This article explains how to set up your Apple Watch and pair it with your iPhone. Learn how to set up and use your new Apple Watch with these step-by-step instructions, and get tips on using it and solving common problems.

What to Know

  • You will need: iPhone 5S or newer (6S or newer for cellular Watches) > Bluetooth turned on > a Wi-Fi connection.Press and hold side button to turn on Watch > open Watch app on iPhone > select Start Pairing.Next, choose Set Up as New Apple Watch or Restore from Backup and follow the on-screen instructions.

What You Need to Set Up an Apple Watch

Setting up an Apple Watch consists of two parts: Pairing the watch with your iPhone and then setting it up as a new watch or restoring the data from a previous Apple Watch.

This article applies to all Apple Watch models, including cellular models running watchOS 5 through watchOS 7. If your Apple Watch is already set up, but you need to connect it to a new iPhone, see How to Pair an Apple Watch With a New iPhone.

Before you can set up an Apple Watch, you need:

  • An iPhone 5S or newer (iPhone 6 or newer for cellular Apple Watch models) with the Watch app installed. The app comes installed on all recent versions of iOS.
  • Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone.
  • Your iPhone connected to a Wi-Fi network.

How to Pair Your Apple Watch and iPhone

While the Apple Watch can do many things on its own, it gets much of its functionality from being connected to an iPhone in a process called pairing. Follow these steps to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.

  • Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button on the Watch until the Apple logo appears. When the logo appears, release the button.
  • Position the iPhone and Apple Watch close to each other. Pairing an Apple Watch to an iPhone uses Bluetooth, so the devices must be near each other for the connection to work.
  • On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and select Start Pairing.
  • When the iPhone and Apple Watch detect each other, a swirling animation appears on the Apple Watch screen. A frame appears on the iPhone screen. Move the iPhone so that the Apple Watch appears in the frame on the iPhone. When the iPhone “locks” onto the Watch, you’ll move automatically to the next step.
  • In some rare cases, the iPhone and Apple Watch may not be able to connect in this manner. If you run into this issue, select Pair Apple Watch Manually on the iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the devices.
  • After pairing your iPhone and Apple Watch, choose one of two options. If you’ve had an Apple Watch in the past and want to use the data from your previous Watch, select Restore from Backup. Otherwise, choose Set Up as New Apple Watch.

Continue to one of the next two sections, based on your choice in the last step: Set Up as New Apple Watch or Restore From Backup.

Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button on the Watch until the Apple logo appears. When the logo appears, release the button.

Position the iPhone and Apple Watch close to each other. Pairing an Apple Watch to an iPhone uses Bluetooth, so the devices must be near each other for the connection to work.

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and select Start Pairing.

When the iPhone and Apple Watch detect each other, a swirling animation appears on the Apple Watch screen. A frame appears on the iPhone screen. Move the iPhone so that the Apple Watch appears in the frame on the iPhone. When the iPhone “locks” onto the Watch, you’ll move automatically to the next step.

In some rare cases, the iPhone and Apple Watch may not be able to connect in this manner. If you run into this issue, select Pair Apple Watch Manually on the iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the devices.

After pairing your iPhone and Apple Watch, choose one of two options. If you’ve had an Apple Watch in the past and want to use the data from your previous Watch, select Restore from Backup. Otherwise, choose Set Up as New Apple Watch.

How to Set Up a New Apple Watch

If you haven’t had an Apple Watch before or don’t want to restore from a backup, this is the option for you. You need to have followed the steps from the first section of this article and selected Set Up as New Apple Watch.

