EricG6

Q: Can Apple Watch connect to my Airport's WiFi when it is set to 2.4 and 5 GHz?

Can the Apple Watch connect to my WiFi?  When the iphone is out of bluetooth range of Apple Watch, the Apple Watch switches to WiFi to which the iphone is connected. The Apple Watch WiFi is 2.4 GHz. My airport is set to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Should the apple watch be able to connect?

Apple Watch, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), null

Posted on Jul 30, 2016 6:34 AM

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Q: Can Apple Watch connect to my Airport's WiFi when it is set to 2.4 and 5 GHz?

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  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Jul 30, 2016 11:04 AM in response to EricG6
    Level 10 (121,900 points)
    Apple Music
    Jul 30, 2016 11:04 AM in response to EricG6
  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 31, 2016 5:26 AM in response to EricG6
    Level 7 (33,571 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 31, 2016 5:26 AM in response to EricG6

    Hi

     

    It depends on how your iPhone has previously connected to Wi-Fi.

     

    In order for your watch to be able to connect to the 2.4GHz network, your iPhone must previously have connected to that 2.4GHz network - not the 5GHz network - whilst your watch was connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth.

     

    To test whether your watch is presently able to connect to that network as a fallback:

     

    • When within range of the network, place your iPhone into Airplane Mode (Settings - Airplane Mode).
    • After pausing for a short while, check the connection status of your watch by going to the Settings Glance:
      • When viewing the time on your watch, swipe up on the display, then swipe left / right to the Settings Glance.
      • This will state either Connected or Disconnected:
        • If it states Connected and the icon is a green cloud, then your watch has successfully connected to the network.
        • If it states Disconnected, your watch has not been able to connect to the network. The icon at the upper-right corner will be a red phone with a line through it (this will also be shown on the watch face).
      • Swipe down again to return to the watch face.
  • by Jonathan UK,Solvedanswer

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 31, 2016 5:26 AM in response to EricG6
    Level 7 (33,571 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 31, 2016 5:26 AM in response to EricG6

    If your watch does not connect to Wi-Fi in the absence of a connection with your iPhone, follow these steps:

     

    • Make a note of your Wi-Fi network name, the type of encryption that it uses and your Wi-Fi password.
    • With your iPhone connected to the Wi-Fi network and with your watch close by and connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth:
      • On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Wi-Fi.
      • Tap on the "i" icon at the right hand side of your current Wi-Fi connection's entry.
      • On the next screen, tap on Forget This Network - allow a few moments.
      • Then, with a short pause in between, disable and re-enable Wi-Fi using the toggle at the top of the Wi-Fi screen.
    • Reconnect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network:
      • Ensure that you connect your iPhone to a 2.4GHz network.
      • If you have a hidden network (ie the network name / SSID is not broadcast), choose to add the network via "Other", then enter the network name, encryption type and password.
    • After your iPhone has reconnected, allow a short time for the information to be shared to your watch.
    • Re-test your watch's ability to connect to the network by following the steps in my previous reply.
  • by EricG6,

    EricG6 EricG6 Jul 31, 2016 5:27 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 31, 2016 5:27 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Jonathan, Thank you for these steps. Apple watch is now connected. (Settings of Airport were not changed)

  • by EricG6,

    EricG6 EricG6 Jul 31, 2016 5:28 AM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Jul 31, 2016 5:28 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

    Thank you for your help.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 31, 2016 6:04 AM in response to EricG6
    Level 7 (33,571 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 31, 2016 6:04 AM in response to EricG6

    You're most welcome!