Can You Update Apple Watch Without Pairing It To iPhone?

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Do you want to know how you can update your Apple Watch software without pairing it to your iPhone?

Don’t worry, in this article, I will tell you whether you can do it or not. Moreover, I will tell you if you can set up and use your Apple Watch without iPhone or not. And at the end of the article, I will share what you can do with your Apple Watch without connecting it to an iPhone.

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Can You Update Apple Watch Without Pairing?

Were you trying to update your Apple Watch from your iPhone but things did not work out? Do you want to update your Apple Watch without having your iPhone nearby?

Well whatever may be the situation, you must be wondering if you can update your Apple Watch without pairing it to your iPhone or not, right?

So let me put your wondering to rest. No, you cannot update your Apple Watch software without connecting it to your iPhone. To update your watch, you have to connect it to your iPhone, there is no other way.

How To Update Apple Watch Software?

You cannot update your Apple Watch without pairing it with your iPhone. However, once you have connected both of them then there are actually two ways of doing it. You can either do it from your smartwatch itself or you can do it from your smartphone. Let me tell you about both methods one by one.

How To Update Apple Watch From The Watch

To update your Apple Watch from the watch itself, make sure of the following things:

  • Your iPhone software is up to date
  • You are connected to a WiFi network
  • Your Apple Watch is at least 50% charged and is plugged into a charger
  • Your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone and both devices are nearby

Once the above things are in place, follow the below steps:

  1. Go to your Watch Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap on General.Update Watch From Watch Step 2
  3. On the next screen, tap on Software Update.Update Watch From Watch Step 3
  4. Tap on Download & Install button. If you have already downloaded the update then you will only get the Install button.Update Watch From Watch Step 4
  5. Let your Apple Watch get updated.How To Update Apple Watch Without Pairing

How To Update Apple Watch From iPhone

Before updating your Apple Watch through your iPhone, again make sure that:

  • Your iPhone is up to date
  • Your Apple Watch is charging and its battery level is at least 50%
  • Your iPhone is connected to your Apple Watch

Now follow the below steps:

  1. On your iPhone, launch the Watch app.
  2. Go to General settings.Update Watch From iPhone Step 2
  3. Tap on Software Update.Update Watch From iPhone Step 3
  4. On the next screen, tap on Download And Install button.Update Watch From iPhone Step 4
  5. Let your Apple Watch get updated.

So this is how you can update your Apple Watch from your iPhone and from the watch itself.

Can You Setup Apple Watch Without iPhone?

As discussed, you cannot update your Apple Watch without pairing it with your iPhone. Now, let me clear one more doubt that most people have. Some people look for a way to set up their Apple Watch without an iPhone. So if you are also one of them and are wondering whether you can set it up without an iPhone or not then this part of the article is for you.

No, you cannot set up an Apple Watch without iPhone. You will need to have an iPhone to set up the watch for the first time.

Can You Use Apple Watch Without Apple Phone?

You cannot set up Apple Watch without iPhone but does it mean that you cannot use it without an Apple phone as well?

No, once you have set up your Apple Watch then you will not need your iPhone to use it. You can use it without an iPhone. However, the thing that you need to note here is that you will need to pair it with your Apple phone once in a while to see all the stats and everything. Even if you want important phone notifications then also you will have to connect your watch to your iPhone.

In short, you will be able to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone but you will not be able to use it to its full potential.

What Can You Do With Apple Watch Without iPhone?

As discussed, you will not be able to use your Apple Watch to its full potential without an iPhone. Now, you must be wondering about the things that you can do with your Apple Watch without pairing it to your iPhone. Well, according to Apple, there are a lot of things that you can do, let me tell you about them.

1) Phone Calls & SMS

If you own the cellular model then you will be able to make and receive calls from your Apple Watch without even connecting it to your phone. Not only phone calls but you will also be able to send and, receive messages from your Apple Watch.

2) Connect To The Internet

You can also connect to the Internet through WiFi or cellular data.

3) Track Your Activities

Yes, you can track your activities and workouts with your Apple Watch without iPhone. However, if you want to see the detailed stats and analysis of your workout then you will have to connect your watch to your iPhone.

4) Time & Stopwatch

You will be able to see the time and use the alarm clock. However, if you want to change the time zone on your Apple Watch then you will have to connect it to your iPhone. Other than this, you can also use the watch timer and stopwatch.

5) Play Music

You will also be able to play music as Apple Watches supports Spotify and other music apps. You can connect to your Spotify account using WiFi or cellular data and play music.

6) Use Apple Pay

Apple Watch supports NFC payments, therefore you will also be able to make contactless payments using your Apple Watch without the need for an iPhone.

7) Track Health

You will also be able to track your body health parameters like heart rate, ECG, SpO2, etc. with your Apple Watch without pairing it with an Apple phone.

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FAQs

How Can I Manually Update My Apple Watch?

You can manually update your Apple Watch from your iPhone or from the watch itself from Software Update settings.

Can I Update Apple Watch From My iPhone?

Yes, you can update your Apple Watch from your iPhone.

Can We Use Apple Watch Without Pairing?

Yes, you can use Apple Watch without pairing it to your iPhone.

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Hemant Mendiratta

Hemant's love for watches started when his grandfather gifted him his Rolex watch when he turned 18! Being a teenager it was a big deal for him. Later when he got his first job he bought Fossil Palm Pilot back in 2003 which was a smartwatch. Since then smartwatches have come a long way and so is Hemant's love for them. His experience with watches inspired him to start Wearholic and share his knowledge of wearables including watches, smartwatches, smart glasses, & smart clothing.

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