Connecting Apple Watch to WLAN - what you need to know

The Apple Watch can connect to WLAN - since the third generation, this is not only possible via your iPhone, but also thanks to its own eSIM. However, for the Apple Watch to connect to the Internet, the network must meet special requirements.

When can the Apple Watch connect to WLAN?

The Apple Watch has several ways to connect to a WLAN network.

1. If you have your iPhone paired with the Apple Watch nearby, the Apple Watch will communicate with the device via Bluetooth. This way, the smartwatch can also access the WLAN that your iPhone is connected to.
2. If your connected iPhone is not within Bluetooth range, the Apple Watch can access the WLAN network if it was already connected to that WLAN while communicating via the iPhone.
3. If you own an Apple Watch 3 Series smartwatch or newer, the watch can also access the Internet via your cellular plan. This requires neither a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone nor an available WLAN network.
4. If your Apple Watch watchOS 5 or newer is installed, you can search for a WLAN network directly on the watch under "Settings" > "WLAN" and choose from the available networks.

Apple Watch: Problems with the WLAN connection

In order for the Apple Watch to connect to a WLAN network, it must meet the 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) standard. Check the Bluetooth connection on the iPhone and the WLAN connection if you cannot access the Internet on the Apple Watch.