receive messages. Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more.
What is the maximum distance between phone and watch? ›
The maximum distance your smartwatch can be from your phone depends on the connectivity technology used between the two devices. Most smartwatches rely on Bluetooth technology to communicate with your phone. The typical Bluetooth range is around 30 feet (10 meters) in an open space without obstructions.
How far does the Apple Watch walkie talkie work? ›
2) How far can you use Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch? Under ideal circ*mstances, the maximum range is often in the region of 5–20 miles. In other cases, this range might be considerably less.
How far can a smart watch be from your phone? ›
How far away can my Smartwatch be from my phone and still be connected? The range of the wireless Bluetooth connection between your phone and your smartwatch can vary greatly depending on the environment. In general, you should have at least 10 meters (or 30 feet) of connectivity.
How does Apple Watch estimate distance? ›
Then later, if you're not carrying your iPhone, or if you're working out where GPS is unavailable (for example, indoors), your Apple Watch uses the stored information about your stride to measure distance. Apple Watch may use the built-in GPS to calibrate your movement.
Does the Apple Watch have a camera? ›
No, the device does not have a camera. However, there is a Camera app on the device. You can set your iPhone's camera timer for a photo using the app on your Watch.
Can you answer calls on an Apple Watch without a phone? ›
If your cellular carrier offers Wi-Fi calling, you can use your Apple Watch to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network—even when your paired iPhone isn't with you or is turned off. Your Apple Watch just has to be within range of a Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to in the past.
How close does an iPhone need to be to an Apple Watch? ›
Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters, but this will vary in practice due to wireless interference. Whenever your watch can't connect to the iPhone, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a known, compatible Wi-Fi network.
Open the Messages app on your Apple Watch. Start a new message or open a conversation, scroll down, then tap FaceTime Audio to make a call.
How far can I go without my phone with my Apple Watch? ›
If WiFi does not work out, then her distance from the iPhone is between 30 and 60 feet (9. to 18 meters), with the longer distance only when there is a clear line of sight between the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Is there an extra charge for Apple Watch cellular? ›
No, you do not have to pay a monthly charge to use your watch. As long as you have your paired iPhone with you, you can answer and make calls from your watch, send messages, etc., without paying the $10 monthly fee.
Do you have to be near someone to use Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie? ›
It uses FaceTime audio over the internet. So if both Apple Watches have a working internet connection (through their paired iPhone or cellular), it will work over any distance.
What is the advantage of Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch? ›
Whether you're out shopping or trying to find someone in a crowd, use the Walkie-Talkie app to get in touch with just a tap. Add friends, then manage when you want to talk.
How far away can I go from my Apple Watch? ›
Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters (this will vary in practice due to wireless interference). Whenever the Apple Watch cannot connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a compatible Wi-Fi network.
Can I get my kid an Apple Watch without a phone? ›
You can set up and manage Apple Watch for someone who doesn't have their own iPhone—your school-aged child or parent, for example. To do so, you must be the family organizer or parent/guardian in your Family Sharing group.
How far down can Apple Watch go? ›
Can you shower with an Apple Watch? ›
Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a water-resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. Apple Watch Ultra and later have a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is EN13319-compliant. Apple Watch Series 7 and later are rated IP6X dust resistant.
