5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error

While Apple Watch is a great way to track your daily fitness, send messages, and more, what happens if your Apple Watch won't pair?

Any new Apple Watch needs to be paired with an iPhone and maintain that connection to take advantage of all the wearable's features.

However, you may encounter issues during pairing or normal everyday use. Here are a few fixes if your Apple Watch won't pair with your iPhone.

Apple Watch Not Pairing with iPhone? Here's How to Fix It

How to properly pair Apple Watch with iPhone

5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error
Apple Watch Ultra shows pairing screen next to iPhone

To pair your Apple Watch and iPhone properly , make sure both devices are nearby and at least 50% charged. Wait until you see a pop-up on your iPhone that says " Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch . " Then tap Continue to begin the process.

You'll see the pairing screen on your iPhone and a unique pairing animation on your Apple Watch. Point your iPhone camera at this pairing animation and line it up with the viewfinder on the screen. You can also pair the devices manually by tapping the "i" icon in the lower right corner of your Apple Watch screen and following the on-screen instructions.

After pairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone, you can go through the rest of the initial setup process, like customizing watchOS settings, signing in with your Apple ID, creating a passcode, choosing apps, and more.

How to fix Apple Watch pairing issues

If you can't pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone, there are a few things you can do.

On your iPhone, swipe down to reveal Control Center and make sure both WiFi and Bluetooth are active. You need both for your iPhone to communicate with your Apple Watch.

During pairing, the Apple Watch screen will display a setup dialog. If you see the regular watch face instead, you'll need to unpair your Apple Watch first because it's already paired to another iPhone.

To prepare to pair your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings in watchOS.

5 ways to fix Apple Watch not connecting to iPhone

Even after you complete the pairing process the first time, your Apple Watch may not connect to your iPhone the next time. Here's what to do to get the devices communicating again.

1. Confirm Apple Watch is not connected to iPhone

5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error

To confirm that Apple Watch isn't connected to iPhone, swipe up on the Apple Watch face to see Control Center.

If you see a red X with the word Disconnected or an image of a red iPhone with a diagonal line through it, your watch is not connected to your iPhone. On the same screen, make sure WiFi is turned on.

Next, go to your iPhone, then confirm that both Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on.

2. Restart Apple Watch and iPhone

The next step you can take is to restart your Apple Watch and iPhone.

On Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown and Side button at the same time for 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. Wait until you see the Apple Watch face.

Next, it's time to move on to the iPhone. On iPhone X and later, press and hold the Side button along with the volume buttons until you see the Power Off slider . Select it by swiping to the right. Restart the iPhone by pressing the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error

For iPhone 8 and earlier, press and hold the top or side power button (depending on your model) until the Power Off slider appears. Slide it to the right to turn the device off completely. Then press and hold that button until the Apple logo appears to turn the iPhone back on.

3. Check for software updates

If your Apple Watch still won't connect to your iPhone, make sure both your Watch and iPhone are running the latest software.

To check for software updates on your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone. In the My Watch tab , select General > Software Update . If an update is available, you can download and install it on your Watch.

5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error

You can check for software updates on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update .

4. Reset iPhone network settings

Another step you can take if your Apple Watch won't pair is to reset the network settings on your iPhone. On your iPhone, go to Settings. Select General > Reset . Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Reset Network Settings .

5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error
5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error
5 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Pairing Error

5. Reset Apple Watch

The final, more drastic step is to unpair and then re-pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone. To start the process, go to Settings > General on your Apple Watch. Scroll down and select Reset. Then select Reset All Content and Settings .

To complete the process, you may need to disable Activation Lock . If you need more help with this step, here are the Apple Watch security tips you need to know .

Once your Apple Watch is erased, you can try pairing it with your iPhone again. If that works, you can restore your Apple Watch as a brand new device or using an earlier backup.

Hopefully one of these fixes will help resolve the issue of why your Apple Watch won’t pair or communicate with your iPhone. If you’re still having trouble after following these troubleshooting tips, it’s best to contact Apple support and discuss your options.

If you're new to Apple wearables, be sure to read our article explaining how to lock and unlock your Apple Watch to help protect your personal data.

