Pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone

Learn how to transfer your Apple Watch from your old iPhone to your new one.

Before you start

  • You need your Apple Account and password

  • You need your Apple Watch passcode (get help if you forgot your passcode)

  • Your old and new iPhone both need to be connected to Wi-Fi

  • Your Apple Watch and new iPhone need to be at least 50 percent charged

Update your old iPhone and Apple Watch

Update your old iPhone and update your Apple Watch to the newest available versions. It could take from several minutes to an hour for the updates to complete. You might want to update overnight or wait until you have time, and make sure both of your devices are charged.

iPhone screen showing General Settings

Check your Health and Activity settings

If you back up using iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > See All and make sure that Health is on.

If you back up using your computer, encrypt your backup to save your Health and Activity content.

iPhone screen showing iCloud Settings

Back up your old iPhone

Back up your old iPhone using iCloud or your computer. Backing up your iPhone also backs up your Apple Watch.

Set up your new iPhone

Set up your new iPhone. When asked if you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, choose your most recent backup. If you don't see your most recent backup, make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are up to date.

If your iPhone asks if you want to use your Apple Watch, make sure that your watch is unlocked and on your wrist, then tap Continue. If it doesn't ask, you can still set up your Apple Watch manually in the next step. Get help if your iPhone doesn't ask if you want to use your Apple Watch.

iPhone screen showing the option to transfer apps and data

Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone

Keep your Apple Watch unlocked and on your wrist with your iPhone nearby, then open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

If your iPhone asks you to confirm that you want to use your watch, follow the onscreen steps to finish setting up.

If your iPhone asks you to Start Pairing, unpair your Apple Watch. Then you can set it up again and start using your Apple Watch with your new iPhone.

Having trouble?

Learn what to try if you can't pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone.

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