Can I Use Apple Watch Without iPhone?

Modified on Sat, 25 Apr at 9:49 AM

Standalone mode for Apple Watch

With a GPS-enabled Apple Watch (Series 4 or newer), you can enjoy a full Golf Pad experience without needing to carry your iPhone during your round! You'll see rangefinder distances and club recommendations right on the watch. You can also change holes and track shots and more — directly from your wrist.

How do I get started?

1. Update Golf Pad app to the latest version in App Store on your phone.

2. Smartwatch sync is available in the free version (distances only).

A Golf Pad Premium subscription is required for full functionality, including:

Score tracking
Play Like and club recommendations
Maps
Hazards
Round summary

Click here to learn more about how to upgrade to Premium.

3. On your iPhone, open the Golf Pad app, go to Preferences > Smartwatch sync, then enable "Use watch's GPS location". This allows the watch to use its own GPS instead of relying on the phone.

4. Start a round and pick a course on your iPhone like you usually do. Once the round is started, open Golf Pad app on your watch (watch setup instructions).

5. Finish your round: when you're done, tap Finish round on the phone and the round will be automatically finished on the watch.

What about battery life?

GPS sensor consumes extra energy, however, most users should be able to complete a 4-5 hour golf round on one charge. For best results, check out our battery-saving tips.