Getting a new iPhone might mean leaving behind an Apple Watch; however, this guide explains every single step to ensure that you have a smooth transfer of your Apple Watch, whether or not you have your old iPhone. Within minutes, you can restore all settings, health data, and apps, or even start new if you\’d like.
Overview: Pairing Apple Watch to a New iPhone
Once an Apple Watch connects to an iPhone, it must be re-paired to another whenever a new device is purchased. The steps vary slightly, depending on whether one still has the old phone. The basic idea is to back up the Apple Watch through the old iPhone, then pair it with a new phone through the Watch app. If the old iPhone still resides with you, then such a transfer will be easy, retaining almost everything, including the health metrics and watch faces.
To pair Apple Watch to a new iPhone: > Back up old iPhone > Restore on new iPhone > Hold Watch near phone > Follow on-screen instructions.
Option 1: You Have Your Old iPhone (Recommended)
If you still have access to your old iPhone, this is the easiest and most secure way to switch your Apple Watch over.
Step 1: Update Both Devices
Upgrade both devices. If, however, you have not done so yet, make sure that your old iPhone and your Apple Watch are running on the latest iOS and watchOS versions. Doing so should avoid compatibility issues through the process of transferring files.
Step 2: Back Up Your Old iPhone
Apple Watch data is included in your iPhone backup. You can use:
- iCloud Backup (make sure Health is enabled under iCloud settings)
- Encrypted backup via Finder or iTunes (recommended if you want to back up Health and Activity data)
Step 3: Set Up Your New iPhone
When setting up the new device:
- Choose Restore from iCloud or Restore from Finder/iTunes Backup
- Make sure you select the most recent backup from your old iPhone.
Step 4: Open the Watch App
Once your iPhone is restored and ready:
- Open the Watch app on the new iPhone
- You’ll see a prompt to pair your watch.
- Select Restore from Backup to retain your watch faces, settings, and apps.
To pair Apple Watch to a new iPhone: > Update both devices > Back up old iPhone > Set up new iPhone > Open Watch app > Select Restore from Backup.
Option 2: You Don’t Have Your Old iPhone
Lost your old iPhone or forgot to back it up? Well, you can connect your Apple Watch with your new phone, but you have to take a different approach.
Step 1: Erase Your Apple Watch
The watch must be reset before it can be paired with a new iPhone. On your Apple Watch, go to:
Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
⚠️ Note: This erases all data from the watch, unless you have an iCloud backup tied to your Apple ID.
Step 2: Open the Watch App on New iPhone
Place your Apple Watch near your new iPhone. You’ll see a prompt to begin pairing. Follow the on-screen steps.
Step 3: Restore from iCloud (if available)
If you have a previous iCloud backup that includes Apple Watch data, the Watch app may offer the option to restore. If not, you’ll need to set it up as a new Apple Watch.
To pair Apple Watch without old iPhone: > Erase Watch data > Open Watch app on new iPhone > Place Watch near iPhone > Follow on-screen steps to pair.
Reconfiguring Key Settings After Pairing
After pairing your watch with your new iPhone, take a moment to check the following:
- Watch Faces and complications may need to be reconfigured if not restored
- Health & Fitness Data will only restore if your backup was encrypted or via iCloud.
- Apple Pay will require re-verification of cards.
- Notifications & App Layout may need manual adjustment.
- Cellular Plan (if applicable) might need to be re-added
Troubleshooting & Tips
Here are some of the most common issues people run into, along with quick fixes:
Watch Not Pairing With New iPhone
- Ensure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Restart both the Apple Watch and iPhone.
- If still stuck, reset the Apple Watch and try again.
Can’t Find Watch Backup
- Ensure your old iPhone was backed up after the last time your Apple Watch synced.
- If using iCloud, check iCloud settings to confirm Health and Watch are included.
- Encrypted backups are required for Health and Activity data.
Cellular Features Not Working
- Go to the Watch app > Cellular.
- Re-add your plan or contact your carrier if it\’s not showing.
Apps Missing from Apple Watch
- Reinstall missing apps manually from the Watch app.
- Ensure apps are set to “Install Automatically” in settings if preferred.
Pro Tip: Always unpair your Apple Watch from the old iPhone before switching; it automatically creates a backup that can be restored on the new device.
Extra Tips for a Smoother Transition
- Turn on iCloud Keychain to make logging back into apps easier.
- If you use Apple Fitness+, make sure to re-download and log in again.
- Consider syncing photos or playlists again from the Watch app if they were previously added.
- If you use third-party health apps, double-check their settings post-transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pair my Apple Watch to a new iPhone without unpairing it from the old one?
Yes. If the new iPhone is set up from the old one\’s backup, then your Apple Watch is all set to ask for reconnection. If you start from scratch, you will have to unpair it.
Will I lose my health and fitness data when switching phones?
Not if you backed up your old iPhone properly. Use an iCloud backup (with Health enabled) or an encrypted computer backup to ensure health data is included.
Do I need to erase my Apple Watch before pairing it with a new phone?
Only if you no longer have access to the old iPhone or didn’t restore from its backup. In that case, the watch must be erased to pair it as a new device.
What if my Apple Watch has cellular service?
Your cellular plan stays active through your carrier. However, you may need to re-add it during the setup process in the Watch app under the Cellular section.
Final Thoughts
This is considered to be an effortless thing when you know the right steps to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone. Important is the backup of all data on both devices as well as the update thereof. Whether restoring from a backup or setting up fresh, Apple has made the process quite easy to follow, and with this guide, you are definitely able to do it without a hitch.