The Apple versus Android debate feels like it’s almost as old as time. And now that each manufacturer has released their own smartwatches, the conversation is getting even more heated. Android’s Wear OS and Galaxy Watch have great features, but Apple’s latest generation of its stylish watch has many Android users wondering, “Can I connect to an Apple Watch?”
Technically, you can connect an Apple Watch to an Android phone by switching the SIM card from your iPhone. However, doing so will restrict many of the essential features that define the Apple Watch, such as Apple Wallet, Apple Pay, and iTunes, and you will no longer be able to update your watch.
Although you can cut a few corners and pair an LTE Apple Watch with an Android device, the syncing process might not be worth all the effort. We don’t recommend purposely buying either device in order to complete this process. However, if you have any extra devices lying around, it may make sense to give it a try. Here’s what you need to know about connecting an Apple Watch to an Android device.
Can an Apple Watch Connect to Android?
Technically speaking, an Apple Watch can indeed connect to an Android phone. However, this procedure isn’t without its caveats. For starters, both devices need to be unlocked, a process that invalidates their manufacturer warranties.
You’ll also need to have a newer generation Android phone to connect to an Apple Watch. On top of all that, you’ll be losing some of the features and capabilities of the Apple Watch when you sync the devices.
What You Need to Connect an Apple Watch to an Android Phone
There are a few things you’ll need before you can connect your Apple Watch to your Android phone:
- Apple Watch with LTE (Unlocked)
- Android Smartphone (Unlocked)
- iPhone that supports Apple Watch, 6 or later (Unlocked)
- SIM Card Removing Tool
If you’re not sure whether one of your devices is unlocked, you can contact Apple, Android, or your LTE carrier to find out.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to be using a cellular network that supports the Apple Watch. Networks in the United States that qualify include AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon.
You can find incredibly affordable SIM card removers (on Amazon) online. Some of these tools are universal, while others are Android or Apple-specific.
For Android-specific tools, we recommend the brand Eaglestar (on Amazon). If you need an iPhone or universal SIM card remover, we recommend ZMSNTGS (also on Amazon).
How to Connect an Apple Watch to an Android Phone
You’ll need to configure your Apple Watch and iPhone before you can begin pairing the watch to an Android device. Ensure your Apple Watch is connected to your carrier’s LTE network before beginning.
Now that your Apple Watch and iPhone are configured, you can follow these simple steps to begin:
- Turn off your iPhone, Android device, and Apple Watch.
- Take the SIM card out of your iPhone using a removing tool.
- Insert your nano-SIM into the Android phone you want to connect.
- Turn on the Android device and connect to a cellular network.
- Turn on your Apple Watch.
- Your Android phone and Apple Watch should be connected at this point.
Following these steps should ensure your Android device is connected to your Apple Watch. If you’re encountering any errors, try restarting both devices and starting over.
Unfortunately, you won’t have the option to contact any type of customer support for assistance because your warranty will be invalidated by the unlocking process.
Which Functions Work With an Apple Watch Paired to an Android Phone?
You may be in for a rude awakening after going through the trouble of pairing your Apple Watch to an Android device. Unfortunately, many of the Apple Watch’s best functions and features will not be available when it’s paired to an Android device.
Functions like Apple Wallet, Apple Pay, and iTunes will all be disabled. You’ll still have access to the loaded functions on the watch, but they won’t sync with your Android device.
Sending and receiving messages also becomes a hassle when you connect an Apple Watch to an Android device. iMessage should work with this setup, but standard text messages will nearly always fail to send.
This creates a significant problem for Android users, as their devices typically want to send all messages as standard texts.
Will You Be Able to Make Updates and Changes to Your Apple Watch?
Unfortunately, when you pair an Apple Watch to an Android device, you can no longer update or make changes to the Apple Watch. Since the watch isn’t connected to an iPhone, it won’t receive software changes or updates.
Installing a new app to the watch won’t be a viable option either, since you need an iPhone to complete this process.
Pairing Your Apple Watch to an Android Phone: Is It Worth It?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering if all the trouble is worth it. The short answer is: not really. When you pair an Apple Watch to an Android device, you lose most of the features and functionality that make the Apple Watch such a great piece of technology.
On top of that, the Apple Watch doesn’t have great battery life, and constantly using LTE doesn’t help with that situation.
Apple and Android devices have compatible smartwatches of their own, making this jimmy-rigging process a pretty pointless endeavor.
If you want a fully functional smartwatch, look for compatible phones and devices.