Apple watch wifi in hotel

There are hotels I use where one is limited to a limited number of WIFI devices (usually identified and controlled by MAC address) on a single account. How does the watch go about getting logged into a network that requires credentials (room#, name...)? Does the watch effectively 'tether' off the iPhone WIFI and share the phone's ip address or does it seek to get its own unique connection (ip address)? If it seeks it's own address, is there a way to tell it not to? If I put it in Airplane mode I assume that will also turn off the Bluetooth connection ??

iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Jun 14, 2017 11:53 AM

Reply
4 replies

Jun 14, 2017 12:54 PM in response to JerryEF

Hi


Whenever possible, your Apple Watch and iPhone will connect via Bluetooth. When the devices are connected via Bluetooth, any data usage incurred by apps on your Apple Watch is routed via your iPhone (drawing on your iPhone's connection to the internet via either mobile / cellular data or Wi-Fi).


You don't necessarily need to have your iPhone on or immediately around you (within arm's reach, for example) for the devices to establish and maintain their connection. Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters (this will vary in practice due to wireless interference).


Whenever your watch can't connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a known, compatible Wi-Fi network.


Apple Watch cannot connect directly to public / workplace Wi-Fi networks that require logins, subscriptions or profiles or to 5GHz networks.


Features that remain available under different connection statuses are detailed here:


How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support


More information:

About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Jun 14, 2017 12:54 PM in response to JerryEF

If the watch is connected to the phone, it gets its network from the phone. The only time that it would attempt to connect to the hotel wi-fi is if you do not have the phone on, and it attempts to connect as a known wi-fi network. In all of the times that I have traveled and used hotels that have wi-fi that requires logging in, my watch has always remained connected.


As a side note, this works for me every day at work, since our wi-fi network requires logging in through a browsers. Once I'm connected there, the watch works with the phone.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple watch wifi in hotel

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.