How to use Wi-Fi on the Apple Watch

When your iPhone isn't nearby, you can still connect to a Wi-Fi network on your Apple Watch. To get started, you'll need watchOS 5 or later installed on your wearable device.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network on Apple Watch

Note: When your iPhone is near, your Apple Watch will automatically connect to the same Wi-Fi or cellular network, when applicable. These directions are used when the Apple Watch isn't in the same location as iPhone.

  1. Tap on the Digital Crown on Apple Watch.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.

  1. Tap the name of the network that you want to join from the list of available networks. Your Apple Watch can only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
  2. If necessary, enter the network password using Scribble.
  3. Tap Join.

You can use Scribble in these languages: English (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States), French (France and Canada), German, and Italian.

Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Apple Watch

Like on iPhone, you can have your device forget a Wi-Fi network on your wearable device.

  1. Tap on the Digital Crown on Apple Watch.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.

  1. Select the name of the network you're connected to.
  2. Tap Forget This Network.

Are you connected?

To see if you're connected to a Wi-Fi network on your Apple Watch:

  1. Tap your Apple Watch or press one of its buttons to wake it up.
  2. On your Apple Watch's watch face, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access Control Center.

The Wi-Fi icon is at the top right. When it's green, you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you are not.

Try some new bands

Looking for a new Apple Watch band? Check out two of our favorites:

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro band and case ($18 at Amazon)

Supcase makes wonderfully protective cases for phones and the Apple Watch alike, and this case and band combo is made of sturdy silicone and hard plastic, protecting your Apple Watch from the elements, as well as bumps and scratches.

Woven nylon band with buckle ($22 at Amazon)

This comfortable woven nylon band features the durable and long-lasting NATO (G10) strap design, which has a buckle and is built for all-day wear. The connectors are black steel so that they blend in seamlessly.

Any other questions about Apple Watch and Wi-Fi?

Let us know below.

Updated July 2019: Updated for latest watchOS version.

Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.