Are you an iPhone and Apple Watch user looking to switch to Android or have an Android and are looking to buy an Apple Watch? You might want to think again.
While Apple did say they spent three years trying to make the Apple Watch compatible with Android, they ultimately owed it to technical issues and dropped the idea.
Can you use Apple Watch with Android phones?
Though the Apple Watch is strictly an accessory for the iPhone and can’t be used with an Android phone, there is still a way around that can make it work, provided you have the cellular Apple Watch. However, there are restrictions such as :
- Because the Android phone and Apple Watch aren’t paired directly, notifications are disabled.
- Health analysis via the Apple Health app can’t be accessed.
- Siri won’t be able to control the phone.
- The battery of the Apple Watch will be severely affected due to significant usage of its LTE features.
- Updates can only be done via an iPhone.
How to Set Up Apple Watch on Android Phone
Method 1: Using an iPhone
To use your Apple Watch independently, you will need an iPhone 6 or later for the initial setup.
Step 1: Pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone using an iCloud account.
Step 2: Call and check if the Apple Watch is receiving calls and has the LTE activated.
Step 3: Turn off all three devices, i.e., iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android phone).
Step 4: Transfer the SIM card from your iPhone to your Android phone and turn it on.
Step 5: Turn on your Apple Watch.
Since the Apple Watch and the Android phone now share the same SIM cards and can’t be paired via Bluetooth, you’ll be able to place and receive calls and SMS.
Method 2: Set up Family Sharing
If someone in your family has an iPhone, you can have them set up an Apple Watch for you and use it as a standalone device. Obviously, applications that require an iPhone won’t work as expected.
Wrap Up
Although there is a workaround to use your Apple Watch with an Android phone, the limitations don’t make it viable as we don’t get the full functionality. For all that the Apple Watch is capable of, using it with an Android device just seems like a waste of money and potential.
Even updating the software regularly isn’t possible without an iPhone. There are much better alternatives available in the market for an Android phone, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Google Pixel 3, which would make for a better investment.
