Can You Use an Apple Watch with an Android Phone?

While there are workarounds to use an Apple Watch (LTE version) alongside your Android phone, many core features will be unavailable due to the lack of a Bluetooth connection between the Apple Watch and Android. Simply put: you cannot fully use an Apple Watch with an Android phone. There’s also no official app in the Google Play Store that supports Apple Watch.

In short, it’s not recommended to pair an Apple Watch with Android—it just doesn’t really work as it should. You can, however, set up the LTE version with an iPhone and later switch the SIM to an Android device to make calls via the Apple Watch.

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Pros and Cons of Using Apple Watch with Android

What Works?

• You can make phone calls from the LTE Apple Watch using your SIM card (if initially set up on iPhone).
• Basic functions like the step counter and heart rate monitor work independently.
• Internal apps on the Apple Watch can update via WiFi or mobile network.
• Siri (limited) can make calls or answer basic questions.

What Doesn't Work?

• No Bluetooth connection with Android phones.
• No Apple Pay (unless set up with iPhone beforehand).
• No app downloads or updates—requires iPhone connection.
• No messaging: WhatsApp and SMS are not supported via Android.
• Limited Siri features: voice calling works, but reminders and smart commands won’t.

Using an Old iPhone for Setup

If you still want to try using an Apple Watch with Android, the easiest way is to set up the watch on an iPhone first and use the LTE network. You can even sync fitness data each evening by briefly reconnecting the Watch to an old iPhone over WiFi.

That way, you get the benefits of data syncing, Apple Pay, and calling without needing to carry the iPhone all day.

How to Set Up Apple Watch for Android Use

1. Use an iPhone to fully set up your Apple Watch (with SIM installed).
2. Use the Watch and iPhone for at least 10 minutes.
3. Test calling functionality from the Watch.
4. Turn off the iPhone or set it to Airplane Mode.
5. Power off the Apple Watch.
6. Move the SIM card from the iPhone to the Android phone.
7. Turn on both the Android phone and the Apple Watch.

Note: This method is not guaranteed to work in every case, and data updates won’t sync without iPhone.

No Bluetooth Connection Possible

Apple has no interest in enabling Bluetooth support between Apple Watch and Android. That’s why many features are disabled when the Apple Watch is used without an iPhone.

Conclusion

While you can use an Apple Watch with an Android device in a very limited way, it’s more accurate to say you’re using the Watch independently rather than truly pairing it with Android. The only direct interaction is via your SIM card for calling (LTE version only). Most smart features won’t work without an iPhone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an iPhone to set up an Apple Watch?

Yes, you need an Apple smartphone to set up an Apple Watch—though it doesn’t have to be your own. You can use a friend or family member’s iPhone with Family Setup (from iOS 7).

Which smartwatches work with Android?

Most brands support Android, including Galaxy Watch, Samsung Gear, Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi, Polar, and Honor. The Apple Watch is the only major exception.

Do you need Bluetooth to use the Apple Watch?

Yes, for full functionality, Bluetooth must connect to an iPhone. With Android, Bluetooth does not work at all with the Watch.

Can you use WhatsApp on Apple Watch with Android?

No. WhatsApp only works when connected to an iPhone. Android does not support Bluetooth pairing or notifications for the Apple Watch.