Can you use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?

If there’s one drawback to the Apple Watch, it’s the lack of compatibility with operating systems beyond iOS. The Apple Watch is a brilliant iPhone companion, but what if you own a Samsung, Sony, or Google Pixel device? Is there any way to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone? We explore the answer below.

Do Apple Watches work with Android phones?

In short, no. You cannot pair or use an Apple Watch with an Android phone. The Apple Watch will only function with iPhones, which isn’t ever likely to change. You’ll need an iPhone with the Watch app to activate an Apple Watch. There’s no substitute for this on Android, even if your device supports Bluetooth connectivity.

However, there’s no reason why you can’t use the two devices simultaneously. If you own an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and an Android phone, you can use all three simultaneously. You could theoretically use your Apple Watch to track your daily activity while leaving your iPhone at home. If you have an LTE Apple Watch, you could also use standalone apps on the wearable.

How to use a cellular Apple Watch with an Android phone

If you’re an Android phone fan but own an Apple Watch, there is a workaround that will let you use the two devices simultaneously. You’ll need an Apple Watch LTE model, an iPhone for initial setup, and an Android phone.

1. Pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Once complete, place a test call on your iPhone to see if the SIM card is activated.
2. Next, put your iPhone in Airplane Mode. Check if the Apple Watch is still connected to a network. If it is, switch off your Apple Watch.
3. Transfer the SIM card in your iPhone to your Android phone and switch on the Apple Watch.

While the Android phone and Apple Watch won’t be paired via Bluetooth, they now share the same SIM card details. This should let you place and receive calls, use SMS features, and use limited voice controls on both devices.

Limitations of using an Apple Watch with an Android phone

As the Apple Watch is specifically designed to work with the iPhone, there are numerous limitations when using the wearable with an Android phone. As the Apple Watch and Android phone are never explicitly paired using this workaround, you’ll lose out on notification mirroring, health data analysis via Apple Health, the ability to control items on your phone using your Apple Watch, and Apple-specific features like Walkie-Talkie and Siri. Additionally, as this method relies on the Apple Watch’s LTE features to receive phone calls and messages, this workaround will accelerate the watch’s battery consumption.

Realistically, this workaround isn’t sustainable for using an Apple Watch, especially considering you require an iPhone to set it up anyway.

Apple Watch alternatives for Android

There is no sensible reason to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, but thankfully, there are plenty of excellent alternatives for the latter.

• Garmin Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon): If you need a smartwatch that works across Android and iPhone, this is the best you can get. The Venu 3 offers plenty of health and wellness tracking features in addition to training and fitness tools. It lacks LTE support but does offer voice assistant mirroring and on-wrist call support.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99 at Amazon): The Galaxy Watch 7 will only work with an Android phone, but it does offer a seamless experience on that platform. It offers unique features, like its body composition monitor. LTE models are available, too.
• Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.95 at Amazon): Now owned by Google, Fitbit devices still work across both Android and iOS devices. The Charge 6 cuts the weight and footprint down considerably compared to the Samsung and Garmin but also offers a smaller set of smart and fitness features. Nevertheless, it’s affordable, and is a great Apple Watch alternative for wearable beginners.

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