The Watch app is not installed
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Scroll to Available Apps.
- Find PhoneTether and tap Install.
- Open PhoneTether once on the Watch.
We’ll get you protected
Setup & Support
Start here if you are installing PhoneTether or if your Watch is not warning you as expected.
First-time setup
Four steps. About a minute.
- 1Install both apps
Install PhoneTether on your iPhone and its companion app on your paired Apple Watch.
- 2Open PhoneTether on both devices
Keep your iPhone and Watch nearby for the first connection.
- 3Allow alerts on Apple Watch
Tap Allow Alerts so the Watch can get your attention if the phone is left behind.
- 4Tap Turn On Protection
When the iPhone says You’re protected, PhoneTether is ready.
Quick fixes
If something is not working
The apps will not reconnect
- Bring the iPhone and Watch together and unlock them.
- Confirm Bluetooth is on.
- Open PhoneTether on both devices.
- Wait up to 30 seconds for You’re protected.
The alert has no sound
- On iPhone, open Watch → Notifications → PhoneTether.
- Enable notifications and sounds.
- Check Watch Silent Mode and Focus.
- Enable haptics in Watch settings too.
The alert came late or too soon
PhoneTether detects Bluetooth-link loss, not exact distance. Walls, interference, device state, and watchOS background behavior can change when a warning arrives. You can adjust the grace period in Alert & app settings.
Before relying on it
Run one safe test.
Leave your iPhone in a secure place, keep your Watch on, and walk away until the Bluetooth link is lost. Confirm the Watch alerts, then return and confirm protection reconnects.
Remember
PhoneTether is an extra reminder, not a guarantee. Apple Watch settings and operating-system behavior can affect alert timing, sound, and background delivery.
Still stuck?
We want to help.
Email us and include your iPhone model, Apple Watch model, iOS and watchOS versions, and the PhoneTether version shown under Troubleshooting.