Many people keep asking: Can You Make Calls on Apple Watch Without Phone? Yes, it is possible. In this detailed guide, we’ll go over everything you’d want to know about calling with your Apple Watch, receiving calls right from your wrist, which models support the required cellular connectivity, how to get it up and running, and what to expect in terms of call quality. Be it a tech geek who wants to improve his/her communication style, or an individual who is keen to learn about all the new features of the Apple smartwatch, read on and get far more out of your Apple Watch.
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can you make calls on apple watch without phone
Yes, you can directly make calls on your Apple Watch without a phone. This depends on the model of an Apple Watch and whether or not it has cellular service turned on. If you have a model of an Apple Watch with cellular capacity and turned on its service, you will be able to make and receive calls directly on your Apple Watch; no need to have an iPhone nearby.
However, if your Apple Watch can’t support cellular service or can support but hasn’t been activated, it will still rely on its connection to the iPhone when it comes to calling. In this case, an Apple watch is like an appendage to the iPhone. It receives and makes calls through a connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Which Apple Watch models support cellular connectivity
1. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular): With cellular and GPS connections, this first-ever model of Apple Watch now enables you to make calls, text, and receive notifications, all done independently from your iPhone. Now, this is very convenient if you are a busy person moving from one place to the other and you have to remain connected.
2. Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular): Following on the success of the Series 3, the Series 4 added cellular capability inherited from the older version, but with revamped design, performance, and display technology. Users find a more fluid experience while operating along with crystal clear visuals and take full advantage of the convenience of cellular connectivity.
3. Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular): Besides these, Series 5 takes cellular further, coming with more health monitoring functionalities, including fall detection and a digital compass for the very first time. This series also upgrades the display for brightness enough to make content on the screen very clear all the time, even when outdoors.
4. Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular): This is the affordable model of the Apple Watch series, along with its cellular variant. Apart from stripping out the design and functionality, which a flagship model would have, the SE series does conform to the basic requirements of the users for independent communication.
5. Apple Series 6 Watch (GPS + Cellular) & Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular): The cellular capabilities are added upon in successive versions, with each series taking incremental steps towards better performance, display technology, and health monitoring features. The Series 6 brought blood oxygen readings, with the Series 7 continuing a betterment of the visibility and durability of the display.
6. Apple Watch Series 8 GPS + Cellular and Later Models: Since technology is ever dynamic, Apple keeps coming up with new and more exciting models for the Apple Watch, and truly most of them support cellular connectivity. Users can choose the suitable model based on their needs and budget.
How do I activate cellular service for my Apple Watch
Check for Compatibility: Make sure that your Apple Watch model is capable of cellular connectivity. In fact, it only supports Apple Watch Series 3, GPS + Cellular, and later models with cellular options available.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier: You will then need to contact your mobile network operator specifically for their requirements and the whole procedure to activate cellular service on an Apple Watch. Most operators offer online or phone services to help you do this.
Activate the Service: The above steps will set up your Apple Watch to connect you to a cellular network. Some on-screen instructions may need to be followed further, where the user would select a network and enter the required credentials or accept their terms and conditions.
Test the Connection: When the service is turned on, it is highly recommended that you test the cellular functionality of your Apple Watch independent of an iPhone connection. You should dial a phone call, send a test text message, or go to the internet to verify that everything is working properly.
Pay Monthly Fees: Please be advised that, many times, one needs to pay extra monthly fees for the cellular service to be activated over an Apple Watch. These will vary depending on your device plan, selected services, and how much your operator chooses to charge. Clearly understand and agree to the fees, and make the required payments in order to continue with service.
How is the call quality when using Apple Watch for phone calls
Cellular Network: Provided your Apple Watch can support and has already turned on cellular service, calls will come directly from the mobile network. The quality of calls will therefore be largely dependent on the coverage and network signal strength in your area. Most of the time, call quality is very good when you are within an area with a strong signal and stable network; this is almost comparable to, or at the level of, a mobile phone. There may be call drops, intermediate voices, and a lot of background noise in areas where the signal is weak or when the networks are jammed.
Wi-Fi: Even though the Apple Watch is predominantly a cellular watch for calls, if it is activated, it can make calls via Wi-Fi in some instances, such as when it is connected to an iPhone. For example, with FaceTime Audio, call quality is usually more stable over Wi-Fi because Wi-Fi networks offer higher bandwidths and provide lower latency in comparison with cellular networks.
Signal Strength: Whether cellular or Wi-Fi, signal strength is always a very major determinant of call quality. That would mean that the stronger the signal, the more stable the data transmission and the less the error rate—precisely a clearer and smoother call experience. On the other hand, a weak signal would cause call drops, muffled voices, or increased latency.
How to make and answer phone calls on an Apple Watch
Making a phone call and answering it on an Apple Watch is very easy. You may directly find them and make calls within the “Phone” application of your Apple Watch, or you may do this through the Siri voice assistant. Your Apple Watch will provide a tap and display caller information as the call comes in. Answer it by swiping the answer button that appears on the screen, or ignore the call. You can also transfer any call from your iPhone onto your Apple Watch and continue the conversation.