Technology

How to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone

dnreview2023February 2, 20241591.7K views

How to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone | DN Review

Here’s what you need

Your Apple ID and password (so you can turn off Activation Lock)
Your old and new iPhone both need to be connected to Wi-Fi
Your Apple Watch and iPhone both need to be at least 50 per cent charged
Your Apple Watch passcode

If you don’t have your old iPhone, you need to use different steps. Choose an option below.

If you have your old iPhone

Use these steps to back up your Apple Watch before pairing with your new iPhone.

Update your old iPhone

Before you switch your Apple Watch to a new iPhone, update your old iPhone to the newest version of iOS that’s available. You should also update your Apple Watch. It can take from several minutes up to an hour for the update process to be completed. You might want to update overnight or wait until you have time, and make sure that both of your devices are charged.

“ You may see that your iPhone is up to date on its current version, but there’s an update available. For example, even if your iPhone is up to date and running the latest version of iOS 14, there may be an option to update to iOS 15”

Check your Health and Activity settings

If you back up using iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure that Health is on.

If you back up using your computer, encrypt your backup to save your Health and Activity content.

iCloud doesn’t store your Activity Sharing data.

Check your Health and Activity settings

If you back up using iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure that Health is on.

If you back up using your computer, encrypt your backup to save your Health and Activity content.

iCloud doesn’t store your Activity Sharing data.

Set up your new iPhone

Set up your new iPhone. When asked if you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, choose your most recent backup to restore your data from your old device to your new device. Make sure that your iPhone and Apple Watch are up to date; if they aren’t, you might not see your backup in the list.

If your iPhone asks if you want to use your Apple Watch, make sure your watch is unlocked and on your wrist, then tap Continue. If it doesn’t ask, you can still set up your Apple Watch manually in the next step. Get help if your iPhone doesn’t ask if you want to use your Apple Watch.

Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone

Keep your Apple Watch unlocked and on your wrist with your iPhone nearby. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

If your iPhone asks you to confirm that you want to use your watch, follow the onscreen steps to finish setting up.

If your iPhone asks you to Start Pairing, unpair your Apple Watch so that you can set it up.

After setup, you can start using your Apple Watch with your new iPhone.

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159 comments

Walker September 2, 2026 - 4:59 am

Can someone give me the simple version? I'm about to change my iPhone and don't want to mess up my Watch 😂.

Jacob September 2, 2026 - 4:57 am

What's the biggest mistake people make when moving an Apple Watch to a new iPhone?

Roberts September 2, 2026 - 4:55 am

So basically: update, backup, restore, then pair?

Ava September 2, 2026 - 4:53 am

I didn't know computer backups needed encryption for Health data.

Thomas September 2, 2026 - 4:51 am

The Health backup section was the part I nearly skipped.

Charlie September 2, 2026 - 4:48 am

This guide is way better than randomly pressing buttons and hoping for the best 😂.

Evans September 2, 2026 - 4:28 am

I followed the guide and it actually worked first time!

Olivia September 2, 2026 - 4:19 am

Best advice: DON'T erase your old phone too early 😂.

Wilson September 2, 2026 - 4:17 am

My Apple Watch has been paired with my old iPhone for years. I'm nervous about moving it.

Jack September 2, 2026 - 4:15 am

Can I use an old backup if it's the only one I have?

Harry Taylor September 2, 2026 - 4:12 am

What if my backup is from three months ago?

Davies September 1, 2026 - 4:36 pm

I didn't realise my iPhone backup was so important for my Watch.

Emily September 1, 2026 - 4:34 pm

My old phone screen is smashed but I have a backup.

Isla Brown September 1, 2026 - 4:32 pm

My old iPhone is broken but still turns on. Can I use it?

Williams September 1, 2026 - 4:31 pm

Do I need to keep my old iPhone and new iPhone next to each other?

George September 1, 2026 - 4:29 pm

I started the process at midnight and regret it 😂.

Johnson September 1, 2026 - 4:27 pm

My Watch update is stuck. Should I force restart it?

Amelia September 1, 2026 - 4:25 pm

I live somewhere with slow Wi-Fi. Will this take ages?

Oliver Smith September 1, 2026 - 4:23 pm

Can I do this using mobile data instead?

Rebecca Palmer September 1, 2026 - 4:20 pm

Do I have to be connected to Wi-Fi the whole time?

Hughes September 1, 2026 - 4:15 pm

Restarting didn't work. Now what?

