iWatch 4 calling without iPhone

[Geoffers]

Hi peeps!

Simple question - does my iPhone need to be turned on to use my iWatch 4 as a phone?

Currently that seems to be the case. But I wonder, why I wouldn't I be able to call (for help) if my iPhone was damaged (in an accident say).

Please help!

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Geoffers 

No, it's not needed for calls as your watch should do it over it's connected 4g network.

Make sure you are setup correctly.

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/device-and-sim-support/apple-watch

[Geoffers]

Thanks for your response.

I've just tried my iWatch with my iPhone turned off and, on the second attempt, it worked!

I've had the iWatch/iPhone e-sim since o2 began to issue them but it stopped working over Friday.

When I phoned the help desk on Saturday/Sunday they told me my iPhone had to be turned on. I was suspicious of this hence the question.

[MI5]

Android smartwatches do need to phone to be on so I guess they were almost correct @Geoffers 

[Geoffers]

Many thanks MI5!