Before you start
- Your Apple Account password
- Your Apple Watch passcode
- Both devices on Wi-Fi and charged to at least 50%
Method 1 Get ready on your old iPhone
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Step 1: Update both devices
On the old iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On the watch, open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone and go to My Watch > General > Software Update.
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Step 2: Turn on Health in iCloud
Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, open the list of apps that use iCloud and make sure Health is on. This keeps your Health and Activity history safe.
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Step 3: Back up the old iPhone
Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now, or back up to a computer. Backing up your iPhone also backs up your paired Apple Watch.
Method 2 Move the watch to the new iPhone
If you don’t see the prompt, open the Apple Watch app on the new iPhone and tap Start Pairing, then follow the method below.
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Step 1: Restore the new iPhone from your backup
Turn on the new iPhone and follow the setup steps. On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose your most recent iCloud or computer backup, or use Quick Start from the old iPhone.
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Step 2: Tap Continue for your Apple Watch
When the iPhone asks if you want to use your Apple Watch, make sure the watch is on your wrist and unlocked, then tap Continue.
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Step 3: Wait for the sync
Keep the two devices close together. Your watch faces, settings and data sync over the next few minutes; Health history can take longer.
Method 3 If you no longer have the old iPhone
Data recorded since your last backup may be missing, but anything saved to iCloud (like Health with iCloud turned on) syncs back.
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Step 1: Erase the Apple Watch
On the watch, open Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and enter your passcode.
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Step 2: Start pairing
Turn on the watch and hold it near the new iPhone. When Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch appears, tap Continue, or open the Apple Watch app and tap Pair New Watch, then Set Up for Myself.
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Step 3: Scan the animation
Hold the iPhone over the watch so the moving pattern on the watch face appears inside the camera frame.
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Step 4: Restore from a backup
When asked, choose Restore from Backup and pick the latest watch backup. Sign in with your Apple Account to turn Activation Lock back on.
Troubleshooting
The watch keeps saying it’s paired to the old iPhone
On the old iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, go to My Watch > All Watches, tap the info button next to the watch and choose Unpair Apple Watch. If you can’t reach the old iPhone, erase the watch from its own Settings.
Pairing fails or the watch isn’t found
Update the new iPhone, restart both devices, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and keep the watch on its charger during setup. Very old watches may not be supported by the newest iOS.
My Activity rings or Health history are missing
Check that Health is on in iCloud settings on the new iPhone, keep it on Wi-Fi and charging overnight, and give it time to sync.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to unpair before getting a new iPhone?
No. Restoring the new iPhone from a recent backup moves the watch for you. Unpair only if the transfer doesn’t work or you’re giving the watch away.
Can I pair one Apple Watch to two iPhones?
No. An Apple Watch pairs with one iPhone at a time, but one iPhone can have several watches paired.
Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
No. Apple Watch needs an iPhone for setup and pairing.
Summary
Turn on Health in iCloud, back up the old iPhone, and restore that backup to the new iPhone. Tap Continue when it offers your Apple Watch. If the old iPhone is gone, erase the watch and pair it again with Restore from Backup.
