Hello everyone,
I was wondering, what are the best privacy and security practices for using Apple Watch ?
Since it’s recommended to turn off Bluetooth when possible, will it be better to use the watch with WiFi only and disable Bluetooth?
Let me first ask you this:
Why do you wear or want to wear an Apple Watch? What’s your rationale to have a digital device like this?
I use it for fitness, heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, also I just like the design of the watch and the customization options of watch faces.
Considering it needs connection to your iPhone, you shouldn’t disable Bluetooth. It is not designed as a standalone device and requires iPhone for most of the functions to get function properly. To do that it requires BT connection to your iPhone.
That’s not true. Yes it needs to be paired to an iPhone initially, but Apple Watches are very capable without the iPhone nearby, especially when connected to Wi-Fi. Use Apple Watch without its paired iPhone – Apple Support (UK)
They are capable of functioning without a phone, but then watch will have very limited functionality. Getting an Apple Watch without iPhone doesn’t make much sense tbh.
But after you pair them you don’t really need your iPhone for fitness and great rate tracking or even sleep tracking.
I wonder if there’s an impact on battery life when BT is disabled.
BT is the main and most energy efficient way your watch and the phone communicate.
I don’t really see any huge privacy gain in turning off BT (for a smart watch). Apple rotates the BT identifiers every couple minutes. Unless you have a very specific reason to do otherwise just leave BT on and enjoy your device.
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