Can you use an Apple Watch with Android devices?

Considering a switch to an Android device but worried about giving up your Apple Watch? The Apple Watch has become a popular tech accessory and is undoubtedly the best smartwatch for iPhones, thanks to its seamless and tight integration with iOS. But what about Android phones?  

ALSO READ: How to measure a smartwatch case size? 

Can you smash through the walled garden and connect an Apple Watch to, say, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone? The answer is a bit complex. While the Apple Watch is primarily designed for iPhones, there are a few clever workarounds to achieve limited functionality with Android smartphones. So, can you use an Apple Watch with Android devices, and if so, how? 

Can you use Apple Watch with Android phones?

The short answer is no. You cannot pair an Apple Watch with an Android phone. However, there is a workaround that will let you use them both as independent devices together. If you use an iPhone to get a cellular variant Apple Watch through its initial setup, you can then use your Android phone and the Apple Watch independently. However, you will be missing out on most of the cool features of an Apple Watch.  

Here are a few features you might miss out on: 

1. App restrictions

Many Apple Watch apps are designed specifically for iOS and might not work at all, or have limited functionality, on Android. 

2. Core features affected

Essential functionalities like making calls or sending texts directly from your Apple Watch might be unavailable. 

How to setup an Apple Watch if you have an Android phone

As mentioned earlier, An Apple Watch is designed to work specifically with iPhones. However, if you still want to use your Apple Watch independently with your Android phone, here’s a workaround. However, we would like to make it clear that this will mean you don’t get to use most of your Apple Watch’s connected features, essentially beating the whole point of using the accessory.  

Prerequisites

An iPhone (at least iPhone 6 or later) for initial setup. 

i. Initial setup on iPhone 

Pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone with the SIM card installed and logged into your iCloud account. 

Now, simply follow the on-screen instructions on the iPhone to complete the pairing process. 

ii. Switching to Android 

Turn off all devices (iPhone, Apple Watch, Android phone). 

Then, transfer the SIM card from the iPhone to your Android phone.  

Power on your Android device and let it connect to the cellular network. 

Finally, turn on your Apple Watch. 

If you have a cellular Apple Watch, you should be able to receive calls and send messages, even though your primary number is connected to an Android device. Also, while your Apple Watch and Android phone aren’t connected, you can still use the watch’s basic functions without an iPhone.  

ALSO READ: Apple Watch: How to put a protective case on your smartwatch? 

However, other advanced functionalities won’t work without an iPhone such as downloading apps, notifications, etc. If you have trouble with messaging or phone calls, re-pair the device with your iPhone and update it. While not the most perfect of setups, if you absolutely need to use a basic watch functionality from your Apple Watch with an Android phone, this method can grant you limited use. However, for a full smartwatch experience, it’s always recommended to pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone.