Why Apple Watch doesn't connect to iPhone. How to connect Apple Watch to iPhone: complete instructions for activating a smart watch. Can I use an iPad or iPod with an Apple Watch?

And not to lose medical and training data.

In fact, the entire process is described by Apple itself on the official support website, for which the company has special respect and respect. The instructions are detailed, high-quality, written in simple language and contain links to all the necessary additional information if you suddenly have questions about a particular step. If you compare this with the creativity of, for example, Google, then the wizards from Cupertino are simply gods of instructions.

But, as you know, in reality, everything often happens differently from how it is described on support sites, and personal experience always provides more information. I’ll tell you below about my personal experience of transferring content to a new iPhone without incident.

Preparing your Apple Watch to migrate to a new iPhone

  • Important! Do not erase data from your old iPhone until you have completed all the steps described below, otherwise you will be left without the personal information collected by the Apple Watch.

Logically, to connect a smartwatch to a new device, you just need to reset its settings, and then pair it with the next smartphone. At least that's what happens in the universe. In this case, you lose all the accumulated data, these are the realities of Android. In iOS, the process of transferring Apple Watch involves preserving all personal data, which is facilitated by a functional and simple backup system in iTunes.

We start by unpairing the old iPhone and Apple Watch. During this process, data from the smartwatch will be backed up to the smartphone's memory. To do this, open the program Watch on iPhone, then select " Apple Watch → Unpair Apple Watch" and confirm your decision, after which you may be asked to enter your Apple ID:

The process is unhurried, takes up to a minute, and on the watch the action takes even longer, since after the pair is broken, it is completely cleared of all content, that is, a complete reset occurs.

After completing this step, all data from your Apple Watch will be saved on your iPhone. Now let's move on to the next, very important stage.

Backing up data from iPhone

  • Important! Be sure to encrypt your local iPhone backup. Cloud backups to iCloud are automatically encrypted.

If you use iCloud data backup, then there are no nuances here, go to “ Settings → iCloud → Backup" and forcefully update the current copy.

But I prefer to make a local backup of data on Mac, since restoring from it is much faster than from the cloud. To do this, launch iTunes, connect the iPhone, go to the “Browse” tab and here there is very important nuance: BE SURE TO ENCRYPT YOUR BACKUP COPY!


Clickable

Use any password, even three units, but there must be encryption, otherwise the data from the Apple Watch and not only will not be saved in the copy - all information from the applications will be lost " Health" And " Activity».

I've never encrypted backups in the past and didn't pay attention to the explanatory note next to this item. There was no such need for the Apple Watch. Now, during the first data transfer, out of habit, I also did not encrypt the archive, as a result of which, after restoring the backup copy on the new iPhone and connecting the Apple Watch, I discovered that the activity data accumulated over the last three and a half months had simply disappeared. It’s good that at that moment I had not yet erased the information from the old iPhone. But first things first.

Recovering data on a new iPhone and connecting Apple Watch

  • Important! Before restoring a backup to a new iPhone, update its firmware, which can be done over the air. Turn on the device, skip all the basic setup steps to get to the desktop. Go to “**Settings → General → Software Update**”. Update it if necessary.

Well, you have a local backup, now you can connect your new iPhone to your Mac to transfer data. After connecting the device, iTunes will offer to restore it from the latest backup, which is what you need to do:

After the process is completed, you can connect your Apple Watch and here your actions will be almost standard, except for one step, which I will discuss below.

First of all, launch the Watch application on your smartphone, select the desired language in the Apple Watch and then follow the prompts on the screen:

But at this stage you already need to select the item “ Restore from backup", choose the most current one (I only have one), after which you can go have tea, coffee, in general, wait a little.

Well, that's all, the watch is linked to the new iPhone, all data has been restored.

Although I had to perform the backup operation twice, because the first time I did not encrypt the copy and lost all medical data and activity information. If you have the same situation, then the main thing is not to panic. At least if you still have your old phone and all the data is saved in it.

Just connect it to iTunes again, check the box " Encrypt backup", set any password (the main thing is not to forget it later) and make a backup copy. Then do a hard reset on the new iPhone (“ Settings → General → Reset → Erase content and settings") and on Apple Watch (" Settings → General → Reset → Erase all content and settings"). After this, repeat the process described above.

It's easy to describe all this, but I personally was worried after the first recovery when I didn't find important personal data. Repeating the process, but with an encrypted copy, I returned everything I had accumulated through back-breaking labor to the phone. Cheers cheers!

