- To pair your Apple Watch, you need an iPhone 5 or later and the latest version of iOS.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
- Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button next to the Digital Crown until you see the Apple logo.
- Make sure both devices are charged and keep them close together as you pair and sync them.
If you already paired your Apple Watch but want to use it with a different iPhone, you can transfer your Apple Watch and its content to your new iPhone.
Then tap a language on your Apple Watch. To scroll through the list, rotate the Digital Crown or swipe the screen.
Tap Start Pairing on your Apple Watch and again on your iPhone. A pairing animation should appear on your Apple Watch.
Center the watch face in the onscreen viewfinder on your iPhone until a message says Your Apple Watch is Paired.
If you don’t see the pairing animation or if your iPhone doesn't read it, you can pair your devices manually.
On your iPhone, tap Set Up as New Apple Watch. If you’ve set up before, you can tap Restore from Backup and follow the onscreen steps. Then tap Left or Right on your iPhone to pick a wrist. Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree to continue.
You need to sign in with your Apple ID password to enjoy features like Digital Touch, Apple Pay, and Handoff. If Find My iPhone isn't set up on your iPhone, you'll also be asked to turn on Activation Lock.
Your iPhone settings for Diagnostics and Usage, Location Services, and Siri will transfer to your Apple Watch, and the other way around. So if you change the settings of these services, those changes will apply to both of your devices.
On your iPhone, choose whether to make a passcode for your Apple Watch. You need a Passcode for features like Apple Pay. You might be asked to add a card, so you can start using Apple Pay.
If you tap Create a Passcode or Add a Long Passcode on your iPhone, you can make a personal code using your Apple Watch. Then decide whether your Apple Watch will unlock with your iPhone.
Tap Install All to sync iPhone apps that work with your Apple Watch. Only apps that are compatible with your Apple Watch will sync. Tap Choose Later to sync only basic information like Mail, Contacts, and Messages.
Your iPhone and Apple Watch will begin to sync. The length of this process varies depending on the amount of data you're syncing. Keep your devices close together until you hear a chime and feel a gentle tap from your Apple Watch.
If you don't see the pairing animation or your iPhone can't read it, you can manually pair using the steps below:
- Put on your Apple Watch, choose a language, and tap Start Pairing on both devices.
- Tap Pair Apple Watch Manually on your iPhone.
- Tap
on your Apple Watch. Your device's name should appear on the watch face.
- On your iPhone, tap the 5-digit name that matches the one you see on your Apple Watch.

- A six-digit code will appear on your Apple Watch. Enter that code on your iPhone to pair the two devices. Then continue the steps to set up.

If your watch is already paired, but isn't connected to your iPhone, use these steps instead:
Last Modified: Jun 6, 2016