Apple Watch (Series 1 and 2) - Activate / Set Up Device

Here's how to set up and pair your Apple Watch (Series 1 and 2) with your iPhone.

Due to different requirements and capabilities, refer to these instructions if you are activating an Apple Watch Series 3.

Before you begin:

Only one Apple Watch® at a time can be paired to your iPhone®.

The iPhone must be an iPhone 5 or later with the latest version of iOS.

The iPhone's Bluetooth must be turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or the Verizon network.

Both devices must be charged and kept close together while they are paired and synced.

On the Apple Watch, press and hold the

Side button

(next to the Digital Crown) until the Apple logo is displayed.

Tap the

Watch app

on your iPhone.

A pairing animation should appear on the Watch.

If you see an 'Activation Lock' screen, your Apple Watch is linked to an Apple ID; enter your login info to continue.

Tap

Start Pairing

on the Watch and the iPhone.

Center the iPhone over the pairing animation on the Watch until "Your Apple Watch is Paired" is displayed.

If the pairing animation isn't displayed or the iPhone doesn't read it, manually pair the devices.

On the iPhone, tap

Set Up as New Apple Watch.

If the watch has been set up before, tap

Restore from Backup

then follow the onscreen steps.

If troubleshooting, don't restore the device until all testing has been completed.

On the iPhone, pick a wrist by tapping Left or Right.

To continue, read the Terms and Conditions then tap

Agree

From the setup wizard on your iPhone, choose if you want the iWatch to use Location Services and Siri.

Enable Location Services if you want your Apple Watch to track your workout routes.

Enter the Apple ID password to start using the following features:

Digital Touch

Apple Pay

Handoff

Find My app (Formerly known as Find My iPhone)

Activation Lock

If prompted, review the settings for the following services:

These settings transfer from the Watch to the iPhone and the other way around. If a setting for these services is changed on one device it applies to both devices.

Diagnostics and Usage

Location Services

Siri

On the iPhone, choose whether or not to make a passcode for the Watch.

A passcode is required for features like Apple Pay.

Create a Passcode

Make a passcode using the Watch.

Select an option to choose whether the Watch unlocks with the iPhone.

Don't Add Passcode

Choose an option to sync the iPhone apps that work with the Watch:

Install All

Only the apps that are compatible with the Watch are synced.

Choose Later

Only basic information (e.g., Mail, Contacts, Messages, etc.) is being synced.

Keep the Watch and the iPhone close together until you hear a chime and feel a tap from the Watch.

For additional help, refer to: Apple Watch Support.