Apple rules

It seems that there are a lot of letters, a lot of points written above, but all this is just so that you don’t worry again and don’t ignore the encryption of the backup, which is quite easy to do, as practice has shown.

In fact, the process is very simple and you only need to do it once to then perform the actions automatically:

  1. unpaired with Apple Watch;
  2. made an encrypted backup copy of data from your smartphone to iTunes;
  3. connected a new iPhone and restored the backup to it;
  4. connected an Apple smart watch to the new iPhone, choosing to restore data from a backup in the process;
  5. received all my data, applications, contacts, notes, messages, application settings (including third-party ones), photos and even “saves” from games.

Everything about everything takes at most 5-10 minutes of personal time, and the rest of the recovery process continues without your participation, that is, you can go about your business. As a result, you get an entire personal workspace on the new iPhone, so to speak. Actually, for me, the iPhone is a working tool that is used every day and should always be ready for work. And this is one of the reasons why the iPhone has remained my main smartphone for eight years now.

Yes, I’m simply horrified by the idea of ​​how, with every change of Android smartphone, I would have to fiddle with transferring and restoring personal data in third-party applications and more. The only thing that Google synchronizes normally from device to device is contacts and things tied to Gmail services (calendar, mail). Everything else is darkness and horror. As such, the company does not have a unified and effective system for data backup and recovery. What can we talk about if she even has her Nexus devices

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Now we will figure out how to connect an Apple Watch to an iPhone for the first time or if you have changed your iPhone to another. We will analyze all the nuances and connection options.

This article is suitable for all iPhone 11/Xs(r)/X/8/7/6 and Plus models running iOS 13. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support listed in the article.

Preparing the Apple Watch to connect to the new iPhone

In iOS, to connect the Apple Watch to a new gadget, you need to save all your personal data using a simple and functional backup system in iTunes. First, we break the pair between the old iPhone and the smartwatch.

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During this process, information from the Apple Watch will be transferred to the device’s memory. To do this, follow the steps:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Then select “Apple Watch” and “Unpair Apple Watch”. We confirm our decision.
  • You may also be prompted to enter your Apple ID.

These steps are quick and take less than a minute. After the pair is separated, the watch is cleared of all content - a complete reset is performed. On iPhone, all content from Apple Watch will be saved.

Saving a backup from iPhone

If you choose to backup information to iCloud, then there are no nuances here:


You can also create a local backup copy of your data on your Mac, because... You can recover from it many times faster than using a cloud server. Instructions:

  • Launch iTunes.
  • We connect the iPhone.
  • Go to the “Browse” menu.

There is a rather important nuance here. The backup copy must be encrypted.

You can use any password, but you need to add encryption, since the data will not be saved in the copy from the Apple Watch - all information from the Activity and Health applications will be lost.

Recovering data on a new iPhone and connecting Apple Watch

We have a local copy, now we need to connect the new iPhone to the Mac to transfer the information. After connecting the gadget to iTunes, you will be asked to restore it from the latest backup, which is what we do.

When the process is complete, the Apple Watch can be connected. Instructions:


If you don’t have an old iPhone or all data has been erased from it

In this situation, a smartwatch can still be paired with an old device. To break a pair, perform the following steps:

  • We erase information from Apple Watch.
  • We set up a new iPhone and sign in to iCloud. If the device is already configured and logged in, then skip this step.
  • We open the Apple Watch program on the new device and create a pair between the watch and the new gadget.
  • Try restoring from a backup. Make sure your gadgets are updated, otherwise the backup copy may not appear in the list. In iOS 11 and later versions of the system, “Activity” and “Health” information is automatically shared with all devices where you are logged into your account using the same Apple ID. If there is no backup copy, then we set up the smart watch as new.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  • Let's start using Apple Watch with the new iPhone. It may take a few days for iCloud to show all your data.

iPhone does not prompt to use Apple Watch during setup

If you encounter this problem, then break the pair between the old iPhone and the smart watch. Then you need to create a pair with the new iPhone.
When a prompt is displayed, you should restore your smart watch from a backup. Make sure your gadgets are up to date, otherwise your backup may not appear in the list of available ones.

The devices are gradually being distributed to users and therefore it’s time to discuss setting up the watch and synchronizing it with the iPhone.

The first step is to turn on the device. To do this, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. After this, a menu will appear from which you can select a language.

