Getting a new phone is always exciting, but it can also be a hassle trying to get all your apps and data transferred over. If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll also need to pair it to your new iPhone. Thankfully, Apple has made the process pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to connecting your Apple Watch to a new iPhone.
Table of Contents
Back Up Your Old iPhone
Before pairing your Apple Watch to a new phone, you should back up your old iPhone. This allows you to restore your data and settings to your new phone.
To back up your old iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to power, Wi-Fi, and iCloud.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup and then Back Up Now.
Update Software
Make sure both devices are updated to the latest software versions:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to General > Software Update
Unpair Apple Watch from Old iPhone
Next, you need to unpair your Apple Watch from the old iPhone:
- Open the Watch app on your old iPhone
- Go to the My Watch tab
- Tap All Watches
- Tap the (i) next to your Apple Watch
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm
Set Up Your New iPhone
After unpairing your watch, set up your new iPhone. When prompted, choose to restore from your iCloud backup. This will transfer your apps, data, and settings from your old iPhone.
Pair Apple Watch with New iPhone
Once your new iPhone is set up, you can pair your Apple Watch:
- Turn on your Apple Watch and place it next to your new iPhone
- The Watch app should open automatically on your iPhone
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts
- Choose to restore your Apple Watch from a backup
That’s it! Your Apple Watch is now paired with your new iPhone. All your apps, settings, activity history, and other data will transfer automatically from your backup.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some things to try if you run into issues pairing your Apple Watch to a new iPhone:
Update Software
Make sure both devices have the latest software installed. Older versions may not be compatible.
Reset the Apple Watch
If pairing fails, try resetting your Apple Watch by holding down the side button and crown until you see the Apple logo. Then try pairing again.
Move Closer Together
Since pairing uses Bluetooth, make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are in close proximity, within 30 feet.
Toggle Bluetooth
On your iPhone, try toggling Bluetooth off and then on again under Settings. Then retry pairing.
Hard Reset iPhone
As a last resort, reset your iPhone to factory settings, set it up again, and attempt to pair. You may lose some data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about connecting Apple Watch to a new iPhone:
Do I need my old iPhone to pair with a new one?
No, you can pair your Apple Watch directly to your new iPhone without needing your old one. But you will lose some data in the process.
Will my activity history transfer to my new iPhone?
Unfortunately no. Your activity history, achievements, and other fitness data will not transfer over when you pair with a new iPhone.
What about my Apple Pay cards and passes?
If you back up your old iPhone and restore that backup to your new phone, your Apple Pay cards and passes should transfer automatically.
How can I tell if my Apple Watch is paired?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone – if you see your watch name at the top of the My Watch tab, then your devices are paired.
I restored my old iPhone backup, why won’t my Watch pair?
Make sure you unpaired your Apple Watch from your old iPhone first. If it was still paired, it may prevent auto-pairing with your new iPhone.
And that’s everything you need to know to connect your Apple Watch to a new iPhone! Let us know if you have any other questions.