Here’s what to do next:

  • In the first few screens, agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, wait for the Watch app to sign you in to your Apple ID account (if you’re prompted to sign in, do so), and then select OK on the “Shared Settings” screen.
  • You might be prompted to log in to your Apple ID if you bought a used Apple Watch. In that case, the Watch might still be connected to the seller’s Apple ID. If so, you won’t be able to proceed until removing Activation Lock. Learn more about this in How to Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhones. The tips apply to Apple Watch, too.
  • Create a passcode to secure your Apple Watch. To use a basic 4-digit code, select Create a Passcode and enter your preferred code twice on the Apple Watch. To use a more complex and secure code, select Add a Long Passcode and enter the code on the Watch. You can also choose Don’t Add Passcode, but Apple advises against that.
  • The Watch app on the iPhone then lets you know about the Heart Health features of the Apple Watch for models that support them. There’s nothing to do on this screen other than choose Continue. All of the heart health features are used only on the Watch after set up.
  • The Apple Watch supports Apple Pay for easy, secure wireless payments. If you already use Apple Pay on your iPhone, you’ll need to reauthorize your card. If you don’t use it yet, you can set it up in this step. Either choose Continue to set up Apple Pay or Set Up Later in the Apple Watch App.
  • For more in-depth information about the Apple Watch and Apple Pay, check out How to Use Apple Pay on the Apple Watch.
  • The next screen explains the safety features of the Apple Watch (the exact options differ based on the model, but they include Emergency SOS calls and fall detection).
  • To enable Fall Detection, go to the Watch app on iPhone and select My Watch > Emergency SOS > turn on (green) the Fall Detection toggle.
  • Your Watch inherits many settings from your iPhone. If you’ve already set up emergency contacts and health and activity goals, those settings are automatically added to your Watch. If not, you may be prompted to set them up before selecting Continue.
  • If your Apple Watch supports cellular connectivity, you will see an additional screen to configure cellular service. Select Set Up Cellular to access the set-up process for the phone company providing cellular service for your Watch. Follow the on-screen prompts until you return to a screen that says Cellular Is Ready. Select Continue.
  • You can install Apple Watch apps that give you mini-versions of iPhone apps right on your wrist. On this screen, choose to either Install All watch apps available on your iPhone or Choose Later.
  • If you want to start using your Watch right away, it’s better to install apps later. Installing apps on the Apple Watch can be slow. If you choose to install all available apps, you may have to wait a long time before your watch is ready.
  • With all of your settings selected, your iPhone and Apple Watch will begin to sync. How long this takes depends on how much content you’re syncing, but expect it to take at least a few minutes. Check the progress wheel on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch for status.
  • A noise plays to let you know when the process is complete. While you wait, you can learn more about the Watch by swiping up and looking through tutorials.
  • When the sound and vibration let you know that syncing is finished, press the Watch’s digital crown to start using it.

How to Set Up an Apple Watch With Restore From Backup

If you had an Apple Watch in the past and want to move the data from your previous Watch to your new model, this is the option for you. First, you need to have followed the steps from the first section of this article and selected Restore from Backup. Then, follow these steps, most of which are the same as setting up a new Apple Watch.

In the first few screens, agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, wait for the Watch app to sign you in to your Apple ID account (if you’re prompted to sign in, do so), and then select OK on the “Shared Settings” screen.

You might be prompted to log in to your Apple ID if you bought a used Apple Watch. In that case, the Watch might still be connected to the seller’s Apple ID. If so, you won’t be able to proceed until removing Activation Lock. Learn more about this in How to Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhones. The tips apply to Apple Watch, too.

Create a passcode to secure your Apple Watch. To use a basic 4-digit code, select Create a Passcode and enter your preferred code twice on the Apple Watch. To use a more complex and secure code, select Add a Long Passcode and enter the code on the Watch. You can also choose Don’t Add Passcode, but Apple advises against that.

The Watch app on the iPhone then lets you know about the Heart Health features of the Apple Watch for models that support them. There’s nothing to do on this screen other than choose Continue. All of the heart health features are used only on the Watch after set up.

The Apple Watch supports Apple Pay for easy, secure wireless payments. If you already use Apple Pay on your iPhone, you’ll need to reauthorize your card. If you don’t use it yet, you can set it up in this step. Either choose Continue to set up Apple Pay or Set Up Later in the Apple Watch App.

For more in-depth information about the Apple Watch and Apple Pay, check out How to Use Apple Pay on the Apple Watch.

The next screen explains the safety features of the Apple Watch (the exact options differ based on the model, but they include Emergency SOS calls and fall detection).

Your Watch inherits many settings from your iPhone. If you’ve already set up emergency contacts and health and activity goals, those settings are automatically added to your Watch. If not, you may be prompted to set them up before selecting Continue.

