A smartwatch is just like having a phone on your wrist. It gives you information you need, when you need it.
Got a new one? The first thing you need to do after unboxing is to connect it with your mobile phone. Different brands have different ways of doing this, so read on to see how to get your Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch , Garmin Watch, Huawei Watch or Fitbit hooked up to your handset.
Connecting an Apple Watch to your iPhone
We’ve created a separate guide to show you how to pair your Apple Watch an iPhone.
You can use it for any Apple Watch from Series 4, and any iPhone 6s or later - just as long as it's running iOS 18 (Apple's latest mobile operating system). The guide even shows you what to do if you’ve already connected your Apple Watch and want to transfer it to a different iPhone.
Does Apple Watch work with Android?
You can’t connect an Apple Watch to an Android phone. Apple Watch is designed for iPhones only, so it’s not possible to set it up using an Android phone or other device.
Connecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch to an Android phone
Samsung Galaxy Watches like the one above work best with Galaxy phones - but they go great with other Androids too. Here’s how to pair them up.
Follow these steps on your watch:
Turn on the Galaxy Watch. Follow the onscreen instructions on installing the Galaxy Wearable app.
Select your language.
Note: You can’t install the Galaxy Wearable app on a phone that isn’t compatible with a Galaxy Watch. So if you’re having problems, this might be the reason.
Follow these steps on your phone:
1. Launch the Galaxy Wearable app.
2. Tap ‘Start the journey’.
3. Select your device on the screen.
4. Tap ‘Turn on.’ When you see the Bluetooth activation request.
5. Now follow the remaining instruction to complete your connection.
Connecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch to your iPhone
Here’s how to pair a Samsung Galaxy Watch with an iPhone.
Follow these steps on your watch:
1. Turn on the Galaxy Watch. Follow the onscreen instructions on installing the Galaxy Wearable app.
2. Select your language.
Follow these steps on your iPhone:
1. Head to the App Store and get the Samsung Galaxy Watch (Gear S) app.
2. Open the app on your iPhone.
3. Tap ‘OK’ when it ask you to allow Bluetooth.
4. Tap ‘Start the journey’.
5. Select your device on the screen.
Your two devices will now pair with each other. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.
Connecting a Garmin Watch to your phone
Garmin Watches are a great choice for serious runners and anyone wanting to improve their athletic performance. Here’s how to pair one with your phone.
1. Head to the app store on your phone and install the Garmin Connect app. Sign-in to it, or create a new account.
2. Put your Garmin Watch into ‘pairing mode’.
3. Now wait for the app to find your Garmin Watch.
4. Tap ‘Connect it’.
5. Now follow the remaining instruction to complete your connection.
Connecting a Huawei Watch to your phone
Huawei Watches are great for beginners - you can track your steps and set daily goals, so you’ll always know if you’re hitting your fitness targets.
Here’s how to pair one of the latest Huawei watches with your phone.
Follow these steps on your Huawei watch:
1. Press the ‘Up’ button until the watch vibrate and turns on.
2. Your Huawei Watch is now in pairing mode.
Follow these steps on your phone:
1. Scan the QR code on the watch screen to download the Huawei Health app.
2. Open the app and follow the onscreen instructions to grant permissions.
3. Tap ‘Pair’ and the app will start searching for nearby devices. When you see the name of your Huawei Watch appear, tap it.
Follow these steps on your Huawei watch:
1. Tap and confirm the pairing request when it appears on-screen. Your two devices will now pair with each other.
How to sync a Fitbit with your phone
If you’ve got a Fitbit, syncing it your smartphone is the most effective way of sending all your fitness activity straight to your Fitbit account.
Follow these steps on your Fitbit:
1. Turn on the Fitbit.
Follow these steps on your phone:
1. Turn on Bluetooth.
2. Head to the app store on your phone and install the Fitbit Health & Fitness app. Tap ‘Today.
3. Select your profile, select your device, then tap ‘Sync now’.
You’ll be synced up in a few seconds. Job done.
Need more help?
If you’re looking for a new smartwatch or fitness tracker, check out our Smart fitness buying guide. If you’d like to talk to a real person, pop in-store and chat with one of our tech experts.