Elliot September 1, 2026 - 4:13 pm

My Watch says pairing failed. What should I do?

Spencer September 1, 2026 - 4:12 pm

I thought restoring my iPhone backup would automatically do everything.

Katie September 1, 2026 - 4:10 pm

My new iPhone restored everything except the Watch. I'm annoyed.

Brooks September 1, 2026 - 4:08 pm

Can someone else pair my Watch if they don't know my Apple ID?

Nathaniel September 1, 2026 - 4:06 pm

I keep getting asked for my Apple ID. Is something wrong?

Amy Fletcher September 1, 2026 - 4:04 pm

My Watch says it's locked. What does that mean?

Wilson September 1, 2026 - 4:03 pm

What happens if I don't have the Watch passcode?

Reece September 1, 2026 - 4:00 pm

Do I need to reset my Watch before changing iPhones?”

McGregor September 1, 2026 - 3:59 pm

My wife has an Apple Watch too. Can both watches use the same iPhone?

Laura September 1, 2026 - 3:57 pm

I have two iPhones. Which one should my Watch connect to?

Cameron September 1, 2026 - 3:53 pm

Can I pair the same Apple Watch with two iPhones?

Rory September 1, 2026 - 3:51 pm

This is why I hate changing phones. Something always goes missing.

Hamilton September 1, 2026 - 3:49 pm

Why wasn't my Activity Sharing data restored?

Sarah September 1, 2026 - 3:47 pm

My steps disappeared after moving to the new iPhone!

Morrison September 1, 2026 - 3:43 pm

I don't care about Activity Sharing. I just want my steps.

Archie September 1, 2026 - 3:41 pm

I forgot to back up before unpairing. 😭

Lawson September 1, 2026 - 3:39 pm

My new iPhone says Start Pairing even though the Watch was already paired.

Rebecca September 1, 2026 - 3:37 pm

I already erased my old iPhone. Am I screwed?

Wallace September 1, 2026 - 3:34 pm

Can I give my old iPhone to someone else before transferring my Watch?

Elliot September 1, 2026 - 3:30 pm

I thought my Watch was broken because the new phone didn't recognise it.

Stewart September 1, 2026 - 3:27 pm

My Watch wasn't on my wrist and it still wouldn't continue.

Leah September 1, 2026 - 3:25 pm

Why does Apple make you keep the Watch unlocked?

Toby Anderson September 1, 2026 - 3:23 pm

I started the update when I was leaving for work. BIG mistake 😂.

Megan Fraser September 1, 2026 - 3:20 pm

My update took almost an hour. I thought my Watch was dead.

Douglas September 1, 2026 - 3:18 pm

Why do I need to update everything before pairing? That's ridiculous.

Jamie September 1, 2026 - 3:16 pm

I changed phones before and didn't have to do all this.

Campbell September 1, 2026 - 3:13 pm

Apple makes this way too complicated. Why can't I just move the Watch with one button?

Henderson September 1, 2026 - 5:59 am

I'm scared to unpair it because I might lose everything.

Morrison September 1, 2026 - 10:04 am

That's understandable. Make sure your old iPhone has been backed up properly before unpairing. The backup is an important part of protecting your information.

Kelly August 28, 2026 - 7:26 pm

I restarted both devices and suddenly it worked 😂

Erin September 1, 2026 - 3:10 pm

Sometimes the classic restart really does save the day. 😂

Alexander August 28, 2026 - 7:19 pm

My Watch is nearby but it still won't connect.

Davidson September 1, 2026 - 3:06 pm

Try keeping the Watch and iPhone very close together, ensure the Watch is unlocked, and reopen the Apple Watch app.

Reynolds August 28, 2026 - 7:14 pm

Do I need Bluetooth turned on?

Lucy August 28, 2026 - 7:08 pm

My Watch battery drops really fast. Should I wait until it's fully charged?

Sinclair September 1, 2026 - 2:59 pm

You don't necessarily need 100%, but the guide recommends at least 50% charge on both devices. I'd start with more battery rather than less.

Clarke August 28, 2026 - 7:01 pm

Can I transfer the Watch while it's charging?

Bethany September 1, 2026 - 2:55 pm

The guide focuses on having enough battery and keeping the devices ready for the transfer. If you're concerned about battery life, keeping the devices charged is sensible.

Samuel August 28, 2026 - 6:48 pm

My Watch is asking for a password I don't remember.