Then a window will appear in which you will be prompted to launch the Apple Watch application on your iPhone (it is automatically installed when you update the firmware to iOS 8.2).
Once the application is open, click the button Start Pairing— a specific animation will appear on the screen.

At the same time, after launching the Apple Watch program on your iPhone, also click in it Start Pairing.
Next, there are two possible synchronization methods - automatic using the camera and manual. In order to use the first method, you need to point the iPhone camera at so that the watch display is within the yellow square on the smartphone screen. In this case, the devices are automatically synchronized.

In order to use the manual method, you need to click on the “ i» in the lower right corner of the display. The identification number of your gadget will appear on the screen. You should click on the menu in the application on your smartphone Pair Apple Watch Manually and manually enter the watch number.
After this, synchronization will be completed.

Next, in the iPhone application, click on the button Set Up Apple Watch and in the window that opens, select which wrist you will wear the watch on.
Next, a standard window will appear in which you should indicate that you agree with all the company’s terms and conditions.
After this, a screen will appear with a field in which you must enter the password for your Apple ID.
The next window will provide information about your device's geolocation services. You cannot refuse to use it, so click on the button OK and move on to the next step.
Next, a message appears stating that you can use the Siri virtual assistant on your watch to write messages and make calls. Click again OK.
The next window will ask you if you agree to send (automatically) bug information to Apple for improvement. Choose any answer option and move on.
Now you have the opportunity to create a password for your watch. This function is necessary in order to protect data if the gadget is lost or stolen. The system will prompt you for a password every time you put the watch on your wrist.
Creating a password is an optional step, but if you decide to add one, then click Create a Passcode. You should then enter the code twice on your watch.

Thanks to the password you will be able to unlock from your iPhone. When you enter the password on your smartphone, the watch will automatically unlock (if you have it on your wrist). If the watch is not with you, you will have to enter a password each time in order to use the data on it. If you agree to these terms, then click Yes and move on to the next step. It is important to know that you can refuse to use a password at any time by changing this item in the settings.

Next, you can install the versions of the watch application already installed on your smartphone. You can also postpone this step until later.
And finally, the last setting item is synchronization with iCloud. Photos, calendars, notes can now be viewed on your watch. In addition, your Email accounts that you use on your iPhone are synchronized. This stage may take some time.
The setup and synchronization is completed and the device is ready for use.

I think everyone who has already acquired Apple Watch or are just about to do it, understand that this gadget is created to live in close contact with iPhone. So to speak, a targeted accessory. The new product works with all models, starting with the iPhone 5. So, you have become the proud owner of a new product and where to start meeting and communicating with a new friend?

Step 1. Connect charger for watch.

Simply plug in the included charger and lock the magnetic end onto the back of your Apple Watch.

Step 2. Turn on your Apple Watch.

Hold the side button for 1 or 2 seconds and you will see the Apple logo. After that, select your language. Don't panic if you don't find Russian on the menu. He really isn't there. At least for now, anyway. However, the accessory perceives all notifications, contact names and other words in Russian perfectly. No krakozyabrs.

Step 3. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

A message will appear on the watch screen asking you to open the application on your iPhone, which you wisely installed in advance. That's it, the connection process has begun!

Step 4. Point your smartphone camera at the Apple Watch screen.

Basically, you only need to do what the application asks and everything should happen automatically. If suddenly something fails, try doing everything manually, which is also very simple. Click "i" on your new watch's display and you will see the name of your watch. Then, in the iPhone app, select that title as soon as it appears. The watch will then show you a six-digit code that you need to enter into the app on your iPhone.

Step 5. Agree to all terms and create a password.

After all the above mentioned manipulations, you will need to link the devices via iCloud. You accept all the conditions (you have no choice - the money has been paid), create a password - everything is as usual: the more complex, the better. And most importantly, immediately write it down in the password folder on your, most likely, iMac or MacBook.

Step 6. Decide whether Apple Watch will be unlocked via iPhone.

This question will appear on the watch display on its own. The bottom line is that when the watch is on your wrist and paired with your iPhone, you don't need to enter a code. Do you agree? Then accept this option. Don't worry if you suddenly change your decision later, you can always cancel it.

Step 7 Wait for synchronization.

In general, we put the watch aside and go drink some tea for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, all the applications installed on the iPhone and that are optimized for the Apple Watch will end up in the device’s memory.

Step 8 If you need to cancel pairing and install something else, then repeat the above. The good news is that iPhone saves a local backup automatically, so you can restore the database at any time.

