iPhone is dying, can I still use my cellular Apple Watch if I have to switch to a Samsung phone?

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nursgirl1974 Author

Level 1

4 points

iPhone is dying, can I still use my cellular Apple Watch if I have to switch to a Samsung phone?

Hi all, hoping you can help me sort this issue out.

i currently have an iPhone 14pro and am Apple Watch 8 on cellular that’s on watch OS 10.3. They are paired but now my iphone is dying and I have an opportunity to get a new Samsung phone that I can use but what will happen to my watch if I do that and get rid of the broken iPhone?

if it matters, I am disabled and only use the watch to track my heart rate and ecg and to be able to call 911 or my family members in an emergency (unfortunately I occasionally pass out and fall thanks to tons of chronic illnesses). I know it seems like a waste of technology and functionality but I really don’t need it for texting or anything else really.

i am still in contact on my watch and i really do need it for safety reasons, but would it still work if i don’t have an iPhone anymore?

Posted on Feb 4, 2024 8:49 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobHarris

Level 9

57,185 points

Feb 4, 2024 10:12 AM in response to nursgirl1974

Incomplete list.

You cannot update the operating system software for security updates and bug fixes.

You cannot SMS/MMS TEXT (the Apple Watch relays those via the iPhone), only Internet based messaging, such as iMessages, or a 3rd party app if they have an Apple Watch version.

The cellular service is an add-on to your iPhone cellular service. You would loose cellular if you cancel the iPhone service, or transfer your number to the Android phone.

Your contacts would not get updated, as they come from your iPhone. That is to say, if you add a new contact on your Android phone, it would not appear as someone you could call on your Apple Watch.

If you store music, podcasts, audiobooks, pictures on your Apple Watch, you cannot updated or change them.

All of your Apple Watch data is backed up to the iPhone. If for some reason you needed to reset the Apple Watch, you would not be able to restore it to its previous state.

If you are going to switch to an Android smartphone, you should start thinking about getting a compatible Android based smartwatch as well.

I’m sure there is more, but keeping your full price iPhone’s cellular plan so you can continue to use the Apple Watch, and switch to an android phone with a new number might be a bit expensive in the long term.

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Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

57,185 points

Feb 4, 2024 9:36 AM in response to nursgirl1974

The Apple Watch requires an iPhone

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Answer 3

nursgirl1974 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2024 9:42 AM in response to BobHarris

Do you by chance know though, what exactly does it need the iPhone for after it’s been all set up and I’ve been using it for months but now my phone is about to die? That’s what I’m trying to figure out and everything I can find online is contradictory. One site says I just wouldn’t have full access to everything anymore once the phone is no longer connected (but the stuff I do use it for would still work fine) and other sites say you can’t use it at all without an iPhone even though it has its own cellular line 🤷🏻‍♀️

i guess I was hoping there’d be someone on here who has already had one all set up and could tell me what exactly happens once there’s no phone connected to it anymore.

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Answer 4

nursgirl1974 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2024 10:46 AM in response to BobHarris

Thank you! This is very helpful!!! Much appreciated! I just realized i also have a Fitbit sense that has been sitting in a drawer for the last year 🤦🏻‍♀️ I suppose I could use that with the Samsung phone instead, I just hate to keep paying the monthly payment on the Apple Watch and not use it.. lesson learned, buy the watch outright and don’t buy it through a carrier with monthly payments. I can always pay it off over time and sell the Apple Watch eventually!

thanks again! it really helps me to be able to “talk it out” like this.

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iPhone is dying, can I still use my cellular Apple Watch if I have to switch to a Samsung phone?

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