Robertson September 1, 2026 - 2:52 pm

It may be your Apple Watch passcode or Apple ID credentials. Check which one it's requesting before entering anything.

Bennett August 28, 2026 - 6:38 pm

Everything is updated but my backup still isn't showing.

Cameron September 1, 2026 - 2:48 pm

Check that you're signed into the correct Apple ID and that the backup actually completed. Also make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi.

Daisy August 28, 2026 - 6:21 pm

My new iPhone doesn't show my old backup.

McLean September 1, 2026 - 2:46 pm

The guide notes that your iPhone and Apple Watch should be up to date; otherwise, you might not see your backup in the list.

Brooks August 28, 2026 - 6:18 pm

I prefer computer backups because I don't trust cloud storage.

Scarlett September 1, 2026 - 10:41 am

That's a personal preference, and computer backups are a valid option. Just remember the encryption requirement mentioned in the guide if you want to preserve Health and Activity content.

Edward August 28, 2026 - 6:12 pm

Can I transfer everything using a computer instead of iCloud?

McKenzie September 1, 2026 - 10:25 am

Yes. The article discusses computer backups as an alternative to iCloud and specifically mentions encrypting the backup for Health and Activity content.

Watson August 28, 2026 - 5:59 pm

My old phone is almost full. Can I still make a backup?

Ryan September 1, 2026 - 10:18 am

You may need to check your available iCloud or computer storage. Make sure the backup completes successfully before you start changing the Watch over.

Charlotte August 28, 2026 - 5:53 pm

Do I need to back up the new iPhone first?

Foster August 28, 2026 - 5:50 pm

Does restoring the iPhone backup restore the Apple Watch too?

Zoe Cunningham September 1, 2026 - 10:16 am

The process described in the article uses your recent iCloud or computer backup while setting up the new iPhone, followed by setting up the Watch with the new phone.

Joshua August 28, 2026 - 5:44 pm

My Watch has all my fitness history. I really don't want to lose it.

Johnston September 1, 2026 - 10:11 am

Then definitely check your Health and Activity backup settings before moving to the new phone. That's one of the most important parts of the process.

Graham August 28, 2026 - 5:41 pm

I forgot my Apple Watch passcode. Can I still pair it?

Callum September 1, 2026 - 10:08 am

You'll need to resolve the passcode issue before completing the normal setup process. Don't guess repeatedly—check Apple's current recovery/reset instructions.

Evie August 28, 2026 - 3:42 pm

What is Activation Lock?

Eliza September 1, 2026 - 6:08 am

Activation Lock is an Apple security feature associated with your Apple ID. That's one reason the Apple ID and password are important when transferring your Watch.

Leo Murray August 28, 2026 - 3:39 pm

I got a new iPhone but my Watch still thinks the old phone is its owner.

Davidson September 1, 2026 - 6:05 am

That's usually because the Watch hasn't been transferred or unpaired properly. Follow the old-iPhone backup and new-iPhone setup process.

Leo August 27, 2026 - 11:13 am

Can I just pair the Watch directly without backing up?

Liam September 1, 2026 - 6:01 am

You can start a new setup, but if you want to preserve your existing Watch information, backing up first is the safer approach.

Leo August 27, 2026 - 11:03 am

It says Start Pairing. What now?

Maisie September 1, 2026 - 5:54 am

According to the guide, if the new iPhone asks you to Start Pairing, you need to unpair the Apple Watch before setting it up again.

Evie August 27, 2026 - 10:59 am

My Watch is unlocked but my iPhone isn't detecting it.

McDonald September 1, 2026 - 5:50 am

Keep the devices close together and open the Apple Watch app on the new iPhone. Also check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are working normally.

Joshua August 27, 2026 - 10:54 am

Can I keep the Watch on the table instead?

Mason September 1, 2026 - 5:39 am

For the setup step described in the guide, keeping it unlocked and on your wrist is recommended. I'd follow that rather than changing the process unnecessarily.

Charlotte August 27, 2026 - 10:47 am

Does the Watch need to be on my wrist during setup?

Wilkinson September 1, 2026 - 5:33 am

The guide recommends keeping the Watch unlocked and on your wrist with the iPhone nearby when using the Apple Watch app.

Edward August 27, 2026 - 10:42 am

Where do I find the Apple Watch app?

Isabelle September 1, 2026 - 5:31 am

Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone while keeping the Watch unlocked and nearby.

