Upgrading to a new iPhone is exciting but pairing it with an old Apple Watch can be a hassle if one is not prepared. It involves a series of steps that begin before even turning on the new device. Preparing both the Apple Watch and the new iPhone ensures the process goes smoothly. This includes updating the devices, backing up the current iPhone, and having the Apple Watch charged and ready for setup.
Pairing an old Apple Watch with a new iPhone can be straightforward. The user needs to initiate the pairing process through the Apple Watch app on the new iPhone. If done correctly, this procedure retains most of the user’s data and settings. The key is to follow a few simple steps without skipping any of them.
Switching to a new iPhone is exciting, but you might wonder how to keep your existing Apple Watch paired and working with your new device. The process is straightforward, but it requires a few steps to ensure your data is transferred correctly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to pairing your old Apple Watch with your new iPhone.
Method 1: The Easiest Way (Using a Backup)
This method is the most seamless, especially if you have an iCloud backup of your old iPhone. The Apple Watch pairing information is included in the iPhone backup, so the process is largely automated.
Step 1: Back up your old iPhone
- Make sure your old iPhone is backed up to iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.” Ensure the backup is recent.
- Your Apple Watch data (including Activity and Health data) is automatically included in this backup.
Step 2: Set up your new iPhone
- Turn on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions.
- When you get to the “Apps & Data” screen, choose to “Restore from iCloud Backup.”
- Select the most recent backup from your old iPhone.
Step 3: Pair the Apple Watch
- Once your new iPhone has finished restoring from the backup, a prompt will appear asking if you want to use your Apple Watch with this new iPhone.
- Tap “Continue” on the prompt. Your Apple Watch will then automatically begin the pairing process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup. You may need to enter your Apple Watch passcode.
Method 2: Manually Unpairing and Re-pairing
If you want to set up your new iPhone as a “new” device without restoring a backup, or if the automatic pairing process doesn’t work, you’ll need to manually unpair the Apple Watch from your old phone first. This will also create a fresh backup of the watch.
Step 1: Unpair your Apple Watch from your old iPhone
- On your old iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Tap the “My Watch” tab at the bottom.
- Tap “All Watches” at the top-left of the screen.
- Tap the “i” button next to the name of your Apple Watch.
- Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.” You may need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm and disable Activation Lock.
- This process will create a backup of your watch on your iPhone.
Step 2: Set up your new iPhone
- Set up your new iPhone as you normally would, and ensure you’re signed in to the same Apple ID.
- When prompted, choose to set it up as a “New iPhone” or “Don’t transfer apps & data.”
Step 3: Pair with the new iPhone
- Once the new iPhone is set up, open the Apple Watch app.
- Hold your Apple Watch near the new iPhone. Your iPhone should automatically detect the watch and prompt you to pair it.
- Tap “Start Pairing,” then choose “Set Up for Myself.”
- Align the watch face with the viewfinder on your iPhone.
- You will be given the option to “Restore from Backup” or “Set Up as New Apple Watch.” Select the most recent backup to restore your data and settings.
- Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to complete the pairing and setup process.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Make sure both devices are updated: Ensure your old iPhone, new iPhone, and Apple Watch are all running the latest software versions before you begin the transfer.
- Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices and that they are close together.
- Restart both devices: If you encounter issues, a simple restart of both your Apple Watch and your new iPhone can often resolve them.
- If the watch is unresponsive: If your Apple Watch won’t unpair or is stuck, you may need to erase it directly on the watch. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Note that this will not remove Activation Lock, so you will still need to sign in with your Apple ID on your new iPhone.
Key Takeaways
- Update and back up the old iPhone before beginning the pairing process with the new one.
- Initiate the pairing through the Apple Watch app on the new iPhone.
- Follow all the instructed steps to retain settings and data during the setup.
Preparing Your Devices for Pairing
Before pairing an Apple Watch with a new iPhone, it’s important to ensure all requirements are met. This preparation ensures a smooth transition of data and settings.
Ensuring Compatibility and Requirements
Before beginning, verify that the iPhone runs the latest iOS and the Apple Watch has the current watchOS. Both devices must have Bluetooth turned on and Wi-Fi enabled to communicate. Also, check that the Apple Watch is at least a series 3 and that the iPhone is a model 6s or later to support pairing.
Backup and Data Protection
To protect your data, create a backup of the Apple Watch through the iPhone’s Watch app. Ensure the iCloud backup is up-to-date, which will include your health and activity data. The Apple Watch should be charged to avoid any interruptions during this process.
Unpairing From the Old iPhone
Before pairing with a new iPhone, the Apple Watch must be disconnected from the old one. Open the Watch app and select the ‘Apple Watch’ tab. Choose ‘Unpair Apple Watch‘ and follow the instructions to erase all content. This step also turns off Activation Lock, making the watch ready to pair with a new iPhone.
Pairing Apple Watch with Your New iPhone
When you get a new iPhone, you can easily connect your existing Apple Watch. This ensures your health data, app information, and settings transfer smoothly.
Initiating the Pairing Process
First, secure your Apple Watch on your wrist and turn it on. Bring your new iPhone close to the smartwatch. An animation appears on the watch’s screen. The Watch app on your iPhone will open. If it doesn’t, open the app manually. Hold your iPhone over the animation to link the devices.
Restoring from Backup
During setup, choose to restore from an iCloud backup. At this stage, confirm your language, passcode, and Apple ID. Select the most recent backup for restoring your data, settings, and apps. This step is crucial for keeping your fitness records and Apple Pay details intact.
Finalizing Setup and Verification
Continue setting up your iPhone. It will prompt you to sign in with your iCloud account. Ensure both devices have the latest software updates. Follow the remaining instructions on your iPhone to complete pairing. Lastly, verify if the cellular plan on your Apple Watch is active if applicable.
