Downloading apps on cellular/wi-fi enabled Apple Watch without a companion iPhone.

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Downloading apps on cellular/wi-fi enabled Apple Watch without a companion iPhone.

This question has been asked before, but not answered. I bought an Apple Watch for my son and set it up under his Apple ID using family setup from my iPhone. He does not have an iPhone of his own. There are various parental controls in place through Screen Time. The watch works but he is unable to install apps using the App Store on the watch. He can browse the App Store but when he clicks “Get” to download an app, he enters his passcode, then his Apple ID password, but the app fails to download. It just goes back to the app screen where he clicks “Get” again, and goes through the same loop. I cannot install apps using the Watch app from my iPhone, because this is not an option when using “family setup.”

I understand that the watch has extremely limited functionality without a paired iphone (didn't realize this before going down this rabbit hole), but the apps we are attempting to download don't require a companion app to be downloaded on an iPhone. So one would think this would work.

Is it possible to get a list of apps that do not require a companion app in the Watch App Store?

Apple Watch SE

Posted on Sep 25, 2022 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

Stevi_S

Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2022 7:38 AM in response to six8_n8

Hi six8_n8,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. We understand you have some questions about downloading apps from your Apple Watch. We're happy to share some information to help. You mentioned that this Apple Watch does not have a paired iPhone. When setting the watch up did you use the steps here: Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support

If so, and "Ask to Buy" was enabled, does the Apple Watch prompt to send the request for approval when attempting to download content from the App Store? Is there an active cellular plan and signal when trying to download content from the App Store?

Make sure you're using these steps to download apps from the Apple Watch:

1. Press the Digital Crown to see the Home screen, then tap the App Store.

2. Tap Search to find apps using Scribble or Dictation or scroll down to discover featured apps and curated app collections.

3. Tap an app to see its description, ratings and reviews, screenshots, release notes, and more.

4. Tap the price or tap Get.

5. When prompted, double-click the side button under the Digital Crown to download and install the app.

See more about those steps here: Download apps on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Thanks.

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Downloading apps on cellular/wi-fi enabled Apple Watch without a companion iPhone.

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