This article applies to all Apple Watch models, including cellular models running watchOS 5 through watchOS 9.
When the logo appears, release the button.
Position the iPhone and Apple Watch close to each other.
On your iPhone, kick off the Apple Watch app and selectStart 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.
After pairing your iPhone and Apple Watch, choose one of two options.
Otherwise, chooseSet Up as New Apple Watch.
You might be prompted to sign on to your Apple Account if you bought a used Apple Watch.
In that case, the Watch might still be connected to the seller’s Apple Account.
If so, you won’t be able to proceed until removing Activation Lock.
Learn more about this inHow to Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhones.
The tips apply to Apple Watch, too.
Create a passcode to secure your Apple Watch.
To use a more complex and secure code, selectAdd a Long Passcodeand enter the code on the Watch.
you’re able to also chooseDon’t Add Passcode, but Apple advises against that.
There’s nothing to do on this screen other than chooseContinue.
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 could set it up in this step.
Either chooseContinueto set up Apple Pay orSet Up Later in the Apple Watch App.
Your Watch inherits many prefs from your iPhone.
If not, you may be prompted to set them up before selectingContinue.
On this screen, choose to eitherInstall Allwatch apps available on your iPhone orChoose 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.
With all of your parameters selected, your iPhone and Apple Watch will begin to sync.
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.
First, you better have followed the steps from the first section of this article and selectedRestore from Backup.
Then, do these things, most of which are the same as setting up a new Apple Watch.
When you chooseRestore from Backup, the Watch app on the iPhone displays all the available backups.
go for 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 account.
(This should happen automatically, but sign in if you’re prompted to do so.)
SelectOKon theShared Settingsscreen to continue.
Next, create a passcode.
SelectCreate a Passcodeto use a simple, 4-digit code to secure your Watch.
Enter the code you want twice on the watch.
If your Apple Watch supportsHeart Healthfeatures, the next screen details them.
There’s nothing to do here except read about the features and tapContinue.
you’re free to add Apple Pay to your watch if you want.
Either selectContinueto set up Apple Pay orSet Up Later in the Apple Watch Appto 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.
Just press thedigital crown.
Want to learn more about using some favorite apps on the watch?
ReadHow to Use Spotify on Apple WatchandHow to Use Facebook on Apple Watch.
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 inHow to patch 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.
Check out this collection of troubleshooting articles.
Just like with the iPhone, sometimes problems can be fixed just by restarting the watch.
Learn how inHow 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 inHow to Find My Apple Watch.
Apple Watch won’t turn on?
Unpairing Apple Watch and iPhone.
Find out how inHow to Unpair Apple Watch and iPhone.
The Watch face will display a green lightning bolt once charging begins.
Choose a contact and selectAdd Friends.
