How to set up an Apple Watch for your child

Need to know

• Your iPhone® needs to be compatible with the Apple Watch® model.
• Update your iPhone and Apple Watch with any available software updates.
• Charge the Apple Watch so it has plenty of power to get through the setup process.
• Use Apple Watch For Your Kids for children who don't have their own iPhone.

Apple Watches are for more than just keeping time. They’re tiny hubs for convenience, health, and fitness.

If you recently purchased a new Apple Watch, there are a few things you need to do before you can start using it. Asurion experts learn tech inside and out to help teach you everything you need to know about your devices, from how to reset an Apple Watch to how to protect it with a smart watch warranty.

Follow this guide on how to set up your Apple Watch.

Pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone

The first thing to do before even taking your Apple Watch out of the box is updating your iPhone to the latest iOS. Go into the Settings app and check for any available updates. Download and install the update if available.

Then follow these steps to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone:

1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network with Bluetooth turned on.
2. Put on your Apple Watch and press and hold the side button to turn it on. The side button is the long, flat button on the right side of the Watch, below the round Digital Crown.
3. Place your iPhone near your Apple Watch. Proximity is key to how to sync an Apple Watch.
4. You should see a notification on your iPhone prompting you to set up your Apple Watch. Press Continue.
5. If you’re going to use the Apple Watch, select Set Up for Myself. If someone else is going to use the Apple Watch, select Set Up for a Family Member.
6. Use your iPhone camera to scan the animation that appears on your Watch to help pair the two devices. Alternatively, select Pair Apple Watch Manually if the automatic prompt fails.

Use Apple Watch For Your Kids, previously known as Family Setup, to get the watch ready for a family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone.

Configure and personalize your Apple Watch

Once paired, you can customize your Apple Watch. Choose either Restore from Backup if you’ve had an Apple Watch before and want to carry the data and settings over, or Set Up as a New Apple Watch for a clean slate. When you back up your iPhone, your paired Watch is also automatically backed up, so you just need a recent iPhone backup.

If you choose Restore from Backup, select the Watch backup you want to use on your new Watch. Press Continue.

If you opt to set up as new, you’ll have more settings to fill out, such as whether you're wearing the Watch on your right or left wrist. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Apple Account—the same one you use on your iPhone.
2. Create a passcode for your Watch. It can be either four or six digits.
3. Customize your text size settings.
4. Add details like your height and date of birth, especially if you plan to use the Watch for fitness.

Review and accept the terms and conditions. Select Agree. Wait for your Apple Watch to sync with your iPhone and keep the devices close.

You can also set up optional features, such as Apple Pay:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Select My Watch > Wallet & Apple Pay.
3. Select Add Card. Choose between a new card or a card stored on your iPhone.
4. If necessary, enter your card details.

When you pair your Watch with your iPhone, it should automatically get added to your Find My. Check by opening the Find My app on your iPhone. Go to Devices and make sure your Apple Watch is listed with an accurate location.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

It’s normal to run into some issues when setting up a new device, including smart watches. Try these Apple Watch setup guide and troubleshooting tips:

• Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on and off.
• Restart your Watch and iPhone.
• Update to the newest version of iOS, and make sure it’s compatible with your Watch model and WatchOS.
• Make sure the Watch is not already paired with another iPhone if you’re having problems syncing it to your phone.