Learn how to connect your Apple Watch to Android

Are you looking for ways to connect your Apple watch to your Android smartphone? You have come to the right place.

So, you are one of those who decided to invest in Apple Wearable. But it turns out that the Apple ecosystem doesn’t allow you to easily connect it to a smartphone unless it’s an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Now the question is, what can you do about it? Here are all the answers you need:

Can Apple Watch be connected to Android phones?

The quick answer will tell you that this is not possible. The Apple Watch follows typical iOS compatibility. Thus, if you don’t have an iOS device, you can’t use it.

It hardly works even with macOS. Even for this you need an iPhone. Apple Watch is not universally compatible. You can only use it with Apple iPhone.

But since you’re here looking for answers, here’s something for you:

There are several workarounds you can try to connect your Apple Watch to Android.
It will have limited functionality and work with LTE (cellular network).
In short, you will have to buy a more expensive SIM-enabled watch.
The Bluetooth connection option will not work to pair the watch with an Android device.
You will need an Apple Watch, an iPhone, and an Android device for the solutions below to work.

Now that you have the answer, you know that your Apple Watch won’t even work with brands. This is the same as Wear OS not working with Apple devices. As an alternative to the Apple Watch, the Samsung Watch Series is ideal.

Reasons why Apple Watch won’t connect to Android device?

As mentioned above, there are many reasons why Apple Watch doesn’t work with an Android device. Here are some quick reviews:

Apple Ecosystem

Apple is a secure and encrypted ecosystem that only a few popular apps have managed to embrace. It was to his advantage.
The Apple ecosystem does not welcome open source or developer-focused software or devices.
Android and Android related OS are open source or developer oriented. That’s why Apple doesn’t allow it.
Apple loves the exclusivity it offers in the premium segment. And Apple users share this opinion. That’s why it’s hard for anyone to sign up for Apple Infrastructure.

Apple Watch app

To access all the features of the Apple Watch, you need to install the Apple Watch app on your device.
This app is exclusive and only for iOS users. It is only compatible with iOS. As a result, it doesn’t work on Android devices.
There is no workaround for using the Apple Watch app on Android.
It’s unlikely that Apple will ever look at the app for Android users. Things like this support Apple’s premium value.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have ways to use your Apple Watch. As mentioned, you will have limited access, features and usage. Like this? Let’s find out:

How to use the Apple Watch Series with an Android smartphone?

Everything you need
Set up connections
Turn off devices
Quick SIM card exchange
Time to connect
All the things you can do
Offline applications with watch software

1. Everything you need

Now let’s write down a couple of things you’ll need before moving on with the workaround:

You will need a SIM tool kit to remove and reinsert the SIM card.

An iPhone with the latest version of iOS (or iOS-enabled Apple Watch and app).
The Android phone that you will end up using with your Apple Watch.
Apple Watch with cellular. For example, it could be an eSIM, but an LTE connection would be better.

2. Set up connections

Before you start connecting, remember that you need a cellular connection. It must be one that supports the Apple Watch. After that, follow these steps:

On iPhone, download and install the Apple Watch app.
Launch it and then look for the “Start Pairing”option.
You can choose to pair manually. If not, use your iPhone’s camera to scan your Apple Watch. Yes, this is a possible way to connect.

Your watch will show a 6-digit code once you use any of the methods and select it.
You will need to enter it in the application. Then select the “Set up as a new Apple Watch”option.

As you know, there are configurations and settings. These include choosing Wrist settings, accepting terms and conditions, and more.
Make sure you complete them all. It will then ask for an Apple ID, diagnostics, location, enable Siri, etc.

Create your password and choose if you want it to be active or not.
Make sure you set up all the features after signing in. For example, set up Apple Pay, Emergency SOS, and more.

There may be new versions or installation required. This is where a cellular network or Wi-Fi comes in handy. It will be installed and updated to the latest options.
Finally, you should see that the iPhone and Apple Watch are syncing. Once completed, use your Apple Watch.
Change the type of connection to the LTE network. This will be with the SIM card that is on your iPhone.

3. Turn off devices

Once you’ve fully set up your Apple Watch and synced it to your iPhone, proceed to this step:

Turn off your iPhone, Android phone, and Apple Watch.

Some guides ask you to activate flight mode. But this often doesn’t work and can lead to problems.
Therefore, it is better to turn off the devices.

4. Quick SIM card exchange

This is where this SIM tool kit comes in handy.

After turning off the iPhone, use the SIM eject tool.
Now do the same with the Android SIM card holder. And use iPhone SIM card into Android phone slot.

Insert the tray back.
Make sure it’s the Android device you want to use your Apple Watch with.

