You cannot directly pair an Apple Watch with an Android phone, so the short answer is no. The Apple Watch is designed to work exclusively with iPhone. However, with some workarounds, you can use an Apple Watch and Android phone simultaneously in a limited capacity.
Why the Apple Watch Doesn’t Work With Android Phones
The Apple Watch and Android phones cannot be paired together via Bluetooth. An iPhone is required during the initial Apple Watch setup process. The Apple Watch app used to pair the devices is only available on iOS.
Without the ability to pair, Apple Watch lacks full functionality when used with an Android phone. Key features like notification syncing, activity tracking, Apple Pay, and access to the App Store require an iPhone connection.
How To Setup an Apple Watch For Use With Android
To use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, you’ll need:
- An iPhone for initial Apple Watch setup
- A cellular Apple Watch model (GPS-only models won’t work)
- Both iPhone and Android phone must use same size nano SIM card
Follow these steps:
- Pair Apple Watch with iPhone and ensure cellular connection is activated.
- Put iPhone into Airplane Mode.
- Turn off Apple Watch and remove SIM card from iPhone.
- Insert SIM card into Android phone and power on.
- Turn on Apple Watch. Wait for “Disconnected” message to disappear.
Your Apple Watch and Android phone will now operate independently using the same cellular network.
What You Can Do With Apple Watch and Android
With this setup, you can use an Apple Watch for:
- Making and receiving calls
- Sending iMessages
- Using Siri for basic tasks like checking weather
- Tracking fitness data and workouts
- Streaming music over LTE to Bluetooth headphones
- Using standalone apps like Uber, Yelp, etc.
However, you’ll miss out on:
- Notification syncing between devices
- Controlling Android phone functions
- Installing new apps without an iPhone present
- Apple Pay
- Accessing full features of non-standalone apps
Constant LTE use will also drain the Apple Watch battery quickly.
Apple Watch Alternatives for Android Users
Instead of trying to force an Apple Watch to work with Android, you’re better off using a native Android smartwatch for full functionality:
| Product | Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SAMSUNG | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Google Pixel Watch | Check Price on Amazon | |
 | Fitbit | Fitbit Sense 2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Fitbit | Fitbit Versa 4 | Check Price on Amazon |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Galaxy Watch 6 line offers the most seamless Android experience. Key features include:
- Always-on Display with Sapphire Crystal protection
- Robust fitness and health tracking including ECG, blood oxygen, and body composition
- Apps via Google Play Store and Google Assistant support
- 40+ hour battery life on 40mm model
Google Pixel Watch
Google’s first smartwatch focuses on Fitbit health tracking and Google services integration. Highlights include:
- Continuous heart rate and sleep monitoring
- Built-in GPS for outdoor activity tracking
- Google Assistant and Google Wallet support
- Hundreds of apps via Google Play store
- 24 hour battery life
Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4
With 6+ days of battery life, the Sense 2 and Versa 4 watches stand out. Other features:
- On-wrist skin temperature sensor (Sense 2 only)
- ECG app to detect irregular heart rhythms
- Sleep tracking with sleep profile and sleep score
- Alexa built-in for voice controls
- Fitbit Pay for contactless payments
Use Apple Watch On Android
While you can technically use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, it requires compromises. For the best smartwatch experience, opt for a native Android wearable designed to seamlessly pair with your device.
So in summary – no, the Apple Watch does not work directly with Android phones due to compatibility issues. But with workarounds, limited functionality is possible if you desire to use both devices simultaneously.