Apple Watch is considered the best smartwatch and it’s no surprise that many Android Phone users want to use it. Unlike Android smartwatches, Apple Watches can’t be used freely with Android smartphones and they come with tons of restrictions that ruin the whole user experience if you try to use Apple Watch with an Android Phone.
Also, you won’t be able to share data between the Apple Watch and Android Phone which will make it difficult to store your data as Apple Watch comes with limited storage.
Here is an article on my website that you must read, its about Why Is My Apple Watch Suddenly Draining Battery And How To Solve It?
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss if you should buy an Apple Watch as an Android Phone user in 2023. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Can I Use An Apple Watch As An Android Phone User?
Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches out there and it’s no surprise that many Android Phone users want to use this awesome smartwatch. However, the problem is that Apple doesn’t want users from any other platform to use Apple Watch which is why Apple Watch can only be connected to iPhones.
In theory, you can use your Apple Watch as an Android Phone user but both devices won’t be able to share data and you won’t be able to get a good smartwatch experience.
Despite all these restrictions, if you still want to buy an Apple Watch and use it with your Android Phone, you will still need an iPhone to set up the Apple Watch.
You can borrow your friend’s iPhone and set up your Apple Watch but you need to remember that even if you set up the Apple Watch, you won’t be able to get a good experience because both devices will be operating independently.
On top of that, you won’t be able to see insights into your workout and activities on your Android phone due to incompatibility.
However, if you buy an Apple Watch LTE version, you can theoretically use your Android Phone and Apple Watch independently. In the LTE Version, you will still need an iPhone to set up your Apple Watch but once you set it up, you can install standalone apps on your Apple Watch and use it to track your activities.
Here’s how you can use your Apple Watch LTE version with an Android Phone. In this process, you will need an iPhone ( you can borrow it from a friend or family member), your Android Phone, and your Cellular Apple Watch.
- Step #1: In the first step, you need to set up your Apple Watch with your iPhone and once the setup is complete, make sure that your SIM card is activated. You can make a test call on your iPhone to ensure that the SIM card is active.
- Step #2: In the second step, you need to make sure that the network is active on Apple Watch. So, activate Airplane mode on your iPhone and see if Apple Watch is connected to the network. If it’s connected, move to the last step.
- Step#3: In the 3rd step you will transfer the sim from your iPhone to your Android device but before that make sure that your Apple Watch is turned off. Now transfer the SIM Card and once it’s transferred, turn on the Apple Watch and see if it’s still working.
Using the above method, you won’t be able to connect your Apple Watch to your Android phone but still it will allow you to make or receive calls.
Also, you have to check out my post on the Which Apple Watch Bands Are Best For Small Wrists In 2024?
Should I Buy An Apple Watch As An Android Phone User?
Technically you can use your Apple Watch as an Android Phone user but it will come with a lot of restrictions which will be pretty annoying. So, I’d recommend that you shouldn’t buy an Apple Watch if you are an Android user.
In 2023, we have many awesome android smartwatches such as Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 available which are as good as Apple Watch when it comes to features and build quality.
So, if you will use these Android smartwatches with your Android smartphone, you will be able to take complete benefit of them and it will be a good experience.
If you really want to use Apple Watch then it would be best that you switch to iPhone because it will allow you to enjoy the goodness of the Apple Ecosystem without any restrictions.
Another post that will interest you is about How Does Apple Watch Knows You’re Standing & Detects Fall?
Are Android Smartwatches As Good As Apple Watch?
Apple Watch comes with excellent hardware and software features along with the goodness of the Apple Ecosystem and currently, there are no Android Smartwatches available which can match this whole experience.
However, there are some Android smartwatches that are almost as good as Apple Watch when it comes to features and build quality.
My first recommendation would be the Galaxy Watch 5 which offers tons of useful features and comes with the goodness of Google’s new Wear OS 3.
The second recommendation would be the new Google Pixel Watch which also comes with advanced features and Wear OS 3.
Also, make sure to check out my post on the Best 10 Apple Watch Bands For Sweaty Wrists In 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can You Use The Samsung Galaxy Watch With An iPhone?
If you have Galaxy Watch 3 or any other Samsung Galaxy Watch with TizenOS, you can use them with your iPhone. However, if you have the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch with Wear OS 3, then you won’t be able to connect it to your iPhone.
Is The Apple Watch Better Than Android Smartwatches?
When it comes to features and build quality, Android Smartwatches such as Google Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch 5 come head to head with Apple Watch. However, one area where Apple Watch outshines Android Smartwatches is the Software experience.
Do Android Smartwatches Have Better Battery Life Than Apple Watch?
Apple Watch offers a battery life of 18 hours which is less than what Android smartwatches offer. Galaxy Watch 5 offers a battery life of up to 50 hours on a single charge and Google Pixel Watch offers up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Is An Apple Watch Worth Having Without An iPhone?
No, Apple Watch is designed to be used with an iPhone and it won’t work well without the iPhone. So, if you don’t have an iPhone, you shouldn’t consider buying an Apple Watch because it will not be worth it.
Is It Possible To Use Your Apple Watch With An Android Device?
No, it’s not possible to use your Apple Watch with an Android Device because both devices can’t be connected. However, you can use them independently but still, you will ultimately need an iPhone to sync data to Apple Watch and the Health App.
Will The Apple Watch Work With Android Devices?
No, the Apple Watch will not work well with Android smartphones because it won’t connect with your smartphone. So, it’s recommended you should consider buying an Android Smartphone.
Conclusion
Apple Watch is an awesome smartwatch but it’s designed to be used with iPhone and if you try to use it with your Android phone, you won’t be able to access all of its features which will ruin your whole experience.
So, if you own an Android phone, I’d recommend you to consider Android smartwatches because they are almost as good as Apple Watch and they come with tons of great features.
If you are interested, please check this guide where I’ve shared the best Android smartwatches that come with ECG and other cool features.
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.