Can You Use Hotspot For Apple Watch?
If you are thinking about getting the Apple Watch, you are probably thinking about all the different things that it is capable of doing.
There are plenty of ways to remain connected using this smartwatch.
One of the things that potential buyers have wondered is whether they can use their personal hotspot for the Apple Watch.
After all, some folks do not want to spend a few hundred bucks extra to get the GPS + cellular models and have to invest $5-15 extra per month in a data plan for the Apple Watch.
They have to wonder if there is no WIFI available, can they turn on their personal hotspot on their iPhones and use that to connect the Apple Watch?
The truth is, you do not necessarily need to have your iPhone close by to use the many features located on the Apple Watch.
Since it relies on a Bluetooth connection as its primary connectivity source, you can get a pretty good connection when the iPhone is without the span of your arm’s reach.
After all, the normal Bluetooth range is about 33 feet (or 10 meters) although this can vary a little bit due to interference from wireless connections in the area.
So, can you use your personal hotspot on your iPhone to get a connection going on your Apple Watch?
Is it really necessary to have the Apple Watch connected in order to maximize its features?
The Apple Watch sure does have a lot to offer in terms of connectivity, but a hotspot might not be something you want – or are even able – to use on the watch. Let’s explore this issue in some more depth before you try to use a hotspot for your Appel Watch.
Can You Use Hotspot For Apple Watch?
You cannot use your phone’s personal hotspot for the Apple Watch. And it would be kind of pointless to try, given that you will probably have your iPhone paired up to it via Bluetooth (or perhaps WIFI) if you do not get one of the GPS + cellular models. Bluetooth connections usually suit most Apple Watch users since they will have their iPhones within the 33-ish feet connectivity range.
How close should you keep your iPhone if you are going to rely on a Bluetooth connection for your Apple Watch? Should you consider getting a data plan for a GPS + cellular Apple Watch model? Which connectivity method is the most efficient type?
Can the Apple Watch connect to public networks that require you have a password?
How can you use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby? Read on to learn more about why you cannot use hotspots for the Apple Watch and how you can use other methods for connectivity.
Why can’t I use a hotspot for my Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch was not designed to be used with hotspot – and for a good reason.
There would be no clear benefit to this, as pairing the Apple Watch with an iPhone gives you a Bluetooth connection that lets your watch perform quite a lot of functions.
If you have the GPS + cellular Apple Watch model, then you can get a data plan added onto your mobile service plan for a small monthly fee.
However, many users just stick to using Bluetooth or, if one is available, a WIFI connection.
After all, the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer has the ability to connect to 5G wireless networks, which ensures a strong connection.
But even the 2.4 GHz networks that all of the watches can connect to are usually sufficient in terms of wireless.
Should I get a data plan for my Apple Watch?
If you do have the GPS + cellular version of an Apple Watch series, then getting a data plan would only be a good idea if you plan on using your watch a lot when your iPhone is out of Bluetooth range for the connection to be established.
Otherwise, it might be hard to justify an extra $120-ish per year just to use a few extra features on your Apple Watch.
Which connection type is most efficient on the Apple Watch?
Bluetooth is undoubtedly the most efficient connection type for the Apple Watch.
The watch is designed to have Bluetooth be the default connection type, and when a connection is not available, the watch will search for an available WIFI connection.
Since a Bluetooth connection range is about 33 feet, you typically have a lot of space to work with, so your iPhone does not need to be within your arm’s reach.
A Bluetooth connection won’t gobble up a ton of battery life, and it is the easiest connection to make using the watch.
Can I connect my Apple Watch to public networks?
You cannot connect your Apple Watch to a public network that requires a password, profile, or subscription.
If the public network you are trying to connect to does not require any of those, then you should be able to connect to it without a problem.
How can I use my Apple Watch without my iPhone nearby?
Not able to have your iPhone on you all the time for that Bluetooth connection? Your Apple Watch can connect using WIFI.
The 6 Series and newer has the ability to connect to 5G wireless networks, but every series is able to connect to standard 2.4 GHz wireless networks.
You can, of course, also use a data plan to connect via cellular on the GPS + cellular models.
Which Apple Watch features are available when offline?
If you are offline, there are still plenty of things that your Apple Watch can do.
Your Apple Watch will be able to track your workouts, show photos from your synced albums, track your activity goals, record your thoughts and ideas, check your heartrate, make purchases using Apple Pay, track your sleep, and use the compass to help you get your bearings while out on a hike in the woods.
You just won’t be able to make or receive phone calls or send and receive texts, use Siri, find your friends, listen to podcasts or the radio, stream music, or check the weather forecast.
dThose all require a Bluetooth, WIFI, or cellular connection.
Closing Thoughts
Using the Apple Watch to get connected is easy, and you do have a few options for how you connect.
Hotspot just is not one of them – nor does it really need to be.
Most people choose to stick with Bluetooth and, if that isn’t available, use WIFI or stay offline.
Of course, those who want to stay connected all the time will want to look into buying a data plan through their current mobile service provider, as it only costs a few extra bucks a month.
Hotspot just isn’t going to work if you try to use it, so there is no point in trying to use it on your iPhone for your Apple Watch to connect.