Connecting your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi lets you get the most out of features that require internet access.
For example:
You need internet connectivity on your Apple Watch to stream Spotify music, use Siri digital assistant, download apps, translate voice and text, make FaceTime audio calls, and use the App Store.
In this post, I give you the step-by-step process to find, select, and connect your Apple Watch to a secure Wi-Fi network in just under 2 minutes.
How to Connect Apple Watch to Wi-Fi Without iPhone
First, update your Apple Watch to watchOS 11 to get a more stable, secure, and feature-rich version of the software. Do this especially if your device is still running version 5 or earlier.
Then, find and choose a Wi-Fi network, enter the network’s password, and join to connect to the internet directly on your wrist.
Find a Wi-Fi Network
Press the Digital Crown, open the Settings app, select Wi-Fi, and toggle the switch to green to turn Wi-Fi on if the option is gray.
Wait a few seconds for your Apple Watch to scan and list all the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks near you.
Keep in mind that only Apple Watch Series 6 or later can connect both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Choose and Join a Desired Network
- Scroll through the list of the available networks.
- Choose a Wi-Fi network you’d like to use.
- Use the QWERTY keyboard or Scribble to type in the Wi-Fi password if the network is password-protected.
- Tap Join to connect to connect your Apple Watch to the Wi-Fi network.
Steps to Connect Your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi on iPhone
First, connect your iPhone to your home Wi-Fi or a cellular network and then bring your Apple Watch close to the iPhone.
Your Apple Watch will automatically connect to your iPhone’s internet, and this happens even if Bluetooth is off.
How Do I Know My Apple Watch Has Internet?
There are several ways to check if your Apple Watch has internet. You can invoke Siri, check the green iPhone icon, locate the Wi-Fi icon the top center of the screen, or the green cellular bars for cellular models.
For Wi-Fi only, press the side button access the Control Center. If connected, the Wi-Fi icon should be color blue. If the icon is gray, it means Wi-Fi is off on your Apple Watch.
How to Turn Wi-Fi On and Off on Apple Watch
To turn Wi-Fi On or Off on your Apple Watch:
- Press the side button to open the Control Center.
- Tap the Wi-Fi icon.
Alternatively, press the Digital Crown, open the Settings app, select Wi-Fi, and tap the toggle switch to enable or disable Wi-Fi on your Apple Watch.
Can I Forget a Wi-Fi Network on Apple Watch?
Yes, you can forget a Wi-Fi network on your Apple Watch the same way you do on your iPhone.
- Press the Digital Crown.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Select the network you’ve connected your watch to.
- Tap Forget This Network.
What Should I Do If My Apple Watch Won’t Connect to Internet?
If your Apple Watch won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try the following fixes:
- Choose a private Wi-Fi network. An Apple Watch doesn’t support public networks because such networks require additional information such as your profile and login information.
- Restart your iPhone to give it a fresh start, especially if you haven’t done so for a while.
- Restart your Apple Watch to clear the cached memory or software glitches likely preventing it from connecting to the internet.