Step 9 We use, enjoy and get pleasure from life together with a new product from Cupertino, or more precisely, from China.

Correctly setting up an iWatch smart watch includes the following steps:

  • Charging - for full debugging, the device battery must be fully charged.
  • Connecting Apple Watch to iPhone - you need to select a language, and then launch the Apple Watch application on the iPhone. On your iPhone, you need to find Bluetooth in Settings, then turn it on. The phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Next, you should turn on the watch and bring it to the phone. You must wait until the devices find each other. Next, following the prompts, a pair is created.


  • Selecting the working hand on which the watch will be worn - that is, the hand on which the iWatch will be attached.
  • Selecting security settings and applications - at this stage you need to choose whether the watch will be available all the time or only at the same time as the smartphone is active. This can be done in the Settings menu in the Security section. Next, you will be asked to install applications in one package or install them one by one.


  • Customizing your watch face - Now you should get started with Force Touch. To do this, you need to move around the dial until you choose the one you like. You can customize the theme on your iPhone in the “My Watch” - “Watch Faces” section.

  • Explore the device - the device has a large number of settings that are available on both the watch and the phone. The SOS and Activity apps have prompts that can help you set the necessary conditions.
  • Setting up Apple Pay - activation is carried out by double-clicking the main button. If the phone-watch pair breaks, the information on the devices is blocked.


  • Regulating device activity trackers - Apple has developed several health monitoring systems, but in this case the Activity App is used. In order to get acquainted with all the monitoring capabilities, you need to log in to the “Health” and “Training” applications.

Photo: Activity App
  • Adjusting notifications to suit your needs can be done so that all applications that are intended for the iPhone will do this through the Apple Watch. Each application item has its own settings that can be adjusted. Debugging can also be done on the clock.
  • Music Configuration - The ability to listen to music is one of those functions that the watch can perform on its own. However, to do this, you need to synchronize playlists in iTunes or in the application on the iPhone.
  • Setting up Glances (which is a small information screen) is necessary so that unnecessary and unnecessary information does not appear on the screen. The setup can be done on your phone in the “My Watch” program in the “Maps” section. Here you can not only set up geolocation, but also set a route, select places to relax, or find cultural centers. The manufacturer recommends using the Siri assistant program for setup. You just need to give the app a voice command.
  • Organization of work - all elements on the Apple Watch screen are organized in the form of honeycombs. “Basic” and “Clock” are placed in the center.
  • Setting up contacts (which should be synchronized with contacts on your smartphone) - there should be no questions with this point. For those who need to learn more about customizing your smartwatch screen, we recommend checking out our step-by-step guide to customizing your iWatch screen.

Charge your Apple Watch before setting it up

Like any new device, before setting it up, you need to charge it and leave it alone for several hours to pump up the battery so it lasts longer.


When your gadget has a full battery, you can start adjusting the display. This requires:

  1. Connect smart watch to iPhone.
  2. First of all, the gadget will ask you to select a language.
  3. Then it is recommended to wait a minute for it to reconfigure in all programs.
  4. Then go to the Apple Watch app from your phone. Typically, this program is installed automatically when you update.
  5. To set up the iWatch touchscreen, you need to choose one of two options for pairing these two devices:
    • manually enter the password.

Several useful features for Apple Watch settings

  • Answer calls. True, this is not entirely convenient. If you wish, you can transfer the conversation to the phone.
  • Reply to messages. Despite the fact that the Apple Watch does not have a keyboard, the gadget does have a Microphone function that allows you to convert voices (speech) into text.
  • Take a screenshot by holding down the wheel and the side button at the same time.
  • Use the built-in flashlight. It can be normal, red or flashing.
  • Find your phone. For example, you turned off the sound on it and cannot find it. Open Control Center and tap on the phone icon to turn on the sound on your phone.
  • Control your camera through the Camera app. This way you can take a photo on your phone through the watch.
  • Change the sound volume by scrolling the side wheel.
  • Check the time discreetly. Let's say you're at the movies and you don't want the Apple Watch screen to light up brightly. To do this, slowly turn the wheel and the screen will gradually light up. To turn off the screen, roll the wheel back.
  • Measure your heart rate with the built-in heart rate monitor.

General conclusions

The points that are mandatory when setting up the Apple Watch smart watch, but I think even they are enough to understand the general way the gadget works. In the future, we plan to consider each of the points in more detail.