Daisy August 27, 2026 - 10:40 am

My phone didn't ask about my Apple Watch. Did I mess something up?

Isla Parker August 27, 2026 - 10:37 am

Atkinson September 1, 2026 - 5:29 am

Not necessarily. The guide says you can still manually set up your Apple Watch through the Apple Watch app.

Henry Bailey August 27, 2026 - 8:34 am

My new iPhone asks if I want to use my Apple Watch. What should I press?

Harvey September 1, 2026 - 5:25 am

If your Watch is unlocked and on your wrist, follow the onscreen instructions and tap Continue when prompted.

Olivia Morgan August 27, 2026 - 8:12 am

When should I set up the new iPhone?

Lawson September 1, 2026 - 4:41 am

After preparing and backing up the old device, set up your new iPhone and restore it from your most recent iCloud or computer backup.

Samuel August 27, 2026 - 8:08 am

I didn't know my Apple Watch data could be affected by backup settings.

Ethan August 29, 2026 - 6:35 pm

Yeah, it's easy to overlook. That's why checking your Health and Activity backup settings before changing phones is a smart idea.

Charlie Cooper August 27, 2026 - 8:05 am

Why does the computer backup need to be encrypted?

Simpson August 29, 2026 - 6:31 pm

According to the guide, encryption is needed to save Health and Activity content in the backup.

Freya August 27, 2026 - 8:02 am

I use computer backups instead of iCloud. Can I still transfer my Watch?

Chloe August 29, 2026 - 6:25 pm

Yes. The guide says that if you're backing up with a computer, you should encrypt the backup to preserve Health and Activity content.

Oscar August 27, 2026 - 7:47 am

Where do I check if Health is turned on in iCloud?

Lucas Chapman August 29, 2026 - 6:21 pm

Go to Settings > your name > iCloud and check that Health is enabled.

Isla August 27, 2026 - 7:45 am

Will I lose my Apple Watch data when I change iPhones?

Jessica Fletcher August 29, 2026 - 6:17 pm

You shouldn't if you follow the backup and transfer process properly. The guide specifically explains backing up the Watch and restoring your iPhone from the appropriate backup.

Henry August 27, 2026 - 7:41 am

Do I need to update the Apple Watch too?

Mason August 29, 2026 - 6:14 pm

Yes. The guide recommends updating both your old iPhone and Apple Watch before transferring to the new iPhone.

Olivia August 27, 2026 - 7:38 am

Can I update everything overnight?

Charlie August 27, 2026 - 7:35 am

The update is taking forever. Is my Watch broken?

Benjamin August 29, 2026 - 6:10 pm

Not necessarily. Updates can take several minutes or even up to around an hour according to the guide. It's better to wait rather than interrupt the process.

Ella August 27, 2026 - 7:31 am

My iPhone says it's already up to date, but then it shows another update. What??

Dixon August 29, 2026 - 6:02 pm

That can happen when a newer iOS version is available even though your phone is current on the version it's running. Check for the latest available update before starting the transfer.

Arthur August 27, 2026 - 7:26 am

Should I update my old iPhone before transferring the Watch?

Hannah August 29, 2026 - 5:58 pm

Don't panic. You can still set up the Watch with your new iPhone, but you'll need to follow the steps for when you don't have the old iPhone.

Lily August 27, 2026 - 7:22 am

I traded in my old iPhone already and now I have my Apple Watch 😭.

Noah August 27, 2026 - 7:20 am

Do I really need the old iPhone?

Harvey August 29, 2026 - 5:56 pm

If you still have it, the transfer process is easier because you can back up the Watch and move your information to the new device. If you don't have the old iPhone, Apple provides a different setup process.

Grace August 27, 2026 - 7:17 am

Do both iPhones need Wi-Fi?

Joseph August 29, 2026 - 5:55 pm

Yes, the guide says both the old and new iPhone should be connected to Wi-Fi.

Jack August 27, 2026 - 7:13 am

My Apple Watch is only 30% charged. Can I still do it?

Wood August 29, 2026 - 5:54 pm

I'd charge it first. The guide recommends having both the iPhone and Apple Watch at least 50% charged before starting.

Sophie August 27, 2026 - 7:02 am

Why do I need my Apple ID password for this?”

Sophia Price August 28, 2026 - 7:38 pm

It's needed for things such as Activation Lock and signing into your Apple account during the transfer. So don't start the process if you've forgotten your password.

