How to pair and use an Apple Watch with your Android phone

Apple Watch remains the default smartwatch choice for iPhone users. The Apple Watch has undergone generational changes and yearly watchOS updates since its introduction in 2015 to achieve a polished design and seamless connectivity in the Apple ecosystem. Android manufacturers with their top smartwatches aren’t far behind and now give Apple Watches a run for the money. If you have an old Apple Watch, you can use it with an Android phone, with a few caveats and limitations.

Did you recently switch from an iPhone to an Android phone? Continue reading if you don’t want to leave your favorite smartwatch behind. While the Apple Watch and Android phone combo doesn’t deliver a seamless experience, the setup is possible using the guide below.

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 like the Google Pixel Watch 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 might be a better companion for your Android phone than a watchOS smartwatch from Apple.

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 may not work right (or at all) while using a 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 an app like Telegram or WhatsApp.
• You can use the Apple Watch’s fitness and health monitoring apps, but they won’t sync with your Android device due to Apple Health’s unavailability.
• It’s tricky to keep the Apple Watch up-to-date with an Android phone.

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:

1. Pair your Apple 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.
2. Make sure your SIM card is in the iPhone before turning on the Apple Watch.
3. 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.
4. Select Set Up for Myself.

   

   

5. 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.
6. Select Get to Know Your Watch to learn more about how the watch works and select apps.

   

   

7. Turn off all of your devices.
8. Transfer your SIM card from the iPhone to the Android phone.
9. Turn on your Android device and let it connect to your cellular network, then turn on the Apple Watch.

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.

A Wear OS smartwatch will serve you better

While setting up an Apple Watch with an Android phone is possible, the experience isn’t close to an iPhone. You lose several core health features, iMessage, and more. If you want the full-fledged smartwatch experience with your Android device, try the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or the Google Pixel Watch. When you decide on your watch, check out these tips and tricks to make the most of your Wear OS experience.