You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

New Apple Watch SE - can it access Wifi without being connected via Bluetooth to and iphone?

New Apple Watch SE - can it access Wifi without being connected via Bluetooth to and iphone?


Posted on Sep 16, 2020 1:18 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 16, 2020 1:47 PM

Actually, the Series 5, 6 and SE can now connect to wifi networks on their own, without the paired iPhone having to have connected to them previously.


The Apple Watch only connects to 2.4Ghz a/b/g/n networks. No 5ghz AC networks at this point.


Details here: Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 16, 2020 1:47 PM in response to CPSApple

Actually, the Series 5, 6 and SE can now connect to wifi networks on their own, without the paired iPhone having to have connected to them previously.


The Apple Watch only connects to 2.4Ghz a/b/g/n networks. No 5ghz AC networks at this point.


Details here: Connect your Apple Watch to Wi-Fi - Apple Support

Sep 16, 2020 5:21 PM in response to CPSApple

Correct, it cannot connect to captive portal Wifi networks like the school Wi-Fi. But not sure why that would be a deal breaker? Why does it need to connect to the school wifi?


The watch is not a stand alone device, it requires an iPhone. It can be your iPhone if planning on using the Family Setup option. However that requires a cellular model, and would not require connecting to the school Wifi for internet access, since it would be using cellular data instead.


See here: Set up an Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support


The GPS only model cannot be used with Family Setup, and would require her to have an iPhone to pair it with.

Sep 16, 2020 4:43 PM in response to Phil0124

Thanks, Phil. I wonder if the lack of a 5Ghz connection can be (or will be) fixed through future software upgrades, or if it is a hardware limitation?


Also, the page you linked notes the watch cannot connect to a captive network (like a school). We were considering purchasing an SE for our daughter (13) as we are uncomfortable for her having an iPhone at that age, but the inability of the watch to connect directly to a captive network at her school might be a deal breaker.

Sep 16, 2020 5:43 PM in response to Phil0124

Phil - it does not have to connect with the school wifi, but our school allows the kids to use their devices occasionally for in-class projects, and as we are in a mountain rural area, communication with our daughter is often necessary, and will be more as she gets into sports. I was also hoping we could go with the GPS only option because of the price point, but as you point out, that really isn't an option in the case with our daughter. Up here in Canada the GPS+Cellular Apple Watch SE starts at $429 Canadian. For that price, I could set her up with a discounted 6th-Gen Ipad (Wifi only) plus a case/keyboard and digital stylus, giving her a much more functional entry into the iOS world, albeit one we may have to monitor a bit more with its photo-video capability. Thank you again for your helpful comments!

New Apple Watch SE - can it access Wifi without being connected via Bluetooth to and iphone?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.