Missionary with Apple Watch

Hey I’m about to put in my mission papers! Is my Apple Watch allowed to come with me as long as it is not connected to a phone and just used as a watch?

From the Missionary Dress and Grooming FAQ:

For safety and security reasons, accessories should be simple and conservative and should not distract others from your message. You may wear one simple ring and an inexpensive, conservative-style watch. Do not wear lapel pins, necklaces, or any kind of bracelet (except those with a medical purpose). Tattoos, nose rings, other body piercings, or toe rings are not acceptable.

Also, from the Missionary Handbook (there are a few guidelines in the Missionary Handbook that have changed and don't appear to be updated yet, but I'm pretty sure this is still accurate):

You should not use unauthorized electronic or video equipment.

I'm currently wrapping up my mission, serving as a mission technology specialist for a good chunk of it, so I'll throw in my two cents.

It depends on the mission. In mine we are allowed smart watches. I have yet to see anything official from higher up that is a yea or nay. I would just call your mission office and ask them. They'll be able to let you know. It might help to explain if it can/can't access the internet independently.

One question I have is how is it going to keep time if it doesn't have a direct connection and it's not connected to a phone?

I'm not sure as I understand the point of having one if there's no connectivity. Two years is a good chunk out of the functional lifetime of such a device. Frankly, I think you're better off selling it and buying something when you get back. Even if you kept it, it would probably be due for replacement when you returned.

As missionaries only use Samsung smartphones, all the smart watches I've seen are either simple Bluetooth-compatible ones that keep time and maybe steps, or official Samsung ones from which they can answer texts and the like.

I'm not super familiar with Apple Watches, so I'm unsure if they're Bluetooth compatible with android smartphones. My guess would be not, and in that case I'd agree that there wouldn't be much point in it.

If your Apple Watch is solely used as a watch and not connected to a phone or the internet, it might be permissible. However, it's essential to check with your mission's leadership or refer to the mission's guidelines. They will provide the most accurate and relevant information regarding what items you can bring and use during your mission.

Many missions allow basic watches, including Apple Watches, as long as they are used solely for timekeeping and not connected to phones or used for non-mission-related activities. Confirming with your mission leaders ensures you adhere to any specific rules in place. Best of luck on your journey!

It would probably be more reasonable to sell it, buy a cheap digital watch, and buy a new apple watch when you come back. There's also the issue of it may attracting robbers.

Funny to see people still commenting here, since this thread was made 5 years ago. OP is probably chilling at home after serving a mission and is almost getting done with college too (also probably married if they went to BYU)

But yeah, like most people say here, depends from mission to mission. Mission presidents actually have a lot of freedom to dictate their mission rules (one thing can send you home on one mission but it's totally OK on the other, even if its in the same country), so always ask about specific details (including smart watches)

Also

Cmanrogers wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:50 pmThere's also the issue of it may attracting robbers.

Happened a lot where I served, almost every two weeks we had a missionary duo getting robbed...