If you have just obtained a new Apple Watch, a new iPhone, or both (you are lucky), the process to associate your Apple Watch with your iPhone is quite simple.
Your Apple Watch must be associated with an iPhone – and you need to be an iPhone – to operate. This is where you will get all your data for contacts, calls, communications, music and more. It is also the connection that sends your health data from your Apple Watch in the other direction to your iPhone so that you can follow your general well-being. Although you can use an Apple Watch without a present iPhone, in particular a cellular model, it must be associated with an iPhone to configure the device.
There are two separate processes depending on whether your new device is your watch or iPhone. Let me explain: if you have a new Apple Watch and you twin on an existing iPhone, it is a simple process that you mainly perform on your new watch. If you have an existing Apple Watch that you want to associate with a new iPhone, there are a few additional steps. I will explain both in detail, just make sure you know which you are supposed to do. It is a common event, because people often buy the best iPhone every year when it starts, but can only replace their Apple Watch every few years.
How to associate your Apple Watch with your iPhone
If it is your first Apple Watch, or if you associate a new watch with your existing iPhone for the first time, the steps are quite simple.
You will need:
- Your Apple Watch
- An iPhone XS (or later) performing iOS 18
Before starting:
- Update your iPhone to the last software (you can do it in the general settings section)
- Activate Bluetooth
Once you have unlocked your new Apple Watch and are ready to start, go ahead and put it on your wrist.
To associate your Apple Watch with your iPhone:
- Turn on your Apple Watch (press the side button)
- Hold your iPhone near your Apple Watch until the torque screen appears, press
- Press Configuration for me and scan your Apple Watch screen using the camera when you invited
After that, you will be invited to follow a series of instructions to connect to your Apple account, create a password and customize parameters such as text size and health information. Once this process is completed, your Apple Watch is associated with your iPhone and ready to use.
How to associate your old Apple watch with a new iPhone
If you already have an Apple Watch and you have just received a new iPhone, the instructions are a little more complicated. Indeed, perhaps having to disturb your Apple Watch from your old device before associating it with your new.
You will need:
- Your Apple Watch (preferably on your wrist and on)
- Your old and new iPhone (ideally, don’t worry if you don’t have the old one)
Before starting:
- Update your old iPhone to the last software (you can do so in the general settings section)
- Check that you have saved data on health and activity (this guarantees that things like your business streaks will be kept, otherwise You will lose this data)
- Save your old iPhone (this also supports your Apple Watch data)
When you configure your new iPhone, you should be able to restore iCloud or iTunes backup. Choose the most recent backup and you should Get a prompt that says “Do you want to use (Apple Watch name) with this iPhone?”. Press Continue and follow the steps on the screen.
If this does not work, your iPhone may ask you to Start to twin Your Apple Watch instead. At this point, you must disturb your Apple Watch from your old iPhone, then configure it by following the instructions above. Finish the configuration of your iPhone, then associate it with your Apple Watch as if the watch was new.
If you don’t have your old iPhone
Before getting rid of an iPhone, it is always important to disturb your Apple Watch from your old device. If you have not done so and your phone is no longer in your possession (you may have exchanged or sold), you will have to erase your Apple Watch.
How to erase your Apple Watch
- Access Settings> General> Reset> Erase all content and settings
- Enter your password
- Press erase everything to confirm
Once wiped, you can associate your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
The Apple Watch association is not working? Rapid advice
If in doubt, you can start the process again by restarting your Apple Watch: press and hold the digital crown and the side button at the same time until it restarts.
