How Do You Connect an Apple Watch to a New Phone?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Upgrading to a new phone is always an exciting experience, but it often comes with the challenge of seamlessly transferring your essential devices and data. For Apple Watch users, connecting their watch to a new phone might seem daunting at first, especially given how integrated the watch is with the iPhone. Whether you’ve just purchased the latest iPhone model or are switching devices for other reasons, ensuring your Apple Watch stays in sync is key to maintaining your daily routine and health tracking without interruption.

The process involves more than just pairing the devices; it requires careful steps to preserve your settings, apps, and personal data. Understanding how the Apple Watch interacts with your iPhone and what needs to be done to transition smoothly can save you time and frustration. From backing up your watch data to setting up the connection on your new phone, there are important considerations that make the transition effortless.

In the following sections, you’ll discover a clear, step-by-step guide that walks you through connecting your Apple Watch to your new phone. Whether you’re a tech novice or someone who just wants to get it done quickly, this overview will prepare you to keep your Apple Watch working perfectly with your new device.

Preparing Your Apple Watch for the New iPhone

Before pairing your Apple Watch with a new iPhone, it is essential to prepare the watch to ensure a smooth transition. Begin by unpairing your Apple Watch from the old iPhone. This process automatically backs up your watch’s data to the old iPhone, which can then be restored onto the new device.

To unpair your Apple Watch:

  • Open the **Watch app** on your old iPhone.
  • Navigate to the **My Watch** tab.
  • Tap on your watch at the top of the screen.
  • Select the **info (i)** button next to your watch.
  • Choose **Unpair Apple Watch**.
  • Confirm the unpairing by entering your Apple ID password if prompted.

This step is crucial because it removes the Activation Lock and creates a backup that contains your health, activity, and app data. Without unpairing, you may face difficulties when attempting to pair the watch with the new phone.

If your old iPhone is not available, you can still erase your Apple Watch to prepare it for pairing with the new device:

  • On the Apple Watch, go to **Settings** > **General** > Reset.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Enter your passcode if required.
  • Confirm the reset.

Keep in mind that erasing the watch without unpairing will not create a backup, so you may lose your data unless it is synced to iCloud.

Pairing Your Apple Watch with the New iPhone

Once your Apple Watch is ready, proceed to pair it with the new iPhone. Ensure that both devices are sufficiently charged and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Follow these steps to pair the devices:

  • Turn on your new iPhone and complete the initial setup, including signing in with your Apple ID.
  • Bring your Apple Watch close to the new iPhone.
  • A pairing screen should automatically appear on the iPhone. If it does not, open the Watch app and tap Start Pairing.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions, which include positioning the watch within the viewfinder on your iPhone to establish the connection.
  • When prompted, choose to Restore from Backup to transfer your previous settings and data to the watch.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions and configure settings such as Apple Pay and Siri.

The pairing process may take several minutes, during which your Apple Watch will sync apps and content from the new iPhone. Keep both devices close to each other and connected to power if possible.

Managing Apple Watch Settings After Pairing

After the Apple Watch is paired with your new iPhone, review and adjust your watch settings to ensure everything functions correctly. Some settings may need manual reconfiguration, especially those related to notifications, app permissions, and privacy.

Important areas to verify include:

  • Notifications: Customize which apps can send alerts to your watch via the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Health and Fitness Data: Ensure that health data syncing is enabled in the Health app.
  • Apple Pay: Re-add your cards to Apple Pay on the watch for contactless payments.
  • Wi-Fi Networks: Confirm that your watch is connected to known networks for seamless connectivity.
  • App Layout: Arrange apps on your watch face to your preference.

If you use features like Family Setup or multiple Apple Watches, manage these configurations in the Watch app under the respective sections.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Apple Watch Transfer

Occasionally, users may encounter challenges when connecting an Apple Watch to a new iPhone. Below is a table highlighting common problems and their recommended solutions:

Issue Cause Solution
Pairing screen does not appear Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is off Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the new iPhone and bring devices closer
Apple Watch not restoring from backup Backup is corrupted or unavailable Try unpairing and re-pairing; if unavailable, set up as new watch
Activation Lock prevents pairing Apple ID credentials not entered Enter correct Apple ID and password linked to the watch
Watch apps not syncing Connectivity issues or low battery Ensure stable connection and charge devices; restart if needed

If problems persist, consider restarting both devices or contacting Apple Support for specialized assistance. Regularly updating iOS and watchOS to the latest versions can also prevent compatibility issues during pairing.

Preparing Your Apple Watch for Connection to a New iPhone

Before pairing your Apple Watch with a new iPhone, it is essential to properly prepare both devices to ensure a seamless transition of data and settings. Follow these steps carefully:

Unpair Your Apple Watch from the Old iPhone

  • Open the Apple Watch app on your old iPhone.
  • Navigate to the My Watch tab and select your watch at the top of the screen.
  • Tap the information icon (i) next to the watch you want to unpair.
  • Select Unpair Apple Watch and confirm. This process creates a backup of your watch’s data on the old iPhone.

Backup Your Old iPhone

Make sure your old iPhone is backed up either via iCloud or through a computer using Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier). This backup contains your Apple Watch data, which will facilitate restoring your watch on the new iPhone.

Update Both Devices

  • Ensure your old iPhone, new iPhone, and Apple Watch are running the latest versions of their operating systems. Updating minimizes compatibility issues.
  • On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • On the Apple Watch, updates can be installed via the Watch app under General > Software Update.

