How To Use Samsung Galaxy Watch Without A Phone Tutorial

Using a Samsung Galaxy Watch without a phone is possible, but the experience and available features vary significantly depending on the watch model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up and use your Samsung Galaxy Watch independently.

Compatibility and Limitations

Before diving into the setup process, it's crucial to understand which Galaxy Watch models can be used without a phone. The Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic LTE models are the latest versions that support standalone use, while earlier models like the Galaxy Watch4 and Watch5 series require a connected phone.

Features Without a Phone

When using your Galaxy Watch without a phone, you'll have access to basic features such as:

  • Time and Date: Displaying the current time and date.
  • Alarm Clock: Setting alarms.
  • Timer and Stopwatch: Using these tools for timing events.
  • Health Tracking: Basic health tracking features like step counters, though some detailed data might be limited to a single day.
  • Music Apps: If your watch has LTE, you can use music apps like Spotify, but with limited functionality.

However, you will miss out on features that require an internet connection or phone notifications.

Setting Up Your Galaxy Watch Without a Phone

For Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic LTE Models

  1. Initial Setup:

    • Turn on your watch and follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the welcome screen.
    • Scroll up and tap on the question mark icon.
    • Swipe up and tap on the “here” link.
    • You will receive a notification asking if you want to use your Galaxy Watch without a phone. Tap “Continue”.
  2. Terms and Conditions:

    • Agree to the Terms and Conditions by scrolling down and checking the box next to “I have read and agree to all of the above,” then tap “Next”.
  3. Sign In and Set Up:

  • Sign in with your Samsung account if desired.
  • Set the time zone, date, and time.
  • Create a PIN for future data restoration if needed.
  1. Connecting to Wi-Fi:
    • Connect your watch to a Wi-Fi network to access the Galaxy Store and download apps directly from the watch.

For Earlier Models (Workaround)

For models like the Galaxy Watch4, which do not officially support standalone use, there is a workaround to access basic features:

  1. Accessing the Hidden Menu:

    • During the setup process, swipe up and tap on the watch icon multiple times until a hidden menu appears.
    • Long press the watch icon for about 3 seconds to access this menu.
  2. Basic Setup:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the watch for basic use. Note that this method is not officially supported and will not provide full smartwatch functionality.

Installing and Uninstalling Apps

Without a Phone

  1. Connecting to Wi-Fi:

    • Ensure your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
    • Open the Galaxy Store app on your watch and log in with your Samsung account.
  2. Installing Apps:

    • Browse the Galaxy Store and select the desired app.
    • Tap the “Install” button to download and install the app.
  3. Uninstalling Apps:

  • Open the Apps screen on your watch.
  • Touch and hold the app you want to uninstall.
  • Tap the “Uninstall” icon and confirm.

Resetting Your Galaxy Watch

If you are switching from using your Galaxy Watch with a phone to using it without one, you will need to reset the watch:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Go to the Settings app on your watch.
    • Navigate to “General” and tap on “Reset”.
  2. Backup and Reset:

    • You will be prompted to back up your data. Tap on “Back up” and then hit the “Reset” button.
    • Follow the setup instructions for using the watch without a phone after the reset.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your Samsung Galaxy Watch without a phone, although the experience will be more limited compared to when it is connected to a phone.

2 Comments

  1. It looks like newer Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic LTE (SM-R955U) firmware use a different process to setup without the Wearable application. Thy using these steps if you do not see a question mark as discussed in step 1 of the article.

    1. Start the Watch. A “Welcome!” screen is displayed followed by a screen saying “Galaxy Watch6 Classic (….).. At the bottom of the screen is a double up arrow swipe up indicator.

    2. Swipe up on the screen. A new screen is displayed with a blue “Wear” icon at the top. Under the “Wear” icon is the watch model, followed by words saying “Get started in the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone”

    3. Rapidly tap six times on the blue Wear icon at the top of the screen.

    4. A brief message will appear saying “Please long tap watch icon for more than 3 seconds”.

    5. Tap and hold the blue Wear icon at the top of the screen for more than three seconds.

    6. A screen saying “Starting…” will appear.

    7. After about a minute the normal watch home screen will appear.

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