I know Mint Mobile doesn't support cellular capabilities on Apple watch. However, can I make calls on my watch if it's connected to Wifi AND my iphone is NOT nearby? Moreover, can my watch function independently if its connected to Wifi but my phone isn't nearby?
[Re-Titled By Moderator]
The reality is you will need to have your iPhone nearby and powered on most of the time to get all the benefits of your Apple Watch.
Having WiFi calling is a nice side benefit, but you should not plan your Apple Watch entire usage around it.
pmazzo wrote:
Shouldn’t my watch be able to make Wi-Fi calls even if my phone isn’t nearby though?
If your carrier supports WiFi calling, and you enable WiFi calling on your iPhone, and you enable WiFi calling on your Apple Watch, then you can make calls from WiFi.
But, except in your home, you are rarely going to have WiFi your Apple Watch is attached to. And I would assume that in your home, your iPhone is there as well.
I have had a GPS only Apple Watch for 6+ years, and because I do tend to have my iPhone nearby, I have enjoyed the full benefits of the Apple Watch. But if I leave my iPhone behind, then while walking or driving, or shopping, etc... I DO NOT have WiFi and I cannot make or receive phone calls on my Apple Watch.
Again, having WiFi calling is a nice benefit, but if you are not going to get a cellular model Apple Watch, use an iPhone carrier that supports the Apple Watch, and pay the extra monthly fee to activate the Apple Watch cellular radio, then it is likely you will need to keep your iPhone nearby.
Where nearby is generally somewhere in the same moderate sized wood frame constructed home. It does not need to be glued to your hip, but in the same house. And when you leave the house, if you want to have your Apple Watch connected to the internet and make & receive phone calls, then you are going to want to take your iPhone with you.
If you walk, run, bike, etc... you can track your exercise with just your Apple Watch, and when you get back near your iPhone, your exercise data will be synced to the iPhone Health app. But while out exercising, you will not have internet data, and you will not make or receive phone calls.
As mentioned above, I use a GPS only Apple Watch, and I do take my iPhone with me when I leave the house, even for walks, and bike rides, or going to the store, etc... I do not find this a burden, but that is me.
Can you enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone?
Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support
...
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.
...
copied from: Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Shouldn’t my watch be able to make Wi-Fi calls even if my phone isn’t nearby though?
pmazzo wrote:
Shouldn’t my watch be able to make Wi-Fi calls even if my phone isn’t nearby though?
The ability to do that is completely dependent on your carrier.
How can I use Wi-Fi calling on Apple Watch with Mint Mobile?
