When you get a new iPhone after upgrading, you need to know how to link your Apple Watch to your iPhone device. The pairing process requires minimal steps to finish. This brief tutorial demonstrates step-by-step instructions on how to pair Apple Watch to new iPhone.
After transitioning from an older iPhone to an iPhone 13, 14, 15, or Pro X, you can transfer your Apple Watch to the new device. Below are some reasons why you must connect your new iPhone before use.
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Importance of Pairing an Apple Watch to a New iPhone
Seamless Functionality
The process of pairing your Apple Watch with your new iPhone will grant you immediate access to all the features that the watch provides. The synchronization works perfectly because your Apple Watch displays notifications, health tracking, and app integrations. The failure to pair your Apple Watch with your new iPhone may result in missing critical day-to-day alerts and system notifications.
Access to Health Data
Your Apple Watch collects valuable health and fitness data that syncs to your iPhone. You gain full health data visibility by linking your devices because they share all monitored biometrics like heart rate and activity levels, are safely transferred, and are accessible in the Health app. You can track your progress through this feature.
Personalization
When you pair your Apple Watch, you can personalize settings and choose between different faces and apps through its interface. Your iPhone contains specific settings that enable customizations that will transform your watch to fulfill your personal needs. Customization options enable a seamless and more satisfying user experience for using your Apple Watch.
Security Features
Your Apple Watch needs pairing to establish security measures. Having your Apple Watch paired with your iPhone enables access to Apple Pay as well as the Find My app function; these serve as both data protection and device security. An unpaired Apple watch prevents you from accessing vital security features.
Software Updates
Your Apple Watch needs regular software updates because it boosts both high performance and data safety. Syncing with your new iPhone enables you to receive the latest software updates directly from the iPhone.
How to Pair Apple Watch to New iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before establishing the connection between your Apple Watch and your phone, you need to perform some necessary setup. These preparations will prevent data loss, settings, or functionality. Here are the steps to take:
Back-Up Your Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch data automatically backs up to your iPhone. Before pairing it with a new phone, save the most recent backup. Now, see how to do it:
- Open Settings on your old iPhone.
- Tap [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Select Back Up Now to create an updated backup.
However, if you’re using a Mac or PC, you can back up your iPhone through Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (older macOS and Windows).
Unpair Your Apple Watch from the Old iPhone
To connect your watch to a new phone, you must first unpair it from the old device.
- Place your Apple Watch and old iPhone close together.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap All Watches at the top-left corner.
- Select your Apple Watch, then tap Unpair Apple Watch.
- If your watch has a cellular plan, you’ll be asked if you want to keep or remove it. If you plan to use the same carrier on your new iPhone, select Keep Plan.
- Confirm your choice and enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
Your watch will now reset and disconnect from your old iPhone.
Pairing Your Apple Watch with a New iPhone
Once your old device is backed up and unpaired, you’re ready to link your Apple Watch to your new iPhone.
Step 1: Turn On Your New iPhone and Apple Watch
- The process may take time, so make sure both devices have sufficient battery.
- Power on your iPhone and complete the setup.
- Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Step 2: Start the Pairing Process
- Place your Apple Watch near your new iPhone.
- A message will show on your iPhone: “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch.”
- Tap Continue.
If the prompt doesn’t come up, open the Watch app manually and select Start Pairing.
Step 3: Scan the Animation
- Hold your Apple Watch under the iPhone’s camera to scan the pairing animation displayed on your watch’s screen.
- If this method doesn’t work, select Pair Apple Watch Manually and follow the instructions.
Step 4: Restore from Backup or Set Up as New
After pairing, you’ll see the option to restore your Apple Watch from a backup or set it up as a new device.
If you want to keep old data, select Restore from Backup and choose the recent version.
If you want a fresh start, tap Set Up as New Apple Watch.
Step 5: Sign in with Your Apple ID
- Enter your Apple ID password to enable features like Find My Watch and Activation Lock.
- If you have an internet plan, confirm if you want to re-enable it.
Step 6: Customize Settings and Sync Data
- Select your wrist preference (left or right hand).
- Adjust notifications, Siri settings, and health tracking options.
- Allow the syncing process to complete. This may take several minutes.
Once the process is complete, your Apple Watch is ready to use with your new iPhone. Peradventure, the setup didn’t work; there are troubleshooting tips to try.
How to Troubleshoot Pairing Issues
Why won’t my watch connect to my new phone? If your watch is not pairing with a new iPhone, here are some solutions:
- Check Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Turn on the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Restart Both Devices: Power off your Apple Watch and iPhone, then restart other devices.
- Reset the Apple Watch: If pairing fails, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings on your watch.
- Update iOS & watchOS: Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are running on recent software versions.
Are You Missing Data After Pairing?
- Double-check that you restored from the correct backup.
- If health and fitness data is missing, enable iCloud for Health & Fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pair My Apple Watch Without Unpairing the Old One?
No, you must unpair your Apple Watch before it can connect to a new iPhone.
What If I Don’t Have My Old iPhone?
You can still pair your Apple Watch by deleting it manually:
- Open Settings on your watch.
- Tap General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the pairing steps with your new iPhone.
Will I Lose My Apps and Settings?
You can if not properly done. However, if you restore from a backup, all your apps, settings, and watch faces will transfer to your new iPhone.
How Long Does the Pairing Process Take?
Pairing typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Data and application synchronization time depend on the size of your backup information.
Read also: How To Ping iPhone From Apple Watch: A Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
Transferring your Apple Watch to a new iPhone is something a non-techy person can do, although it requires that you follow the correct steps. Before you pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone, ensure that you back up all necessary information.
Follow the process step by step. If the device fails to connect, make sure that Bluetooth is on or restart your iPhone.