Harry August 27, 2026 - 6:59 am

What do I need before pairing my Apple Watch with a new iPhone?

Daniel Jenkins August 28, 2026 - 7:32 pm

You'll need your Apple ID and password, Wi-Fi on the relevant devices, your Apple Watch passcode, and enough battery on both the Watch and iPhone. The article recommends having both devices at least 50% charged.

Emily August 27, 2026 - 6:56 am

I just bought a new iPhone. Do I have to reset my Apple Watch?

Sophia August 28, 2026 - 7:29 pm

Not necessarily. If you still have your old iPhone, you can back up your Watch and transfer it to the new iPhone. Follow the setup process carefully before unpairing anything.

katie August 19, 2026 - 9:49 am

An excellent and easy-to-follow guide on how to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone. The instructions are clear and practical, making the setup process simple even for beginners.

ollie August 18, 2026 - 2:29 pm

A great step-by-step guide for pairing an Apple Watch with a new iPhone. The instructions are simple, clear, and useful for anyone who wants to transfer their Apple Watch to a new device without confusion.

Zephyr August 11, 2026 - 6:49 am

Pairing an Apple Watch with a new iPhone is a simple process that helps users continue enjoying their connected experience. How can smart devices make everyday tasks more convenient and efficient

Declan August 10, 2026 - 2:49 pm

A helpful guide that makes pairing an Apple Watch with a new iPhone simple and easy to follow.

Raina Saphira August 10, 2026 - 7:34 am

Easy steps to connect Apple Watch with a new iPhone

Axton Blaise August 10, 2026 - 7:00 am

📱 Easy steps to connect your Apple Watch with a new iPhone

Saylor August 10, 2026 - 6:03 am

⌚ A simple guide that makes pairing an Apple Watch with a new iPhone much easier.

Pierce August 9, 2026 - 7:25 am

A practical guide that makes the Apple Watch pairing process much easier to understand. The step-by-step instructions are especially helpful when moving to a new iPhone.

Sterling August 9, 2026 - 6:55 am

A clear guide that makes switching an Apple Watch to a new iPhone simple.

Rory August 9, 2026 - 5:59 am

A simple and practical guide. The backup and Health data tips are especially useful when switching to a new iPhone.

Sable August 9, 2026 - 5:16 am

What should users check before transferring an Apple Watch to a new iPhone???????

Stellan July 9, 2026 - 6:32 am

⌚ Great guide! What is the easiest way to transfer an Apple Watch to a new iPhone without losing important health data?

Oriana Ellis July 9, 2026 - 5:18 am

Do you recommend setting up the new iPhone first before transferring the Apple Watch?

Stellan July 8, 2026 - 5:55 am

🍎 This guide is really helpful for anyone upgrading their iPhone. Moving an Apple Watch to a new device can feel confusing, but clear steps make the process much easier.👍

Soren Whitfield July 8, 2026 - 5:13 am

Would you prefer an automatic pairing process or more manual control when setting up a new device

Emmet July 8, 2026 - 5:10 am

How easy is the process of moving an Apple Watch to a new iPhone for first-time users? 🤔

Serenity July 6, 2026 - 5:47 am

How does Apple Watch data transfer to iPhone

Jacob Morgan July 3, 2026 - 5:59 am

Should wearable devices like the Apple Watch become completely independent from smartphones in the future? ? ? ?

Christian Bryant June 30, 2026 - 6:12 am

What is the fastest and safest way to pair an Apple Watch with a new iPhone without losing data?

Kevin Morris June 26, 2026 - 6:55 am

📲 Can I pair my Apple Watch to a new iPhone if I no longer have my old iPhone

Zoe June 26, 2026 - 6:13 am

Will I lose my Health and Activity data when pairing my Apple Watch with a new iPhone

Nora June 25, 2026 - 2:14 pm

Is the backup system for Apple Watch data reliable enough, or do users still risk losing health/activity data during transfer

Declan June 25, 2026 - 4:32 am

Do I need to unpair it from my old iPhone first, or can it be transferred automatically during iPhone setup?

Ezra June 23, 2026 - 2:51 pm

What steps are required to unpair an Apple Watch before connecting it to a new iPhone

Sarah June 23, 2026 - 6:40 am

Pairing your Apple Watch with a new iPhone is a simple process that helps you quickly sync your data, apps, and settings so you can continue using your watch without interruption.

Harry June 23, 2026 - 5:49 am

Great guide! ⌚

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