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Will Apple Watch 3 GPS connect to Wi-Fi

I just purchased my first Apple Watch 3 GPS. Is it designed to connect with my home WiFi when my phone isn’t nearby or Bluetooth is turned off.

Posted on Dec 17, 2017 2:37 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Dec 18, 2017 3:50 AM

Hi


Yes, it will.


Whenever your Apple Watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a compatible Wi-Fi network.


A compatible Wi-Fi network is an 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to before whilst your Apple Watch was connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth. Apple Watch cannot connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks or to public networks that require logins, subscriptions or profiles.


To check whether your Apple Watch can connect to Wi-Fi:



If your Apple Watch does not connect to Wi-Fi as expected (after allowing a few moments), then it may help to follow these steps:


If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:


Firstly, ensure that your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected via Bluetooth and also that your iPhone is connected to your Wi-Fi network:


On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Wi-Fi:

  • Tap on the "i" / info icon to the right of your Wi-Fi network name > tap on Forget This Network.
  • With your Apple Watch still connected via Bluetooth, reconnect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network, being sure to check that you are connecting to an 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz network.
  • Pause for a few moments to allow the Wi-Fi information to be shared to your Apple Watch.


On your iPhone, enable Airplane Mode:


Check whether your Apple Watch has successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network by checking for the Wi-Fi icon at the upper-left of Control Centre (allow a short while for it to connect after losing the connection with your iPhone):


When finished, turn off Airplane Mode on your iPhone.


If you have not yet done so and if the feature is supported on your plan, you may also wish to enable Wi-Fi Calling on your devices:


If the issue persists, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:


9 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Dec 18, 2017 3:50 AM in response to BigBast

Hi


Yes, it will.


Whenever your Apple Watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a compatible Wi-Fi network.


A compatible Wi-Fi network is an 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to before whilst your Apple Watch was connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth. Apple Watch cannot connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks or to public networks that require logins, subscriptions or profiles.


To check whether your Apple Watch can connect to Wi-Fi:



If your Apple Watch does not connect to Wi-Fi as expected (after allowing a few moments), then it may help to follow these steps:


If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:


Firstly, ensure that your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected via Bluetooth and also that your iPhone is connected to your Wi-Fi network:


On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Wi-Fi:

  • Tap on the "i" / info icon to the right of your Wi-Fi network name > tap on Forget This Network.
  • With your Apple Watch still connected via Bluetooth, reconnect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network, being sure to check that you are connecting to an 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz network.
  • Pause for a few moments to allow the Wi-Fi information to be shared to your Apple Watch.


On your iPhone, enable Airplane Mode:


Check whether your Apple Watch has successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network by checking for the Wi-Fi icon at the upper-left of Control Centre (allow a short while for it to connect after losing the connection with your iPhone):


When finished, turn off Airplane Mode on your iPhone.


If you have not yet done so and if the feature is supported on your plan, you may also wish to enable Wi-Fi Calling on your devices:


If the issue persists, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:


Dec 17, 2017 7:21 PM in response to deggie

Amazing! Two separate Apple Store employees told me the GPS model will not connect to WiFi. I’m having trouble with my new Series 3 rolling to my home WiFi if the iPhone isn’t close or if BT is switched off. Have tried everything. Settings on my router are clearly 2.4GHz. iPhone is connected but Apple Watch will not connect.

Dec 27, 2017 6:07 PM in response to Jonathan UK

Thought I would update...after exhausting all other options you so graciously outlined, Genius Bar is returning my brand new Apple Watch to Apple. I was surprised they wouldn’t simply replace it at the Apple Store out of inventory but I was told they couldn’t do that. Needless to say, this was disappointing and not what I expected from Apple after only having my watch for about 2 weeks. Nevertheless, at least I know now that it was the watch and not anything I was doing or not doing. I really appreciate your assistance.

Will Apple Watch 3 GPS connect to Wi-Fi

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