To enable Fall Detection, go to the Watch app on iPhone and select My Watch > Emergency SOS > turn on (green) the Fall Detection toggle.

If your Apple Watch supports cellular connectivity, you will see an additional screen to configure cellular service. Select Set Up Cellular to access the set-up process for the phone company providing cellular service for your Watch. Follow the on-screen prompts until you return to a screen that says Cellular Is Ready. Select Continue.

You can install Apple Watch apps that give you mini-versions of iPhone apps right on your wrist. On this screen, choose to either Install All watch apps available on your iPhone or Choose Later.

If you want to start using your Watch right away, it’s better to install apps later. Installing apps on the Apple Watch can be slow. If you choose to install all available apps, you may have to wait a long time before your watch is ready.

With all of your settings selected, your iPhone and Apple Watch will begin to sync. How long this takes depends on how much content you’re syncing, but expect it to take at least a few minutes. Check the progress wheel on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch for status.

A noise plays to let you know when the process is complete. While you wait, you can learn more about the Watch by swiping up and looking through tutorials.

When the sound and vibration let you know that syncing is finished, press the Watch’s digital crown to start using it.

  • When you choose Restore from Backup, the Watch app on the iPhone displays all the available backups. Select the backup you want to restore on your new Apple Watch.
  • The first few screens after choosing a backup are basic and go by quickly. Agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, sign in to your Apple ID. (This should happen automatically, but sign in if you’re prompted to do so.) Select OK on the Shared Settings screen to continue.
  • Next, create a passcode. Select Create a Passcode to use a simple, 4-digit code to secure your Watch. Enter the code you want twice on the watch. Select Add a Long Passcode to use a more complex code, or tap Don’t Add Passcode to skip it entirely, but that’s not a good security habit, and Apple doesn’t recommend it.
  • If your Apple Watch supports Heart Health features, the next screen details them. There’s nothing to do here except read about the features and tap Continue.
  • You can add Apple Pay to your watch if you want. Either select Continue to set up Apple Pay or Set Up Later in the Apple Watch App to do it later.
  • At this point, your iPhone and Apple Watch will start syncing. This takes anywhere from a minute or two to much longer, depending on how much data is syncing. A wheel displays progress on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
  • A noise plays and the watch vibrates to let you know that syncing is finished and that you can start using your Watch. Just press the digital crown.

Quick Apple Watch Guide: Using Your New Watch

Now that your Apple Watch is set up, it’s time to learn how to use it. There’s a lot to learn, of course, but here is some useful content for both beginners and experienced users.

When you choose Restore from Backup, the Watch app on the iPhone displays all the available backups. Select the backup you want to restore on your new Apple Watch.

The first few screens after choosing a backup are basic and go by quickly. Agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, sign in to your Apple ID. (This should happen automatically, but sign in if you’re prompted to do so.) Select OK on the Shared Settings screen to continue.

Next, create a passcode. Select Create a Passcode to use a simple, 4-digit code to secure your Watch. Enter the code you want twice on the watch. Select Add a Long Passcode to use a more complex code, or tap Don’t Add Passcode to skip it entirely, but that’s not a good security habit, and Apple doesn’t recommend it.

If your Apple Watch supports Heart Health features, the next screen details them. There’s nothing to do here except read about the features and tap Continue.

You can add Apple Pay to your watch if you want. Either select Continue to set up Apple Pay or Set Up Later in the Apple Watch App to do it later.

At this point, your iPhone and Apple Watch will start syncing. This takes anywhere from a minute or two to much longer, depending on how much data is syncing. A wheel displays progress on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch.

A noise plays and the watch vibrates to let you know that syncing is finished and that you can start using your Watch. Just press the digital crown.

