How to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone

There’s never been a better time to buy an Apple Watch and pair it with one of the latest iPhones. They work together seamlessly, making tasks like tracking fitness, checking messages and using Apple Pay a lot smoother and faster.

This guide walks you through pairing any Apple Watch Series 4 (from 2018) or newer with an iPhone 6s (released way back in 2016) or later. So if your devices are fairly new, you should be good to go:

Step 1. Get your iPhone ready

Before you start pairing, make sure your iPhone:

• Is running the latest iOS (check this in Settings > General > Software Update).

• Is connected to Wi-Fi.

• Has Bluetooth turned on.

Once that’s done, you’re good to go.

Step 2. Power up and start pairing

1. Turn on your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

2. A message should appear on your iPhone saying “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch.” Tap Continue.
   If it doesn’t appear, open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap Start Pairing.

3. Align the watch face in your iPhone’s camera viewfinder. Wait until you see confirmation that it’s paired.
   Can’t use the camera? Tap Pair Apple Watch Manually and follow the on-screen steps.

4. Choose Set Up as New or Restore from Backup, depending on what you want to do.

5. If prompted, update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.

Step 3. Sign in and check settings

Read the Terms and Conditions, then tap ‘Agree’ to continue.

• You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password (if not, you can do it later under General > Apple ID Password).

• If Activation Lock appears, it means the watch is linked to another Apple ID. You’ll need to enter that account’s details.

You’ll also see which settings your watch will share with your iPhone, like Find My, Location Services, and Wi-Fi Calling.

Step 4. Set Up Siri, route tracking and passcode

You can enable useful features such as:

• Siri, for quick voice commands.

• Route tracking, great for runs and walks.

Then you’ll be asked about a passcode. You can skip this, but we recommend setting one up to use Apple Pay and keep your data secure.

To create a passcode, tap Create a Passcode (or Add a Long Passcode) and type it in on your Apple Watch.

Step 5. Add Apple Pay and apps

Next, you can add a card to Apple Pay. You’ll also be asked about installing apps that work with Apple Watch.

• Choose Install All to sync every compatible app.

• Or pick Choose Later if you want to keep things streamlined.

Keep your watch and phone close together while they sync. You’ll feel a gentle tap on your wrist when everything’s ready.

Transferring Your Apple Watch to a New iPhone

Have you got a brand new iPhone? You can connect your Apple Watch to it in just a few steps.

You’ll need…

• Your Apple ID and password

• Both iPhones (old and new), connected to Wi-Fi

• At least 50% charge on both devices

• Your Apple Watch passcode

If you still have your old iPhone

Update your old iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest versions:

1. Back up your data.
   Using iCloud? Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure Health is turned on.
   Using iTunes? Encrypt your backup to include Health and Activity data.

2. Set up your new iPhone and choose the most recent backup to restore.

3. When asked if you want to Use your Apple Watch, tap Continue.

4. Keep your watch and new iPhone close and follow the on-screen steps.

If you don’t have your old iPhone

If your old iPhone is gone or wiped, you can still pair your Apple Watch manually:

1. On your watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

2. On your new iPhone, open the Watch app and follow the pairing steps from the start of this guide.

3. Restore from an available backup or set up your watch as new.

FAQs

Why won’t my Apple Watch pair with my iPhone?

Check that both devices are updated, Bluetooth is on, and they’re close together. Restart both devices if needed and try again via the Watch app.

Can I pair more than one Apple Watch with my iPhone?

Yes. You can pair multiple watches with one iPhone. Perfect if you switch between styles, or use one for fitness and one for work.

Do I need Wi-Fi to pair my Apple Watch?

Yes, Wi-Fi (or mobile data) is needed during the setup process to sign in with your Apple ID and sync data. After pairing, your watch can use Bluetooth most of the time.

How long does pairing take?

It usually takes between 5–10 minutes, depending on your internet speed and how much data you’re syncing. Keep both devices close until you feel a tap on your wrist.

Looking for more advice?

We’ve got lots more Apple Watch advice, including getting WhatsApp on your Apple Watch, how to put it on silent and an Apple Watch troubleshooting guide.

Fancy upgrading to an amazing new iPhone? Check out our articles on the best iPhone to buy in 2025 and the best phones of 2025. If you’d like to chat to someone before you buy, pop in-store and speak to one of our colleagues. They know their smartphones.