Can Apple Watch Series 4 GPS with Wi-Fi Connect to a Wireless Hotspot and Make Wi-Fi Calls Without Your iPhone?

Apple Watch users often wonder if their smartwatches can function independently of their iPhones. Specifically, can the Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities establish a wireless connection to a hotspot and allow users to make Wi-Fi calls without needing their iPhone nearby? In this article, we delve into the details of how this works and what conditions must be met for seamless operation.

Enabling WiFi Calling on iPhone and Apple Watch

To make Wi-Fi calls with your Apple Watch Series 4, both the iPhone and the watch need to be configured properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable Wi-Fi calling on both devices:

On Your iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Phone or Cellular, depending on your iPhone model. Turn on the Wi-Fi Calling switch.

It's important to note that your carrier must support Wi-Fi calling for this to work. Check with your carrier to confirm if this feature is available.

On Your Apple Watch

Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on the Settings icon next to the watch you want to configure. Tap on Phone or Cellular again. Turn on the Allow Wi-Fi Calling switch.

After enabling Wi-Fi calling on both your iPhone and Apple Watch, your watch will show a WiFi icon in its Control Center when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Dependent on Other Devices for Connection

The key limitation here is that your iPhone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the watch. This means that if you want to make a Wi-Fi call from your Apple Watch, your iPhone must already be connected to the same Wi-Fi hotspot. If your iPhone and watch are in different locations and not connected to the same network, the watch will not be able to make Wi-Fi calls.

Carriers and Compatibility

While the process looks straightforward, it's crucial to consider the network compatibility. Not all carriers support Wi-Fi calling, so you should check with your service provider to ensure that your carrier supports this feature. Additionally, if the wireless access point (WiFi network) you are connected to does not support Wi-Fi calling, you will not be able to make Wi-Fi calls from your Apple Watch.

Using Your Apple Watch Without Your iPhone Nearby

Apple provides detailed instructions on how to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby. The process involves making sure that both devices are configured correctly and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps summarized:

Ensure that your iPhone supports Wi-Fi calling. Enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network where you want to use your Apple Watch. Your Apple Watch will automatically detect and connect to the same Wi-Fi network. Once connected, your Apple Watch can make Wi-Fi calls and show the Wi-Fi icon in the Control Center.

This setup works well at home or in locations where your iPhone is already connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, if you travel to areas with different networks, you may need to ensure that both devices are connected to the same network.

Conclusion

While the Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities can connect to a wireless hotspot and make Wi-Fi calls without your iPhone, there are specific conditions and limitations to this functionality. Proper configuration, compatible carriers, and network availability are essential for seamless operation. If you're looking to use your Apple Watch independently, ensure that both your iPhone and watch are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling.