How Do You Connect Your Apple Watch to Your New Phone?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Upgrading to a new phone is always an exciting experience, but it often comes with the challenge of reconnecting all your essential devices—especially your Apple Watch. Since your watch is closely tied to your iPhone, ensuring a smooth transition is key to maintaining seamless access to your health data, notifications, and apps. Understanding how to properly connect your Apple Watch to your new phone can save you time and prevent unnecessary frustration.

Whether you’re switching to the latest iPhone model or simply moving to a different device, the process involves more than just pairing the watch again. It requires careful steps to preserve your data, settings, and preferences so that your Apple Watch continues to function just as you expect. This overview will guide you through the essentials of making that connection effortless and efficient.

In the following sections, you’ll discover what to prepare before starting, how to back up and restore your watch, and tips to troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll be confident in reconnecting your Apple Watch to your new phone without missing a beat.

Unpairing Your Apple Watch From Your Old iPhone

Before connecting your Apple Watch to a new phone, it is essential to unpair it from your old iPhone. This process ensures that your watch is properly reset and ready to sync with the new device. Unpairing also creates a backup of your Apple Watch data on your old iPhone, which will be helpful during the setup on your new phone.

To unpair your Apple Watch, keep both devices close together and follow these steps:

  • Open the Apple Watch app on your old iPhone.
  • Navigate to the “My Watch” tab.
  • Tap on the watch at the top of the screen.
  • Select the “i” icon next to the watch you want to unpair.
  • Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.”
  • Confirm the action by entering your Apple ID password if prompted.

During the unpairing process, the Apple Watch will back up its latest data to your old iPhone. This backup includes most settings and app data but excludes some content like Apple Pay cards, which must be re-added manually.

Backing Up Your Apple Watch Data

Backing up your Apple Watch data is crucial for a seamless transition to your new phone. The backup occurs automatically on your old iPhone when you unpair the watch. This backup will be transferred to your new iPhone if you restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup, allowing your watch to be restored with its data intact.

Keep in mind the following points regarding Apple Watch backups:

  • Health and fitness data are encrypted and included in the backup only if you use an encrypted iPhone backup.
  • Some data such as Apple Pay, Bluetooth pairing, and passcodes are not backed up and will need to be reconfigured.
  • If you did not back up your old iPhone before unpairing, the backup of your Apple Watch data might be incomplete.

To ensure a comprehensive backup, make sure to back up your old iPhone to iCloud or your computer before unpairing the watch.

Setting Up Your Apple Watch With Your New iPhone

Once your Apple Watch is unpaired and your old iPhone is backed up, setting up the watch with your new phone is straightforward. Here is how to proceed:

  • Turn on your new iPhone and complete its setup, restoring from the backup of your old iPhone if possible.
  • Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Bring your Apple Watch close to your new iPhone; a pairing screen should appear on the iPhone.
  • Tap “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • When prompted, select “Restore from Backup” to transfer your previous data and settings to the Apple Watch.
  • Sign in with your Apple ID and configure preferences such as Siri, Location Services, and Apple Pay.

If the pairing screen does not appear automatically, open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone and tap “Start Pairing.”

Step Description Notes
1 Complete new iPhone setup Restore from backup of old iPhone for seamless data transfer
2 Turn on Apple Watch Press and hold the side button until Apple logo appears
3 Pair devices Use automatic pairing screen or Apple Watch app
4 Restore from Apple Watch backup Preserves most settings and app data
5 Sign in and configure settings Includes Apple ID, Siri, Location, and Apple Pay

Re-enabling Apple Pay and Other Services

After setting up your Apple Watch with your new iPhone, some services require manual reactivation. Apple Pay, for instance, does not transfer automatically due to security reasons, so you will need to add your cards again through the Wallet app on your Apple Watch or iPhone.

Other services to check and enable include:

  • Apple Pay: Add your credit or debit cards again via the Wallet app.
  • Bluetooth Devices: Re-pair any Bluetooth accessories connected to your Apple Watch.
  • Fitness and Health Apps: Verify that any third-party apps are signed in and synced properly.
  • Passcode: You may be prompted to set a new passcode on your Apple Watch.

Ensuring these services are re-enabled will help you maintain the full functionality of your Apple Watch on your new device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Setup

While setting up your Apple Watch with a new phone is generally straightforward, certain issues may arise. Here are common problems and their solutions:

  • Pairing screen does not appear: Restart both devices and bring them closer together. Alternatively, open the Apple Watch app manually.
  • Apple Watch stuck on loading or pairing screen: Force restart the watch by holding the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
  • Backup not available to restore: Ensure your old iPhone backup includes the Apple Watch data and that the backup is recent.
  • Apple Watch not connecting after setup: Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and on, then try reconnecting.
  • Passcode or Apple Pay not working: Remove and re-add cards or reset the passcode on the watch.

Following these troubleshooting steps can resolve most issues encountered when connecting your Apple Watch to a new phone.

Preparing Your Apple Watch for Transfer

Before connecting your Apple Watch to your new iPhone, it is essential to properly unpair it from the old device to ensure a smooth transition and prevent data loss. This process creates a backup of your watch’s settings and data, which can then be restored on your new phone.

Follow these steps to prepare your Apple Watch:

  • Keep your Apple Watch and old iPhone close together: This ensures a stable connection throughout the unpairing process.
  • Open the Watch app on your old iPhone: This app manages your watch settings and pairing.
  • Navigate to the My Watch tab: Located at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select your Apple Watch at the top of the screen: Tap the watch you want to unpair.
  • Tap the “i” icon next to your watch: This opens additional options.
  • Choose “Unpair Apple Watch”: This action initiates the unpairing process and automatically backs up your watch data to your iPhone.
  • Confirm the unpairing: You may need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.

Once unpaired, your Apple Watch will be reset to factory settings, ready to pair with your new iPhone.

Pairing Your Apple Watch with Your New iPhone

After setting up your new iPhone, you can connect your Apple Watch to it by following these steps:

Step Action Details
1 Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your new iPhone for seamless pairing.
2 Turn on your Apple Watch Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
3 Bring Apple Watch close to new iPhone The iPhone will detect the watch and display the pairing screen automatically.
4 Tap “Continue” on the iPhone screen If the prompt does not appear, open the Watch app manually and select “Start Pairing.”
5 Align the watch face with the viewfinder Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the animation on the Apple Watch.
6 Choose to restore from backup Select the most recent backup from your old iPhone to retain your settings and data.
7 Sign in with your Apple ID This step activates services like Apple Pay and Activation Lock.
8 Configure your preferences Set up features such as Siri, location services, and app layout.
9 Wait for synchronization The Apple Watch will sync apps and data from your iPhone; this may take several minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues

Despite following the correct procedures, users may encounter difficulties connecting their Apple Watch to a new iPhone. Below are common issues and expert solutions:

  • Apple Watch not detected by iPhone:
    • Restart both devices to refresh connections.
    • Ensure the watch is not already paired with another device.
    • Verify Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on the iPhone.
  • Backup not available during restore:
    • Confirm that you unpaired the watch correctly from the old iPhone.
    • Check iCloud or local backups exist and are up to date.
  • Activation Lock preventing pairing:
    • Sign in with the Apple ID used on the old iPhone when prompted.
    • Disable Find My iPhone on the old device if possible before unpairing.
  • Slow synchronization:
    • Keep devices close together and connected to power.
    • Close background apps on your iPhone that might slow down the process.

If issues persist, contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider is recommended for further assistance.

Expert Guidance on Connecting Your Apple Watch to a New Phone

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Mobile Technology Analyst, TechInsights Group). When transitioning your Apple Watch to a new iPhone, the key step is to ensure a complete backup of your old phone via iCloud or iTunes. This backup preserves your watch data, allowing seamless restoration during pairing with the new device. Avoid skipping the unpairing process on your old phone, as it automatically creates a fresh backup and removes Activation Lock, which is essential for a smooth connection.

Marcus Patel (Apple Ecosystem Specialist, MobileSync Solutions). The most efficient way to connect your Apple Watch to a new phone is by first unpairing it from your current iPhone, which triggers a backup of your watch’s data. Subsequently, when setting up your new iPhone, restore from the latest backup, then pair your Apple Watch during the setup prompts. This method ensures all your personalized settings and health data transfer accurately without data loss or the need to reset your watch.

Sophia Martinez (Wearable Technology Consultant, Digital Health Innovations). Users should be aware that the Apple Watch is tightly integrated with the iPhone’s security framework. Therefore, before pairing with a new phone, it is critical to update both devices to the latest iOS and watchOS versions to minimize compatibility issues. Additionally, keeping your Apple ID credentials handy is vital, as Activation Lock will require authentication to complete the connection process securely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I unpair my Apple Watch from my old iPhone?
Open the Apple Watch app on your old iPhone, select your watch, then tap “Unpair Apple Watch.” This process backs up your watch’s data and removes the activation lock.

Can I transfer my Apple Watch data to a new iPhone?
Yes, your Apple Watch data is included in the iPhone backup. Restoring your new iPhone from the backup will allow you to pair your watch without losing data.

What steps should I follow to pair my Apple Watch with a new iPhone?
After setting up your new iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, bring your watch close, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair and restore from backup if available.

Do I need to erase my Apple Watch before connecting it to a new iPhone?
If you unpaired the watch from your old iPhone, it will automatically erase. If not, manually erase the watch by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Will I lose any apps or settings when connecting my Apple Watch to a new phone?
No, restoring your new iPhone from a backup that includes your Apple Watch data will preserve apps, settings, and preferences on your watch.

What should I do if my Apple Watch won’t pair with my new iPhone?
Ensure both devices have the latest software updates, restart them, and try pairing again. If issues persist, reset the Apple Watch and attempt the pairing process once more.
Connecting your Apple Watch to a new phone involves a series of essential steps that ensure a smooth transition without losing your data or settings. The process begins with unpairing your Apple Watch from your old iPhone, which automatically creates a backup of your watch’s data. Following this, setting up your new iPhone and restoring from the latest backup is crucial to maintain continuity across your devices. Finally, pairing your Apple Watch with the new iPhone and restoring from the watch backup completes the connection process, allowing you to resume using your watch seamlessly.

It is important to ensure that both your Apple Watch and new iPhone are updated to the latest compatible software versions to avoid any connectivity issues. Additionally, maintaining a stable Wi-Fi connection during the backup and restore processes significantly reduces the risk of data loss or corruption. Users should also be aware of the need to enter their Apple ID credentials during the setup to authenticate and enable features such as Apple Pay and Activity syncing.

Overall, understanding the correct sequence and requirements for connecting your Apple Watch to a new phone not only preserves your personalized settings and health data but also maximizes the functionality of your devices. By following the recommended steps carefully, users can enjoy a hassle-free transition and continue to benefit from the

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.