What is the bluetooth range for the Watch?

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Level 1

9 points

What is the bluetooth range for the Watch?

I currently have a generic smart watch, but I am looking at purchasing an Apple Watch.

My generic watch disconnects from my iphone when they're 2 meters apart. Really annoying because I then have to reconnect when I'm back in the range.

My question is;

What is the range on the Apple watch? How far away can my watch be before it disconnects? If it's only a short connection (like my generic watch) do I have to reconnect the Apple watch or will it reconnect automatically?

Thanks for any advice.

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on May 4, 2016 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

kalfrey Author

Level 1

9 points

May 4, 2016 7:52 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Thanks for your reply Carolyn. Would I be correct to say that the bluetooth works if my phone is close by, but my wifi will take over if I leave the bluetooth range? For example, if I were to leave my phone on my kitchen bench and go into another room, I would still receive notifications/messages/calls on my watch via my wifi?

This generic watch does connect via bluetooth, but as soon as I move away from my phone, it disconnects and becomes a basic watch/pedometer. It doesn't unpair, but I have to go into bluetooth on my phone and connect again. The app that "supports" the generic watch is useless as it wont even sync data from the watch!

I bought the cheaper generic watch to see if it was going to be worth buying the Apple watch... Im disappointed with it as it seems pointless in having a watch if you have to have your phone in your pocket anyway.

Ideally, I'd like to leave my phone on my back patio and rely on the watch while gardening, but the generic watch wont connect that far. I literally have to have it in my pocket. Im hoping that the Apple watch is better than that?

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

268,227 points

May 4, 2016 10:12 PM in response to kalfrey

Bluetooth range is typically about 10 meters. If you're within that range, you should be fine.

If the WiFi meets the specifications in the article Carolyn Samit provided, then the Apple Watch should maintain connectivity to the iPhone. If there is a disconnect, however, you will not need to physically perform any action to cause a reconnect when the Apple Watch and iPhone are again within range. The reconnect will occur automatically.

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Answer 3

May 4, 2016 7:27 PM in response to kalfrey

An Apple Watch only uses Bluetooth when the iPhone is near and that helps to conserve power.

I paired my Apple Watch with my iPhone 6 on Dec. 28th 2015, and it hasn't had a problem disconnecting via Bluetooth at all. You can wear the Apple Watch anywhere. It doesn't have to stay near your iPhone to remain paired via Bluetooth.

If Bluetooth isn't available, the Apple Watch will try to use Wi-Fi > About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch

Generic watches aren't mean to be paired with an iPhone. Incompatible software and hardware which is why yours is disconnecting.

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