How to setup Apple Watch without iPhone (2024)

If you’re looking for a way to setup your Apple Watch without an iPhone in 2024, then you’ve arrived at the right place as this guide has everything you need to know.

These days, wearable smart devices like the Apple Watch has become quite a necessity as it helps you track certain things which your smartphone cannot, at least conventionally.

Starting from tracking your heartbeat to how many steps you’ve taken in a single day, the Apple Watch can do wonders, especially when it acts as an extension to the iPhones.

However, there may be times when you’d like to setup your Apple Watch without involving an iPhone, and our guide has all the things you need to know about this process.

an image of Apple Watch
(Image Credits: Apple)

Can you setup an Apple Watch without iPhone?

Yes, it is possible to setup your Apple Watch without iPhone, but it will come with certain limitations like not being able to receive phone calls and text messages.

You must remember that it won’t work as seamlessly as it would after connecting to your iPhone.

How to setup your Apple Watch without iPhone

Follow this simple set of steps below to setup your Apple Watch without an iPhone:

  1. Press and hold the side button to power up your Apple Watch.
  2. After the Apple logo is displayed, swipe right – this will initiate the entire setup process.
  3. Now, choose your preferred language and country settings.
  4. Once you’ve done that, establish a connection between your Apple Watch and your Wi-Fi network.
  5. Sign in with your iCloud account, and if you don’t have one, you’ll need to create a new account.
  6. Now, you’ll need to configure Siri settings.
  7. You may choose to either enable or disable location services.
  8. Generate a passcode for your watch to enhance security.
  9. Now, you can setup your Apple Watch as a new watch. However, you may opt to restore your device from a backup if you’ve used an Apple Watch from a previous generation.
  10. Agree to all the terms and conditions and you’re done.

Limitations of setting up your Apple Watch without iPhone

As I mentioned earlier, setting up your Apple Watch without iPhone comes with some limitations. Here’s a complete list of Limitations of setting up your Apple Watch without iPhone:

  • You cannot receive phone calls and text messages.
  • You cannot use Apple Music streaming service.
  • Limited app downloads from the App Store.

Apps that work with Apple Watch without pairing to an iPhone

Here are all the apps that will work with your Apple Watch even if you haven’t set it up with your iPhone:

  • Maps
  • Heart Rate
  • Weather
  • Maps
  • Workout
  • Apple Pay

Is it better to use Apple Watch with or without connecting to an iPhone?

Although, configuring an Apple Watch independently of an iPhone is feasible, it entails certain restrictions.

For an optimal and complete user experience, I would advise you to pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone if you own one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I set up my Apple Watch without an iPhone?

A – In short, yes, you can set up my Apple Watch without an iPhone.

Q. Does an Apple Watch have to be paired with an iPhone?

A – Not necessarily, but an Apple Watch works better if paired with an iPhone.

Q. How do I manually set up my Apple Watch?

A – You can manually set up your Apple Watch during first boot or from Settings.

Q. Does Apple Watch need its own cellular plan?

A – Not necessarily, Apple Watch can connect to Wi-Fi networks too.

Q. Can you set up an Apple Watch yourself?

A – Yes, you can set up an Apple Watch yourself. Simply tap Set Up for Myself.


And that’s everything about setting up an Apple Watch without an iPhone in 2024. In the meantime, follow our Twitter and Instagram pages to stay connected.

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