Bruno4328
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Watch features to be used without the phone

Hello,

I'm new here and have a general question for Apple Watch owners. I'm thinking about getting an Apple Watch and would like to know what features can be used without my iPhone right next to/ with me. I ask as I often leave my phone on my desk at work and when in the gym, I don't like having my phone with me. In particular, I'm interested in knowing if I can use the heart monitor and running pace and distance tracking without having my phone with me.

 

I'd appreciate any feedback someone can offer.

 

Thank you!

Posted on Feb 27, 2016 2:22 PM

by Jonathan UK,Solvedanswer
Jonathan UK Jonathan UK
Level 8 (35,826 points)
Apple Watch
A:

Apple Watch can still track both your general daily activity and workouts even when it is not connected to the paired iPhone.

 

When data from the iPhone is not available, Apple Watch uses the built-in accelerometer to estimate the results of workouts, including pace and distance for outdoor runs.

 

Calibrating your watch will help to improve the accuracy of various estimations made by the Activity app and Workout app. Calibration teaches your watch how your arm movements relate to your stride lengths at different speeds when you are walking and/or running. It does this by comparing data from the accelerometer with GPS (Location Services) data from your iPhone.

 

More information:

Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Posted on Feb 27, 2016 2:58 PM

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Bruno4328

Q: Watch features to be used without the phone

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 27, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Bruno4328
    Level 8 (35,826 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 27, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Bruno4328

    Hi

     

    Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters. The actual range will vary in practice due to wireless interference, but you don't necessarily need to have your iPhone on or immediately around you (within arm's reach, for example) for the devices to maintain their Bluetooth connection.

     

    Your watch can also perform certain functions when it is not connected to your iPhone, including some that are available when your watch is connected to a known Wi-Fi network.

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 27, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Bruno4328
    Level 8 (35,826 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 27, 2016 2:47 PM in response to Bruno4328

    When the paired iPhone is not within range and your watch is not connected to Wi-Fi, you can still:

     

    • Play music from a synced playlist on your watch.
    • Use the watch to tell the time, along with alarms, timers and the stopwatch.
    • Keep track of your activity (Stand, Move, Exercise) with the Activity app.
    • Track workouts with the Workout app - including using the built-in heart rate sensor.
    • Display photos from the synced photo album.
    • Use Apple Pay to make purchases.

     

    If your watch is disconnected from your iPhone, but within range of a (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to before, the watch can connect to that network and you can also still:

     

    • Send and receive messages using iMessage.
    • Send and receive Digital Touch messages.
    • Use Siri.
    • Make and receive phone calls if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled (depending on your carrier).

     

    More information:

    Use Apple Watch without its paired iPhone - Apple Support

  • by Bruno4328,

    Bruno4328 Bruno4328 Feb 27, 2016 2:49 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2016 2:49 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Thank you for the info Jonathan UK, these posts were very helpful. So, it sounds like I wouldn't be able to use the pace, distance, etc. without the phone if I'm out for a run. Is that correct?

  • by Jonathan UK,Solvedanswer

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 27, 2016 2:58 PM in response to Bruno4328
    Level 8 (35,826 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 27, 2016 2:58 PM in response to Bruno4328

    Apple Watch can still track both your general daily activity and workouts even when it is not connected to the paired iPhone.

     

    When data from the iPhone is not available, Apple Watch uses the built-in accelerometer to estimate the results of workouts, including pace and distance for outdoor runs.

     

    Calibrating your watch will help to improve the accuracy of various estimations made by the Activity app and Workout app. Calibration teaches your watch how your arm movements relate to your stride lengths at different speeds when you are walking and/or running. It does this by comparing data from the accelerometer with GPS (Location Services) data from your iPhone.

     

    More information:

    Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Bruno4328,

    Bruno4328 Bruno4328 Feb 27, 2016 3:00 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2016 3:00 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    That's great to know. Thank you again!

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 27, 2016 3:01 PM in response to Bruno4328
    Level 8 (35,826 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 27, 2016 3:01 PM in response to Bruno4328

    You're most welcome!