What Can Your Smartwatch Do With and Without Internet? A UK Guide

Before buying a smartwatch, it’s important to understand what it can do with and without internet. In this blog, we’ll explore this in detail.

Connecting to Your Smartwatch

To receive notifications on your smartwatch, it must be connected to Bluetooth and within range of your smartphone. In this case, an internet connection isn’t necessary to get notifications. Additionally, most smartwatches can use the internet from the connected smartphone via Bluetooth.

When your smartwatch is connected to the internet, you can perform online activities without it being near your smartphone. Newer smartwatch generations can connect to Wi-Fi without being close to a smartphone. Furthermore, a smartwatch can use a mobile network, allowing online activities without a Wi-Fi connection.

Opting for a smartwatch with a mobile network typically adds £100 to £200 to the cost. Mobile data on your phone is sufficient as long as it’s Bluetooth-paired with your smartwatch. Connectivity enhances your smartwatch’s smart features through various apps. With internet access, your smartwatch can also communicate with your smartphone remotely.

What Can You Do With Your Smartwatch Without Internet?

Display time and date
Set an alarm
Use your stopwatch or timer
View your calendar
Track the number of steps you’ve taken
Monitor your heart rate
Change your watch face
Enable aeroplane mode on your smartwatch
Listen to music stored on your smartwatch

Even without internet, you can still perform activity tracking. If you go out without your smartphone and your smartwatch has built-in GPS, it can track your walking, cycling, or running route. Once you’re back home and connected to the internet, you can view your route.

What Can You Do When Your Smartwatch Has Internet?

Everything it can do offline
View and listen to online digital media
Use social media apps
Receive weather and news updates
Synchronise your calendar
Stream music
Message with your smartwatch
Call with your smartwatch
Keep your phone in your pocket longer

When your smartwatch is connected to the internet, you get the full experience. Beyond offline activities, you’re more connected to the world. You can stream music while running, reply to WhatsApp messages, and receive social media notifications.

Smartwatches That Can Connect to the Internet

Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular)

As mentioned earlier, a smartwatch with internet offers many possibilities. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a versatile smartwatch that lets you track activities and use various apps to simplify your life. For example, Citymapper compares real-time travel options. You can navigate any city with step-by-step directions for public transport, walking, cycling, and scooter rides.

It’s important to note that internet is required to use this app. This is possible with a mobile network (indicated as ‘Cellular’) or via the internet when your smartphone is nearby. You can also personalise the Apple Watch Series 6 with a unique strap—check out our Apple Watch straps.

The difference between the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 8 is minimal, so it’s not worth saying the Series 8 is much better. Plus, the Series 6 is significantly cheaper, available from £414.00.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 44mm

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 44mm is the first smartwatch with Wear OS from Samsung, offering access to all Wear OS apps. For instance, use Microsoft Outlook on your Galaxy Watch 4 to receive emails directly, keeping your phone in your pocket longer. It also supports contactless payments with its built-in NFC chip.

Using the Microsoft Outlook smartwatch app requires an internet connection. The Galaxy Watch 4 doesn’t support a mobile network, which helps keep its price affordable. It’s available from £159.00.

Conclusion

Your smartwatch doesn’t need internet to function. However, for the optimal experience, it’s beneficial to have it connected to the internet, unlocking more features. Connectivity maximises your smartwatch’s potential, allowing remote communication with your smartphone via Wi-Fi, a mobile network, or Bluetooth. Mobile data on your phone is enough as long as it’s Bluetooth-paired with your watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave your phone at home and use your smartwatch?

Yes, depending on your smartwatch’s connectivity options, you can perform online activities outside the home.

Can you call with your smartwatch?

Yes, this is possible when your smartwatch is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a mobile network.

Can you message with your smartwatch?