5. Time to connect

Now keep your iPhone out of the way. Don’t turn it on just yet.

Turn on your Android phone and Apple Watch.

First the phone, then the watch.
Don’t change anything for the Watch. Could you leave it on cellular?
Make sure your Android phone is on a cellular network and not Wi-Fi or something.

The watch may display the message “Disabled”for a short time. Wait patiently and don’t be afraid. It will go away.
This will connect Apple Watch to Android.

But this will lead to limited functionality and capabilities. More on this in the next paragraph.

6. Everything you can do on Android with the Apple Watch software

To clarify, this connection will not allow Android to work synchronously with the Apple Watch. What does it mean? It means that:

Your Android device (phone) and Apple Watch will not share or sync data.
You won’t receive notifications from your Android phone to your Apple Watch.
Apple Watch will continue to perform basic functions available through network connections.
You will have no problems with installed apps and fitness features.

You will have access to an ECG, blood oxygen, and a calorie counter. If you have a step or sprint counter this should work fine.
After all, GPS and other tracking is more efficient with cellular capabilities.

7. Offline apps you can use with the watch software

Most things that are standalone and have nothing to do with compatibility will work. Be aware that communication between two devices can be unpredictable.

The number of features you can access will depend on the device version, model, and other aspects:

You can use iMessage but not SMS. Some Android phones have different compatibility. So, it’s different.
Since you have Siri Enabled, you will be able to use it. It can even support calls from contacts, because that’s what the clock is for. You end up just borrowing cellular networks. Try making a test call.

You won’t be able to use iCloud with Android. From time to time, you will need to sync your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Only then can you keep it running.
Your watch will continue to update and install all offline apps that don’t require an iPhone.
For example, you can use Spotify and other apps as they have nothing to do with the Apple ecosystem.

You can try connecting your Bluetooth headphones to your Apple Watch.
You can probably access the Apple App Store and the like.

Smart watches vs. Apple Watch – which is better?

WatchOS vs WearOS – which is better? WearOS is similar to WatchOS for Android. WatchOs is compatible with Apple users. Let’s quickly see which one is better:

WatchOS is limited in compatibility. You can only use Apple devices and you still need an iPhone to set them up.
WearOS works with both Android and iOS devices. You can set it up on almost any device with the right app.
OS aside, smartwatches are available in a wide range of budgets, while Apple Watches are high-end.

Accordingly, if you buy an inexpensive smart watch, you will have similar features. It will be missing a couple of them or it will be inaccurate. The experience will not be the best.
Take, for example, the Samsung watch series. There is no real difference between Apple and Samsung watches other than the OS. Both have similar high-end features.

The fitness features are the same too. There is no difference.
The only difference may be battery life, which will vary across smartwatches.

Even the Apple Watch supports a lot of third-party apps. But due to the Apple ecosystem, you may have some limitations.
Android Watch has no such restrictions.

If you want to enter the Apple ecosystem and take advantage of this premium set of services, choose Apple Watch. Otherwise, the smartwatch will work just as well. As a plus, it can connect to more devices.

Those are the only differences.

Conclusion – Connect Apple Watch to Android (WatchOS)

Now you have all the answers if you want to connect your Apple Watch to Android. You have all the instructions, workarounds and alternatives. As mentioned, if you want to set up a family, you must use the offline mode. You still need an iPhone for this.

Either way, as you can see, if you want to use an Apple Watch, you’ll need an iPhone. So it’s better to buy an iPhone and use it with your watch. There is no reason why you buy Android first and then iPhone or vice versa.

So, we hope you found everything worthwhile. Go ahead and enjoy your Apple Watch.

FAQ –

Does Apple Watch work with Mac, iPad, and other Apple devices?

You cannot connect and access the full range of features on iPad and Mac. They both use iPadOS and MacOS. They are different from iOS, and Apple Watch supports iOS. But there are some limited features that you can access from Apple Watch on Mac and iPad.

Can the Apple Watch be used as a standalone device?

You’ll need an iPhone to complete the initial Apple Watch setup. But offline mode is available on Apple Watch. This is for secondary users such as family members. You can use it alone if you want to share your watch with them. But for the Apple Watch, you need an iPhone.

Is there an Apple Watch app for Android users?

There may be some third-party and untrusted apps that claim to work with the Apple Watch, but they don’t. The official Apple Watch app is not available for Android OS. So you can’t use it. Some people claim otherwise, but don’t fall for it.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch better than the Apple Wearable?

The Apple Watch is a high-end and premium wearable. But to access all its features and performance, you’ll need an iPhone. Meanwhile, you can use the Samsung Watch with almost any Android device, which is as good as the Apple Watch. So if you don’t have an iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch might be the best option.