The Apple Watch is often regarded as a seamless extension of the iPhone, delivering a wide range of functionalities through its tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
However, not everyone wants or needs to pair their Apple Watch with an iPhone. Whether you’re looking to use your Apple Watch independently or find yourself without your iPhone temporarily, there are plenty of ways to get value from this versatile device.
Read on to discover what you can do with your Apple Watch without paring it to your iPhone.
How to Use Your Apple Watch Without Your iPhone Nearby
When I don’t have my iPhone but have my Apple smartwatch, I usually utilize some functions that you can also try.
You can:
1. Play Music
You can listen to music you stored on your watch or stream music from Apple Music if you’re a subscriber. Select the Music app and choose a music to listen to.
If you’re connected to the WiFi, you can stream music from Apple Music.
2. Play Podcasts Downloaded on The Apple Watch
Another thing you can do with your Apple Watch without pairing is listen to podcasts you downloaded.
Connect your Apple Watch to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Open the Podcasts app. Then, turn the Digital Crown to scroll through the Home screen and tap a podcast or category to listen to downloaded podcasts.
3. Play Audiobooks Stored on Apple Watch
You can also listen to audiobooks stored on the watch.
Open the Audiobooks app on your watch after connecting to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. On the Home screen, turn the Digital Crown to scroll through the artwork. Then tap an audiobook to play it.
4. Record and Play voice memos
The watch can also record and play voice memos without needing an iPhone.
Open the Voice Memo app on your watch and tap the red button to start recording. When you’ve finished recording, tap the Stop icon to end the recording.
To play a voice memo, open the Voice Memo app. Then tap a recording on the Voice Memo screen and hit the play button to listen to your recordings.
5. Display Photos from Synced Photo Albums
You can browse your synced photos and memories using the Photo app on your Apple Watch. Open the Photos app and select an action to browse your pictures.
You can view memories, featured photos, or an album you synced to your Apple Watch.
6. Make Store Purchases with Apple Pay
You can set and use Apple Pay on the Apple Watch independently of an iPhone.
Double-click on the side button and then scroll down to choose a card. Then, hold yourApple Watch within a few centimeters of the contactless card reader, with the display facing the reader.
A gentle tap and beep will confirm that the payment information was sent. You’ll receive a notification in the Notification Center when the transaction is confirmed.
7. Track Your Workout and Fitness
Apple Watches’ Activity App keeps track of your movement throughout the day and encourages you to maintain your fitness level. The app can track your workout, how much you move, how often you stand, and how many minutes of exercise you do.
That way, you can track various activities like walking, running, cycling, and swimming—all without needing your iPhones. To get started, you’d want to configure the Activity app to monitor the workout or activity you want to track.
8. Monitor Your Health
Besides tracking workouts and fitness, your Apple watch can check your heart rate, monitor your sleep, measure your blood oxygen level, and track menstrual cycles without needing the iPhone.
All these health monitoring capabilities make your Apple Watch a comprehensive tool for managing your overall well-being, even without constant connection to the iPhone.
How to Use Apple Watch if Connected to WiFi but Not Paired to iPhone
When you connect your Apple Watch to a WiFi network, you can do the following even with your iPhone off:
- Send messages
- Get apps from the App Store
- Make a phone call (if you have WiFi calling enabled or want to FaceTime audio calls)
- Stream music, audiobooks, podcasts
- Add music
- Track your stocks
- Check current weather
Not All Apple Watch Functions Require Pairing
The Apple Watch is powerful, even when used without pairing it to an iPhone. You can track your fitness goals, monitor health metrics, play music and podcasts, and even display synced photos.
And when connected to a WiFi network, you can send messages, get apps from the App Store, make phone calls, stream music, track stocks, and check current weather.
Whether you’re using it as a standalone device for yourself or a family member, understanding its capabilities and limitations ensures you get the most out of your Apple Watch experience.
