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Does Android Work with Apple Watch?

For those who possess an iPhone, the best option is still an Apple Watch. Its flawless connection and elegant design make it very simple to pair an Apple Watch with an iPhone. For a smartphone-free experience, you can also connect your Apple Watch with AirPods. Nevertheless, Apple Watches are incompatible with operating systems other than iOS.

For those who own an iPhone, an Apple Watch is an excellent option. What happens, however, if you possess a Google, OnePlus, or Samsung device? Perhaps you're wondering whether you can link an Android phone with an Apple Watch or if the two devices are compatible. You may get all the answers by reading on!

Are Android Smartphones and Apple Watch Compatible?

The simple answer is that an Android smartphone and an Apple Watch cannot be paired. Apple Watches have only been compatible with iPhones since their launch, and this isn't going to change. You must have an iPhone running the Watch app in order to use an Apple Watch. Even while both the smartphone and the Apple Watch support Bluetooth, there isn't yet an alternate Apple Watch software for Android. An Android device cannot be directly paired with an Apple Watch.

Nevertheless, there is a workaround to use Apple Watch with Android cellphones if you own an iPhone. All three devices are compatible with simultaneous usage. In theory, you can monitor your everyday activities with your Apple Watch even when your iPhone is not close by. You can utilize standalone applications on your Apple Watch if it has cellular or LTE functionality.

How to Pair an Android Phone with an Apple Watch

There is a workaround available to enable Apple Watch to function on Android smartphones if you're an avid user of Android smartphones. A Apple Watch Cellular + WiFi model, an iPhone 6 or later for the first setup, and an Android phone are required for this. Additionally, confirm that your cellular plan () supports Apple Watch. When you're ready, link an Android phone and Apple Watch by following these steps:

Observation:When you use your Apple Watch with an Android phone, it will stop working in certain ways. It's possible that some functionalities won't function at all or won't function as planned.
  • First of all, you must pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
  • Once done, make a test call on your iPhone and verify the SIM card is activated.
  • Now, open the Control Center on your iPhone and enable Airplane Mode. Check if your Apple Watch is still connected to a network. If yes, you must turn off your Apple Watch.
  • Next up, transfer the SIM card in your iPhone to your Android phone.
  • Once you’ve swapped the SIM cards, turn your Apple Watch On.

It's important to note that SIM card data are now sent between Android phones and Apple Watch instead of pairing over Bluetooth. This allows you to use the basic watch functions on both devices, including sending and receiving SMS messages and making calls.

Constraints When Using Android on an Apple Watch

Although it is possible to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, there are some restrictions. Numerous capabilities, such as notification mirroring and other features exclusive to Apple, including Siri and Walkie-Talkies, will be lost. You also need to be aware of the following restrictions:

  • Some iOS-exclusive apps may not work at all or offer limited functionality.
  • You’ll lose out on several core health features.
  • iMessage won’t work properly.
  • You can use the Apple Watch’s Activity and Sleep apps, but since Android does not have Fitness or Health apps, the data won’t sync with your Android device.
  • It isn’t easy to keep an Apple Watch up-to-date with an Android smartphone.

Even while Android may be used to set up an Apple Watch, the experience is much inferior to that of an iPhone. On an Android phone, you can only utilize the most basic Apple Watch functionalities. Think about purchasing a wristwatch with native Android compatibility, such as the Samsung Watch or Google Pixel Watch, if you want to have a fully functional smartwatch experience. These days, it is simple to locate Apple Watch substitutes for Android.

Indeed, Apple made an attempt to enable Apple Watches to function with Android phones. After almost three years of consideration, the plan was finally abandoned owing to technological issues.

No, in order to complete the initial setup, an Apple Watch has to be linked to an iPhone. You can't even use an Apple Watch unless you have access to an iPhone.