How to set up a new Apple Watch

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Power on the Apple Watch

   Press and hold the side button located below the Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears on the display. Once the logo displays, wait for the screen to show the pairing animation, indicating the watch is ready for initialization.

   Note: Ensure the watch is charged to at least 50 percent before beginning.
2. 1 min

   Initiate pairing on iPhone

   Bring your iPhone close to your Apple Watch. An 'Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch' prompt will appear on your iPhone screen; tap Continue to initiate the pairing interface.

   Note: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
3. 30 sec

   Scan the pairing animation

   Position your Apple Watch within the frame displayed on your iPhone camera screen. This action syncs the unique identifier of the watch to your specific Apple ID and iPhone device.

   Note: If the camera view fails, tap 'Pair Apple Watch Manually' and follow the on-screen code entry instructions.
4. 2 min

   Apply personalized settings

   Select 'Set Up as New Apple Watch' to begin from default settings. Follow the prompts to sign in with your Apple ID, configure Apple Pay, and enable Siri and Location Services.

   Note: You can select 'Restore from Backup' if you are replacing a previous Apple Watch.
5. 1 min

   Create a passcode

   Enter a four to ten-digit numeric passcode to secure your Apple Watch. This passcode is required for Apple Pay and to unlock the watch when it is removed from your wrist.

   Note: Use a unique code distinct from your iPhone passcode for enhanced security.
6. 2 min

   Complete the data sync

   Allow the iPhone to install essential apps and sync health data from your Activity and Health profiles. Keep the devices in close proximity until the progress bar reaches the end and the watch displays the clock face.

   Note: Do not quit the Watch app on your iPhone during this synchronization process.