Apple Watch: WLAN - how it works

The Apple Watch usually only uses WLAN if a connection with the iPhone via Bluetooth is not possible. Depending on which model of Apple Watch you own, however, establishing an Internet connection via WLAN is also possible directly on the smartwatch.

How to use WLAN on the Apple Watch

By default, the Apple Watch uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPhone and the Internet. Only when the paired iPhone is not available, the Apple Watch connects to the router via WLAN to access the Internet. The establishment of the connection takes place automatically.

1. If you have a newer Apple Watch model, such as the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular or the Apple Watch Series 4, you can also manually turn on or off the use of the WLAN function.
2. To do this, place your finger on the display of the Apple Watch and wait until the control center is displayed.
3. Then swipe up and tap on the "WLAN icon". If this is gray, the WLAN function is turned off and all network connections are disconnected.

Apple Watch: Select WLAN network

If you want to connect your Apple Watch to a new WLAN network, this is usually only possible by connecting your iPhone to the corresponding network beforehand. If, on the other hand, you have a smartwatch with watchOS 5 or newer as its operating system, it is also possible to select the WLAN network directly on the Apple Watch. To do so, navigate to "Settings" > "WLAN" on the Apple Watch and tap on the name of an available network. If you are prompted to do so, please enter the WLAN password before clicking on "Connect".