Can I get games on my smart watch?
You can use your phone or computer to install apps and content on other devices, such as your watch or car. You can also get apps and games for your Wear OS watch from the Google Play Store. Tip: To use apps from the Play Store, your watch must run Wear OS 2 or newer. Learn how to check your watch version. You can download WhatsApp for Wear OS from the Google Play Store. If your smartwatch and phone are linked, you’ll see an option to download WhatsApp to your smartwatch.
Can I leave my phone at home and use a smart watch?
Yes – many modern smartwatches can track your runs accurately without a phone. With built-in GPS, optical heart rate, and offline music, you can record distance, pace, and routes, while listening to playlists and podcasts phone-free. LTE models even let you message or call in an emergency. Yes – if your smartwatch has LTE or eSIM with an active plan, you can make and receive calls without your phone. Apple Watch 11 GPS + Cellular and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 LTE both support true standalone calling. Without LTE, most watches need your paired phone nearby or online via Wi-Fi.With most connected smartwatches, you can still make calls, send texts and receive app notifications, even if your phone is turned off or left at home. No Bluetooth connection or Wi-Fi necessary. Emergency help when you need it.Looking for a way to minimise your phone screen time? While not a complete replacement, a smart watch can certainly help with your everyday online ventures, saving you from being stuck on your phone and giving you more precious time to live your life out and about.MedStar Health cardiologists and primary care providers see data from these devices every day. Their perspective is clear: smartwatches are a valuable tool for promoting activity and heart-health awareness. But they should be used in addition to, not a replacement for, a medical evaluation.
Do kids smart watches need a SIM card?
Most smartwatches don’t require a SIM card because they connect to your phone, usually via Bluetooth, and use it to access the mobile network. However, if you’re looking to equip your child with a smartwatch that supports GPS so you can use it as a location tracker, then you’ll want a SIM card. For most primary-age children, Garmin Bounce is the best smartwatch for kids in 2026 thanks to kid-first safety, GPS, and simple controls. For teens, Apple Watch 11 is best with iPhone families, while Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is best with Android.Julie Lause, a family tech expert, educator and mom who creates online resources to help parents, suggests that if you’re delaying a smartphone for your kids, a kid-safe smartwatch is a great option. It keeps you connected, allows you to see their location, and gives you peace of mind they’re safe.The key features parents should look for are GPS tracking, calling, messaging, and built-in parental controls. These functions ensure your child can stay in touch and be located, without access to social media or unrestricted internet content.A smartwatch can be a helpful way to strengthen communication between parents and children, without introducing the risks that come with internet access, games, or social media. A good smartwatch for kids aged seven to nine should include the essential features: calling, messaging, and GPS tracking.Most smartwatches designed for kids let you text, call and use GPS tracking to find your child. Those designed just for kids typically don’t allow internet access.
Can smartwatches make phone calls?
If your watch is within Bluetooth range of your phone, you can choose to make your call from either your watch’s number or your phone’s number. With a cellular watch, you can send and receive texts using your phone number and cellular service. Note: You can’t use a cellular watch with an iPhone.
What age should a child have a smart watch?
Families might find that the addition of a smartwatch makes sense as early as age 5 or 6, while others prefer to wait until around 9 or 10; it really depends. What matters most is finding the balance between giving your child more independence and protecting them from unnecessary early exposure to online environments. Generally, it’s recommended that children under 14 not have a smartphone or smartwatch with full internet access. But there are plenty of fun watches and smartwatches available for younger kids that are appropriate for their development.For most kids in 2026, Garmin Bounce is the best all-round choice for ages 6-12 thanks to robust safety tools, GPS, and 2-day battery. For teens, Apple Watch 11 wins for iPhone families via Family Setup, while Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 suits Android teens with strong safety and fitness.
Should I get my 7 year old a smartwatch?
It’s generally recommended not to get children a smartwatch until they can play outside independently. Therefore, it’s not easy to specify the exact age at which a child can wear a smartwatch. However, somewhere between 7 and 10 years old, a child is old enough to use a children’s smartwatch. In many cases, a smartphone offers more features but those features also bring more responsibilities, distractions and potential risks (apps, social media, addiction, exposure). For the 5-12 age group, the deliverables of a smartphone (communication + location + fun) can be met via a smartwatch, more safely.