Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can perform a lot of functions like reading messages, sending messages, phone calls, fitness partners and many more functions. To use your Apple watch, you will need to pair it with an iPhone. The watch’s compatibility with your iPhone depends on the model of the watch and the model of your iPhone.
Apple Watch Series and its Compatible iPhone
Before buying an Apple watch, you should know which one is compatible with your iPhone to connection issues. Also, it is advisable to update your iPhone to its latest IOS. Here are some Apple watch models with compatible iPhones:
Model of iPhones | Compatible Apple Watch |
iPhone 5 and higher | Series 1 to Series 2 |
iPhone 5s and higher | Series 3 to Series 4 |
iPhone 6 and higher | Series 3 to Series 4 |
iPhone 6s and higher | Series 9 to Ultra 2 |
iPhone 8 and higher | Series 9 to Ultra 2 |
iPhone XS and higher | Series 8 to Ultra is compatible |
Now when you want to buy an Apple watch for your iPhone, keep this information at the back of your head.
Requirements for Pairing Apple Watch with iPhone
When pairing the Apple watch with an iPhone, a few things should be considered. Apart from checking the models compatible with your iPhone, you should also:
- Your iPhone Bluetooth is working.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to a good WI-FI or strong internet. Turn on your cellular network or turn on WI-FI to connect to WI-FI.
- Make sure your iPhone is running on the latest iOS version.
Now that you have carefully scanned through the requirements, we can begin the process of how to pair your Apple Watch to your iPhone.
How to Pair an Apple Watch with an iPhone
Pairing an Apple watch to an iPhone is a straightforward task with no complications. The process can be broken down into steps. These are the steps to setting up your Apple watch with your iPhone:
STEP 1: Pairing your Apple Watch
Pairing an Apple watch is a very easy task, to pair your apple watch:
- Turn on your Apple watch by pressing the side button until you see the Apple logo come up on its screen. Make sure you fully charge the watch before pairing it.
- Put your iPhone near your watch. The Apple watch will appear on your screen, you may have to wait a bit.
- Tap on continue. You could also go to your Apple Watch app and then tap on pair new device. Tap set-up for me.
- Place the watch face in the centre of the viewfinder of your iPhone Apple watch app. Then the two devices would be paired.
- Once the Apple Watch and iPhone are paired, the Apple Watch will show the watch face. And the watch will appear on your iPhone.
If for any reason you cannot use the viewfinder, then tap on pair manually and follow the instructions.
STEP 2: Set up your Apple Watch
Now that you have paired your Apple watch to your iPhone, it is time to set up your Apple watch.
- Tap on Set up Apple Watch if this is your first Apple watch. Follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone and Apple watch to finish the set-up.
- If you had previously set up another Apple watch on your iPhone. A screen will appear saying, Make This Your New Apple Watch. Tap on the Apps and Data and settings to see configuration by express set-up. Tap on continue. Then tap Customize if you want to edit how your new watch should be set. Then you either choose a backup from a previous Apple Watch to restore or Set up as a New Apple Watch. This allows you to customize all settings in the new device.
- During the setup, you will follow the on-screen instructions to:
- Put it in your Apple ID and password.
- Create a passcode for your Apple watch.
- Change text size to your preference.
- You can choose to put in the other personal information.
Now you are done with the set-up. Enjoy your new Apple watch. Also, note that you can activate cellular service on your Apple watch during set-up if the Apple watch is cellular. Your Apple Watch and iPhone must be using the same cellular network.
How to Pair More Than One Apple Watch
You can pair more than one Apple watch to an iPhone but not at the same time. The same way you paired the first one is the same way to pair others:
- Tap on the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap on my watch.
- Tap on all watches located at the top of the screen.
- Tap on add a watch and select a watch to add.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
You could also switch from Apple Watch automatically or manually.
How to Switch to Another Apple Watch
Once the watch has been added. Your iPhone will automatically pair with any Apple watch you add when you wear it. To pair it manually:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap on my watch and proceed to tap all watches at the top of the screen.
- Turn off the Auto switch and then select a different watch.
If you want to know if your Apple watch is connected to your phone, press the side button to access the control centre. Then look for the icon showing it is connected.