  • Using Apple Watch. For a good overview of basic functionality and uses of the watch, check out Apple Watch 101 for the New Apple Watch Owner.
  • Getting apps. To learn how to expand the watch’s functionality by adding new apps, read How to Add Apps to Your Apple Watch.
  • Using important apps. Want to learn more about using some favorite apps on the watch? Read How to Use Spotify on Apple Watch and How to Use Facebook on Apple Watch.
  • Updating watchOS. As with iOS on the iPhone, Apple regularly releases new versions of watchOS for the Apple Watch. These updates fix bugs and add new features. Learn how to install them in How to Update Your Apple Watch.
  • Key Apple Watch accessories. You need more than just the watch itself for the best experience. Check out our suggestions for our favorite Apple Watch accessories.
  • Running low on battery? If your battery is low and you can’t recharge soon, put your Apple Watch into Power Reserve Mode.

Quick Apple Watch Guide: Troubleshooting Problems

Sometimes things go wrong with the Apple Watch and, when they do, you need to know how to fix them. Check out this collection of troubleshooting articles.

Using Apple Watch. For a good overview of basic functionality and uses of the watch, check out Apple Watch 101 for the New Apple Watch Owner.

Getting apps. To learn how to expand the watch’s functionality by adding new apps, read How to Add Apps to Your Apple Watch.

Using important apps. Want to learn more about using some favorite apps on the watch? Read How to Use Spotify on Apple Watch and How to Use Facebook on Apple Watch.

Updating watchOS. As with iOS on the iPhone, Apple regularly releases new versions of watchOS for the Apple Watch. These updates fix bugs and add new features. Learn how to install them in How to Update Your Apple Watch.

Key Apple Watch accessories. You need more than just the watch itself for the best experience. Check out our suggestions for our favorite Apple Watch accessories.

Running low on battery? If your battery is low and you can’t recharge soon, put your Apple Watch into Power Reserve Mode.

  • Restarting Apple Watch. Just like with the iPhone, sometimes problems can be fixed just by restarting the watch. Learn how in How to Restart Apple Watch.
  • Finding a lost Apple Watch. The same technology used for Find My iPhone helps you find a lost or stolen Apple Watch. Find out how in How to Find My Apple Watch.
  • Apple Watch won’t turn on? If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, you need the tips in How to Fix an Apple Watch That Won’t Turn On.
  • Unpairing Apple Watch and iPhone. If you’re upgrading to a new Watch model or need to take some advanced troubleshooting steps, you may need to unpair your Watch and iPhone. Find out how in How to Unpair Apple Watch and iPhone.

Restarting Apple Watch. Just like with the iPhone, sometimes problems can be fixed just by restarting the watch. Learn how in How to Restart Apple Watch.

Finding a lost Apple Watch. The same technology used for Find My iPhone helps you find a lost or stolen Apple Watch. Find out how in How to Find My Apple Watch.

Apple Watch won’t turn on? If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, you need the tips in How to Fix an Apple Watch That Won’t Turn On.

Unpairing Apple Watch and iPhone. If you’re upgrading to a new Watch model or need to take some advanced troubleshooting steps, you may need to unpair your Watch and iPhone. Find out how in How to Unpair Apple Watch and iPhone.

  • How do I change my Apple Watch band?
  • To change your Apple Watch band, hold down the release buttons on the back of the Watch and slide the bands out by the side. Then slide the new bands in (make sure they’re facing the correct way) until you hear a “click.”
  • How do I charge my Apple Watch?
  • To charge you Apple Watch, plug the included charger into a power source and then place the back of the Watch on top of it. The Watch face will display a green lightning bolt once charging begins.
  • How do I use Walkie-Talkie on my Apple Watch?
  • To use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch, open the Walkie-Talkie app that comes pre-installed and then use the Digital Crown to scroll through your Contacts. Choose a contact and select Add Friends. When you want to talk to someone, choose that Contact from your list press and hold the Talk button while speaking.

To change your Apple Watch band, hold down the release buttons on the back of the Watch and slide the bands out by the side. Then slide the new bands in (make sure they’re facing the correct way) until you hear a “click.”

To charge you Apple Watch, plug the included charger into a power source and then place the back of the Watch on top of it. The Watch face will display a green lightning bolt once charging begins.

To use Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch, open the Walkie-Talkie app that comes pre-installed and then use the Digital Crown to scroll through your Contacts. Choose a contact and select Add Friends. When you want to talk to someone, choose that Contact from your list press and hold the Talk button while speaking.

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