Text message from Apple Watch to someone with Android device not going through unless my iPhone is on?

Question

Text message from Apple Watch to someone with Android device not going through unless my iPhone is on?

Hello everyone.

Yesterday, I was at the doctor’s office and using my Apple Watch, tried to send a text message from my Apple Watch Series 8 to someone with an Android phone. But I got a “your message failed to send” error message.

I didn’t have my iPhone turned on or with me yesterday, but since I had my Apple Watch, I used that.

Just a few minutes ago, I happened to turn my iPhone on, and the person who I tried to send a text message to yesterday, said the message I tried to send just came through.

I thought it was interesting that my message I was trying to send from my Apple Watch didn’t go through yesterday, but as soon as I turn on my iPhone today the message goes through.

I thought the beauty of the Apple Watch is that given it’s Wi-Fi and Cellular service, you can do certain things on it without having to have your iPhone on or nearby.

Is there something I did wrong? Something in settings?

Shouldn’t I be able to use Cellular service on my Apple Watch when I am out and about, to send a text message to an Android user without having to have my iPhone on or nearby?

Thanks!

Posted on Dec 3, 2022 10:56 AM

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Answer 1

bruno75

Community Specialist

Dec 6, 2022 8:23 AM in response to journalist3072

Hey there journalist3072,

We'd like to help get those messages to send without any issues when you need them as we understand the importance of being able to send messages to friends and family. Let's start with ruling out some possible causes, along with better understanding what's happening:

When was the last time you were able to send text messages without any issues from your watch?
Any issues with sending text messages from your iPhone if you use it at the same time this occurs on your watch?
Sometimes unexpected behavior can be resolved with a restart: How to restart your Apple Watch and Restart your iPhone
Which iPhone model are you pairing with your watch? If you're using a compatible model, the latest version is iOS 16.1.2. You can verify this within Settings > General > About. In case you needed it, this link shows how to first back up, then Update your iPhone or iPad.
If you're using a compatible watch model, the latest version is watchOS 9.1. You can verify this within Settings > General > About. In case you needed it, this link shows how to Update your Apple Watch.
We also recommend making sure to try the remaining steps listed here, which include contacting Apple Support as the last step listed: If you can’t send or receive messages on your Apple Watch

Cheers!

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Text message from Apple Watch to someone with Android device not going through unless my iPhone is on?

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