As an Apple Watch owner, I know how frustrating it can be when you think you’re far away enough from your phone that you won’t receive notifications, only to be proved wrong. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share how far away you can actually get from your phone while still using your Apple Watch and some other solutions I discovered to help with the problem.
The normal Bluetooth connectivity range is only around 33 feet. However, your Apple Watch can go farther than that from your iPhone as long as you can maintain an Internet connection.
| Distance from Phone | Apple Watch Functionality |
|---|---|
| Up to 33 feet | – Normal Bluetooth connectivity |
| – Full functionality of Apple Watch when connected to iPhone | |
| Over 33 feet and | – Apple Watch connects to trusted WiFi network |
| within WiFi range | – Continues sending and receiving data from iPhone |
| – WiFi range typically: | |
| – 150 feet indoors | |
| – 300 feet outdoors | |
| Disconnected | Functions still available: |
| (No Bluetooth, cellular, | – Time, clock, and timer-related features |
| or WiFi connection) | – Track workouts and activity goals |
| – Play synced music, audiobooks, and podcasts | |
| – Make purchases | |
| – Monitor heart rate and blood oxygen level | |
| – Use ECG, Health, and Mindfulness apps | |
| – Display synced photos | |
| – Use compass and get current location and elevation (available on Apple Watch SE, Series 5, and later models) | |
| Disconnected | Functions not available: |
| (No Bluetooth or WiFi | – Use Siri |
| connection) | – Send and receive messages |
| – Make and receive calls | |
| – Track stocks | |
| – Check weather | |
| – Use Walkie-Talkie app | |
| – Stream music and podcasts (available on Apple Watch SE, Series 3, and later models) | |
| – Listen to the radio | |
| – Use Find People app | |
| – Note: Some features may be restricted in certain countries, regions, or Apple Watch models |
Table of Contents
How Far Can You Get Away From a Phone With an Apple Watch?
Depending on the amount of interference, your Apple Watch and iPhone can maintain a connection up to 33 feet apart via Bluetooth.
Upon disconnection, your Apple Watch will scan for a trusted WiFi network. Once it’s successfully connected via WiFi, it can continue to send and receive data from your iPhone despite being ‘out of range.’
How far does this coverage go?
Well, a typical 2.4GHz router has a range of 150 feet radius of signal reach indoors. Outside, your device can go as far as 300 feet from the router and still detect signals.
Can the Apple Watch Function When iPhone Is Out of Range?
Let’s get this out the way: yes, you can see the time and use clock and timer-related features even when your phone is out of range.
When you can’t connect via Bluetooth, cellular (if your Apple Watch is a cellular model), or WiFi, it can still perform its other functions.
Apple Watch Functions That Are Still Available When Disconnected
Here are some of the many things that the watch can still do without being connected to your phone:
- Track workouts and activity goals
- Play synced music, audiobooks, and podcasts
- Make purchases
- Monitor heart rate and blood oxygen level
- Use the ECG, Health, and Mindfulness apps
- Display synced photos
- Use the compass and get the current location and elevation (available on Apple Watch SE, Series 5, and later models)
Note that you can access mostly synced apps only and other basic functions.
Apple Watch Functions That Require Connection
On the other hand, there are a lot of Apple Watch apps and services that would be out of reach without a valid connection.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a list of certain features that need Bluetooth or WiFi connection:
- Use Siri
- Send and receive messages
- Make and receive calls
- Track the stocks
- Check the weather
- Use the Walkie-Talkie app
- Stream music and podcasts (available on Apple Watch SE, Series 3, and later models)
- Listen to the radio
- Use the Find People app
Just keep in mind that even with a connection, not all users get the full range of features. Some applications are restricted in some countries or regions. Some may also be available in selected Apple Watch models.
How Can You Tell That an Apple Watch Is Disconnected?
Read more: Does Apple Watch work as a Wifi hotspot?
Usually, there are a few obvious signs that an Apple Watch is disconnected:
- Disconnected icon on the watch face (an iPhone with a slash across)
- Red X symbol on the watch face
- Missing information (i) icon
Alternatively, you can check the Control Center for the same symbols by holding the bottom of the screen and swiping up when prompted.
To fix this, simply tap the iPhone icon in the Control Center. The red icons should turn green, and your watch will make a ‘ping’ sound when you’ve successfully connected your devices.
If that doesn’t work, you might be having connectivity issues between the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Read more: How to turn on the microphone on an Apple Watch
How Can You Fix a Disconnected Apple Watch?
Although there’s a lot to do with a disconnected Apple Watch, it might be less than ideal. To maximize the advantages of owning an Apple Watch, it’s best to stay connected to your iPhone.
These are both valid solutions to try:
- Restart both devices (Watch and iPhone) to tackle any lags.
- Unpair the sync and then set it up once again to refresh the connection.
However, before you do any of the drastic fixes, make sure that airplane mode is off. This seems pretty obvious, but it’s often overlooked by a lot of users.
If none of that works, you might have to contact Apple Support for help.
The Takeaway
So, how far can you get away from phone with Apple Watch?
The exact range depends on what connectivity options are available, but you can expect a minimum of 33 feet.
While there’s still a lot that you can do with a disconnected Apple Watch, you would want to keep it connected for the best experience.
So, keep an eye on the signs of connectivity issues on the watch face!
