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Using Apple Watch SE without iPhone

I recently bought an Apple Watch SE Series 2, but I like to use devices as a standalone product and not relying on other devices. Thus, I put my Apple Watch on Airplane mode and disconnected it from my iPhone. I really only care about the Activity and Workout apps to track my fitness, in terms of calories burned and steps taken. Will I be able to continuously use my Apple Watch without being connected to my iPhone or Wifi?

Posted on May 8, 2023 3:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 19, 2023 6:46 AM

Actually Apple Watches can be used as a stand alone device I have one for my 9 year old daughter and we use it without an iPhone just as a stand-alone so it is possible

9 replies

Jul 6, 2024 8:12 AM in response to 69ohio69


69ohio69


i got this apple watch don't have a smart phone will it do anything


You either need an iPhone or you need someone you trust that has an iPhone, or return it.


Apple Watch Family Plan

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support

Set up a family member’s Apple Watch - Apple Support


Some limitations: Cannot receive SMS/MMS messages, as that depends on a fully paired iPhone. Messaging is pretty much limited to Apple’s Messages, unless the messaging service provides an Apple Watch app. Alarms, alerts, notifications on the iPhone are not sent to the Apple Watch. Apple Pay via a credit card is not available. Also not available: Medications, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, AFib History, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Wrist Temperature, Blood Oxygen, Walking Steadiness, Audiobooks, Camera Remote, News, Shortcuts, and the double tap gesture.



May 8, 2023 5:42 PM in response to lobsterghost1

My watch is paired to my iPhone for the initial setup, but then I disabled bluetooth so it's disconnected from my iPhone. It is functioning in terms of using the fitness apps, so I don't understand what you mean by not being able to function properly. I just want to use it for the fitness features, so as long as they work while being disconnected from iPhone, then it's good for me

May 8, 2023 5:53 PM in response to chrisdang10

If it's doing what you need it to do not connected to Bluetooth and you are satisfied with it, then it seems you don't need to worry. Most users who own Apple Watch, want to make and receive phone calls, read and respond to text messages, email, listen to music and use apps on their watch. Evidently you don't have need for these things, which is fine.

May 8, 2023 5:56 PM in response to chrisdang10

If it is working for you the way you want, then you are good.


It will not unpair itself.


You will need to reconnect to the iPhone for software and security updates.


And it is possible you may want additional features that do need the iPhone, but until that happens, feel free to use the Apple Watch as you have it configured.


NOTE: You could have saved yourself a lot of money if you had gotten a FitBit.

Using Apple Watch SE without iPhone

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