Use as music device only. Turn off all features

[Mcrumors David]

Goal: Turn off EVERYTHING (sensors, feedback etc.), use as bluetooth streaming device for music only?

So, I got an apple watch, I use it for music during my run (do not want to carry my phone). How can I turn off EVERYTHING (sensors, other funny stuff) and use it for music only? (I don't even wear it on my wrist, but keep it in my pocket)

(Overall pretty disappointed with the limitations of a 400$ brick, I feel like a prisoner having to fight with the restrictions of this product)

Problems:
- Syncing super slow (expected with bluetooth, but disappointed nonetheless)
- No crossfade (apple, spotify), wow did anyone at apple actually test-run with it at apple!?, how depressing when the music stops after every song haaa
- Annoying announcement when running, every km
- Why are my imessages etc synced (cannot turn off), why can I not delete the messages, facetime apps?
- When left aside for 2-3 days (80% charge) it is dead when I pick it up again, why? I don't want it to do anything, just sleep and wait for my run. Can I turn it off maybe and only turn it on for my run?
- Fast forward, backwards in music player noshow?! Why can I not scrub through the track, 15 seconds back, 30 seconds further. Music player has extremely limited functionality

 

[Night Spring]

Sounds like you want an iPod nano. Too bad Apple doesn't sell those anymore, but perhaps you can find one on eBay?

 

[Mcrumors David]

"use as bluetooth streaming device .." I said (with airpods pro).

 

[hg.wells]

Are you using a cellular watch?

If not did you consider an iPod touch?would be a cheaper option, more storage and compatible with your AirPods Pro.

It’s smaller than an iPhone, so could potentially go in a pocket or use an armband instead.

It seems like your use case for the watch is super limited if you’re not wearing it.

 

[Mcrumors David]

I have the series 7 non-e-sim version.

So far I have (works ok-ish):
- Turned on do not disturb: 9am-9am (basically 24h)
- Turned off all sound / haptics

Annoyances remain:
- Why do I need to sign into my Apple ID?
- Why can I not delete the iMessages app on my phone?
- Why can I not "send" music (mp3s etc) directly to the watch via macOS?

 

[Night Spring]

- Turned on do not disturb: 9am-9am (basically 24h)

I think you can turn notifications off on the watch.

 

[TommyBG86]

Apple specifies how long the operating times of the watch are. If you do not need it, just turn it off, then the battery does not go empty.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I understand wanting the smallest device possible that will work with your AirPods, but this is not the device you're wanting.

I second @Night Spring's suggestion of trying out the last iPod nano and seeing if that works with your AirPods.

 

[xraydoc]

The Apple Watch is not the product for you, OP. You’re trying to force it into a use scenario that it was not designed for. You’re better off returning it. It is not an iPod and you won’t be satisfied trying to turn it into one.

 

[Janak Parekh]

Agreed with the others… but I’ll add that, to me, cellular fundamentally changes the Watch music story for the better.

• Not having to sync in advance eliminates a lot of the annoyances. I lace up, pick the album I want to listen to, and I’m off;
• Crossfade seems to work fine when streaming the Music app over cellular.

This doesn’t address your other questions, but for me, has drastically improved the usage. Unfortunately, it also increases the cost. For me, it’s worth it, YMMV.

 

[Janak Parekh]

BTW: I think you can turn off the announcements and tweak a few (but not all) of the other behaviors via the Watch app on the iPhone. In particular, you can turn off Watch => Settings => Workout => Voice Feedback off.