I am unable to send or recieve messages from my Apple Watch when away from my iPhone

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Level 1

4 points

I am unable to send or recieve messages from my Apple Watch when away from my iPhone

Everything on iwatch seems to work well, with the Exception of Not being able to recieve or send text messages when Away from phone. Can make and receive calls when phone is away but Not Texts. When phone is near works fine. Done all the walk throughs of checking settings, signing in and out of imessage, phone restarts, watch restarts, pair and unpair device, etc etc etc... Bought 2 iwatch 9 series with cellular to be able to use when we forget our phones at home. to have just half the service is not right! We are at our wits end. About ready to send the watches back! if anyone has a solution would really appreciate it.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 17

Posted on Jun 27, 2024 7:26 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ingo2711

Community+ 2026

Level 10

80,895 points

Jun 27, 2024 11:40 PM in response to PBM65

Is your iPhone switched on and connected to a network, when you don't have it nearby?

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2. To receive SMS, MMS, or push notifications from third-party apps on your cellular Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but it doesn't need to be nearby. You also need to be signed in to iMessage on your iPhone to use Messages on your watch.

...

copied from: Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jun 28, 2024 7:04 AM in response to PBM65

I guess you also saw the little number " 2 " right behind the Messages icon, which leads to the part I quoted at the bottom of the article in the fine print?

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Not all features are available on all Apple Watch models. Also, not all features are available in all countries or regions.

1. If you're on Wi-Fi and want to call a phone number, make sure that Wi-Fi calling is turned on for your Apple Watch. Otherwise, try making a FaceTime audio call.

2. To receive SMS, MMS, or push notifications from third-party apps on your cellular Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but it doesn't need to be nearby. You also need to be signed in to iMessage on your iPhone to use Messages on your watch.

3. For better GPS accuracy during an outdoor workout without your paired iPhone, you can calibrate your Apple Watch.

...

copied from: Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

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Answer 3

PBM65 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2024 3:10 AM in response to Ingo2711

Please READ what the first few lines in your link say. Quote

Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby

Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.

When your iPhone is off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. Your watch can also connect to a cellular network if it's a cellular model. And if you've set up an Apple Watch for a family member, they can use a cellular or Wi-Fi connection with their watch.

Contradicts your answer, clearly states when phone is not nearby or OFF you can still send and receive data.

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I am unable to send or recieve messages from my Apple Watch when away from my iPhone

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