Apple Watch · Connect guide

How to connect Apple Watch to iPhone

Sources checked 14 September 2026 · how we check

Apple Watch pairs with an iPhone, which runs its setup. The two assistants work together: hold the watch near the phone and follow the prompts.

01 · Before you start

Check these first

Update your iPhone to the latest iOS. Newer watches need newer iOS: Apple Watch SE 3 needs an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later.
Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and connect it to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
Press and hold the watch's side button until the Apple logo appears, then put it on your wrist.

02 · Connect

Hold near unlocked iPhone → Continue → centre watch in viewfinder

Hold the watch near your unlocked iPhone and wait for the setup message, then tap Continue. If it doesn't appear, open the Apple Watch app and tap Add Watch.
Tap Set Up for Myself, or Set Up for a Family Member.
Centre the watch face in the viewfinder on your iPhone and wait for the message that your Apple Watch is paired.

Pair Apple Watch Manually → follow the prompts

If the camera doesn't pair the watch, tap Pair Apple Watch Manually and follow the prompts.

New Apple Watch or restore backup → Apple Account → passcode

Choose Set Up as New Apple Watch, or restore from a previous watch's backup.
Sign in to your Apple Account, create a passcode, and set up features such as cellular and Apple Pay.

If pairing stalls, check the iPhone is unlocked, its Bluetooth is on, and it has a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Then try Pair Apple Watch Manually.

No. Apple's setup runs from the Apple Watch app on an iPhone.

Pair it with the new iPhone and choose to restore from your previous watch's backup when asked.