Good luck with your troubleshooting!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Apple Watch Saved a Pregnant Cardiologists Life

Apple Watch Saved a Pregnant Cardiologists Life

A pediatric cardiologist has spoken out, explaining that she had to perform an emergency cesarean section after the woman's Apple Watch advised her to seek medical help.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first smartwatch to feature satellite connectivity

Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first smartwatch to feature satellite connectivity

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature a unique new communication tool. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has just revealed some exciting new details about the upcoming smartwatch.

The iPad is the most purchased Apple product as a gift during the holiday season.

The iPad is the most purchased Apple product as a gift during the holiday season.

In recent years, technology products are increasingly chosen by many people as satisfactory gifts to send to friends, relatives, colleagues and partners.

Will Apple integrate high blood pressure monitoring feature on Apple Watch by 2025?

Will Apple integrate high blood pressure monitoring feature on Apple Watch by 2025?

Apple Watch is no longer just a smart wearable device and a stylish piece of technology.

How to set up a new Apple Watch

How to set up a new Apple Watch

Got a new Apple Watch but not sure where to start? Quantrimang.com will walk you through the entire setup process to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone, and provide some general tips to help you get started.

5 Wear OS smartwatch features to learn from Apple Watch

5 Wear OS smartwatch features to learn from Apple Watch

Wear OS smartwatches have come a long way, but there are a few key areas where the Apple Watch still has the lead. Hopefully Google will take note of some of these points in future Wear OS updates.

Apple Watch may have built-in camera to support AI features

Apple Watch may have built-in camera to support AI features

Apple is working to add a camera to the Apple Watch in the next two years to enable artificial intelligence features like Apple Intelligence, according to a Sunday report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list

Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list

Apple has recently added to its list of obsolete and vintage devices, including popular smartphones such as the iPhone XS Max, iPhone 6s Plus, and some variants of the Apple Watch Series 2.

How to remap hardware buttons on smartwatch

How to remap hardware buttons on smartwatch

If you don't like the hardware buttons on your smartwatch, you can easily remap them. However, the process will vary depending on your device.

Forget the Foldable iPhone! Apple Has Patented a Foldable Apple Watch with Two Screens

Forget the Foldable iPhone! Apple Has Patented a Foldable Apple Watch with Two Screens

A new patent has revealed that Apple is considering a complete redesign of the Apple Watch, featuring a foldable dual screen and camera.

A beginners guide to using Apple Watch from A to Z

A beginners guide to using Apple Watch from A to Z

If you've just owned an Apple Watch and don't know how to use it, learn more through the article below. The article will guide you how to use Apple Watch from A to Z simply and easily.

Instructions on how to remove and replace the Apple Watch strap quickly and simply

Instructions on how to remove and replace the Apple Watch strap quickly and simply

You can replace the strap for your Apple Watch with different strap styles and colors. In this article, I will guide you how to simply and quickly remove and replace the strap for Apple Watch.

What is U1 chip? What is the function on the iPhone and Apple Watch Series 6?

What is U1 chip? What is the function on the iPhone and Apple Watch Series 6?

You may have heard of Apple's U1 chip, but you are not sure about it. This article will help you answer questions around the U1 chip as well as its functions on iPhone and Apple Watch Series 6.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus

Birth defects are something no one wants. Although they cannot be completely prevented, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of birth defects in your baby.

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate

As you know, RAM is a very important hardware part in a computer, acting as memory to process data and is the factor that determines the speed of a laptop or PC. In the article below, WebTech360 will introduce you to some ways to check for RAM errors using software on Windows.

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers

The automatic home coffee maker is a modern and professional product, bringing you and your family delicious cups of coffee with just a few quick steps.

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!

Which type of rice is best for health?

Which type of rice is best for health?

This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.

How to wake up on time in the morning

How to wake up on time in the morning

Establishing a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, changing your alarm clock, and adjusting your diet are some of the measures that can help you sleep better and wake up on time in the morning.

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim is a simulation mobile game on iOS and Android. You will play as a landlord of an apartment complex and start renting out an apartment with the goal of upgrading the interior of your apartments and getting them ready for rent.

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Get Bathroom Tower Defense Roblox game codes and redeem them for exciting rewards. They will help you upgrade or unlock towers with higher damage.

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Let's learn about the structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers in the most accurate way.

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

From better picture and sound quality to voice control and more, these AI-powered features are making smart TVs so much better!