Charge Both Devices

Make sure both your Apple Watch and new iPhone have sufficient battery life (preferably above 50%) or are connected to power sources during the transfer process to avoid interruptions.

Steps to Pair Your Apple Watch with the New iPhone

Once preparation is complete, follow these detailed steps to pair your Apple Watch with your new iPhone:

Step Action Details
1 Turn on the new iPhone Complete the initial setup process or restore from the backup of your old iPhone that includes your Apple Watch data.
2 Open the Apple Watch app On your new iPhone, launch the Apple Watch app to begin pairing.
3 Start pairing Hold your Apple Watch near the new iPhone. A pairing screen should appear on the iPhone. Tap Continue.
4 Use the camera to pair Center the Apple Watch face in the viewfinder on the iPhone screen to link the devices automatically.
5 Restore from backup Select the most recent backup of your Apple Watch to restore your apps, data, and settings.
6 Sign in with Apple ID Enter your Apple ID password if prompted to enable features like Activation Lock and Apple Pay.
7 Set up passcode and preferences Choose whether to create a passcode, enable Siri, and configure other settings based on your preferences.
8 Wait for synchronization Allow the Apple Watch and iPhone to sync fully. This may take several minutes depending on the amount of data.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

If you encounter difficulties while connecting your Apple Watch to a new iPhone, consider the following troubleshooting techniques:

  • Apple Watch Not Detected by iPhone:
    Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the iPhone and that both devices are within close proximity. Restart both devices if necessary.
  • Pairing Screen Not Appearing:
    Open the Apple Watch app manually and select Start Pairing. If the camera pairing option fails, use the manual pairing method by tapping Pair Apple Watch Manually.
  • Restore from Backup Fails:
    Verify that your new iPhone is restored from the correct backup that includes Apple Watch data. If the backup is corrupted or incomplete, unpair and pair the watch as new.
  • Activation Lock Prevents Pairing:
    Confirm you are using the Apple ID originally linked to the watch. Activation Lock will prevent pairing without the correct credentials.
  • Slow Syncing:
    Connect both devices to a stable Wi-Fi network and keep them near each other. Avoid using the devices heavily during synchronization.

Additional Tips for Managing Your Apple Watch on a

Expert Guidance on Connecting an Apple Watch to a New Phone

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When transferring your Apple Watch to a new iPhone, the most critical step is ensuring that you have a recent backup of your old phone. This backup preserves your watch’s health data and settings, allowing for a seamless restoration process. Always unpair your watch from the old device first, as this automatically creates a backup and prepares the watch for pairing with the new phone.

Michael Torres (Senior iOS Developer, AppWorks Studio). The Apple Watch relies heavily on the paired iPhone for data synchronization and functionality. After unpairing, it’s essential to update your new iPhone to the latest iOS version before pairing the watch. This ensures compatibility and reduces the risk of connection issues. Additionally, when pairing, use the Apple Watch app on the new phone to scan the watch’s animation, which initiates a secure and efficient connection process.

Sara Patel (Consumer Electronics Consultant, GadgetWise). Users often overlook the importance of their Apple ID during the transition. Make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID on your new iPhone as on your old one. This continuity is vital for accessing your Apple Watch’s apps, purchases, and iCloud data. Also, verify that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices to facilitate a smooth and uninterrupted pairing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I unpair my Apple Watch from my old iPhone?
Open the Apple Watch app on your old iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, select your watch, then tap the “i” icon and choose “Unpair Apple Watch.” This process backs up your watch data and prepares it for pairing with a new phone.

Can I transfer my Apple Watch data to a new iPhone?
Yes, your Apple Watch data is included in the iPhone backup. When you restore the backup on your new iPhone, you can pair your Apple Watch and restore its settings and data.

What steps should I follow to pair my Apple Watch with a new iPhone?
First, ensure your new iPhone is set up and signed in with your Apple ID. Then, open the Apple Watch app on the new iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions to pair, and restore from the latest backup if available.

Will I lose any data when connecting my Apple Watch to a new phone?
If you unpair your watch properly and restore your new iPhone from a recent backup, you will not lose any data. However, data not backed up to iCloud or your iPhone may be lost.

Do I need to update my Apple Watch before pairing with a new iPhone?
It is recommended to update your Apple Watch to the latest watchOS version before unpairing from the old iPhone to ensure compatibility with the new iPhone.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not connect to the new iPhone?
Restart both devices, ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled, and try the pairing process again. If issues persist, reset your Apple Watch to factory settings and attempt pairing once more.
Connecting an Apple Watch to a new phone involves a systematic process that ensures your data and settings transition smoothly. The primary step is to unpair the Apple Watch from the old iPhone, which automatically creates a backup. This backup is essential as it allows you to restore your watch’s data on the new device. After unpairing, pairing the Apple Watch with the new iPhone involves following the on-screen prompts in the Apple Watch app, where you can choose to restore from the backup or set up as new.

It is important to ensure both devices are updated to the latest iOS and watchOS versions to avoid compatibility issues during the transfer. Additionally, having a stable internet connection and sufficient battery life on both devices will facilitate a seamless setup process. Users should also be aware that certain features, such as Apple Pay and some app data, may require reconfiguration after pairing with the new phone.

In summary, successfully connecting an Apple Watch to a new phone requires careful preparation, including backing up data, updating software, and following the pairing process meticulously. By adhering to these steps, users can maintain continuity in their Apple Watch experience without losing important information or functionality. This approach ensures that the transition to a new phone is efficient and preserves

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.