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Google reminded Pixel Watch owners in May 2025 that a compatible watch can be moved to a new Android phone without first performing a factory reset. The reset-free process requires Wear OS 4 and uses the Google Pixel Watch app.
Do not erase, trade in, or reset the old phone until the transfer is complete. Google says the watch remains paired with the old phone until it successfully connects to the new one.
What Google reminded Pixel Watch owners about
Google’s May 9, 2025 reminder was not the launch of a new feature. It highlighted an existing Wear OS capability: transferring an existing Pixel Watch to another phone without wiping the watch first.
Google’s current support instructions describe the process as requiring Wear OS 4. The exact menu labels can vary slightly with software versions, but the documented path is called Transfer watch.
#1 Best Overall
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
This is different from setting up a replacement watch. A transfer moves the watch you already own to another phone; pairing a new watch and restoring a backup is a separate process.
Google’s official transfer instructions should take priority over older guides that recommend removing the watch through Fitbit or immediately resetting it.
Before you begin
- Confirm that the Pixel Watch is running Wear OS 4 or later.
- Keep the old phone switched on, paired, and available until setup succeeds.
- Install or open the Google Pixel Watch app on the new Android phone.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the new phone.
- Keep the phone and watch close together during setup.
- Have the same Google Account ready to sign in.
- Charge the phone and watch before starting.
Do not manually unpair the watch or factory-reset it before trying the transfer route. Those actions can remove the safe recovery path provided by the old phone.
How to transfer a Pixel Watch from the old phone
Option 1: Start on the watch
- Wake the Pixel Watch.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap Transfer watch.
Option 2: Start in the old phone’s app
- Open the Google Pixel Watch app on the old phone.
- Tap System.
- Tap Transfer watch.
- Tap Start Transfer.
- Tap Done when prompted.
Finish on the new phone
- Open or install the Google Pixel Watch app on the new phone.
- Follow the prompts to add the existing watch.
- Check that the pairing code on the watch matches the code shown on the phone.
- Sign in to the same Google Account if requested.
- Tap Done to finish.
The watch should remain paired to the old phone until the transfer to the new phone succeeds. That is why wiping the old phone too early is risky.
Rank #2
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
What happens to LTE and eSIM service?
For an LTE Pixel Watch, Google checks whether the new phone uses the same phone number.
- Same number: the watch should continue to be twinned with that number.
- Different number: Google prompts you to set up twinning with the new number.
Carrier and account rules can affect the result, so do not assume that cellular service has transferred until you test the watch. After setup, try making a call or using cellular data with the phone somewhere else or switched off.
What to check after the transfer
The transfer is designed to avoid a factory reset and preserve the watch’s saved settings, but not every service necessarily behaves identically immediately afterward.
- Watch faces: Google says they may take time to synchronize.
- Notifications: review notification permissions on the new phone if alerts do not arrive.
- Fitbit: open Fitbit and confirm that recent health data has synchronized.
- Google Wallet: security-sensitive cards or services may ask you to authenticate again.
- LTE: verify calls and cellular data if you have an LTE model.
- Calls and messages: confirm that alerts and communication features now use the new phone.
If “Transfer watch” is missing
The most likely issue is an eligibility or setup problem. Work through these steps in order:
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
- Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]
- Check that the watch runs Wear OS 4 or later.
- Update the Google Pixel Watch app and the watch software.
- Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled.
- Move the watch and new phone close together.
- Restart both devices.
- Reopen the Pixel Watch app and try adding the watch again.
- If necessary, remove stale Bluetooth records and retry pairing.
Google’s Wear OS setup troubleshooting guide recommends updates, Bluetooth checks, proximity, and restarting before using a reset.
If pairing gets stuck
Setup can take several minutes. If the phone remains on a message such as Getting watch details or Finishing… for about 20 minutes, update the phone and app, check Bluetooth, restart both devices, and retry setup.
Remove old Bluetooth pairing records only if the ordinary retry does not work. Avoid resetting the watch until the documented non-destructive troubleshooting steps have been exhausted.
When a factory reset is unavoidable
A fresh setup may be necessary if the old phone is lost, broken, already erased, or unavailable; if the watch does not support the required software; if the transfer control never appears; or if the watch is stuck in an unusable pairing state.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google, so it’s easy to get help at a glance
- Stay on top of activity, calories burned, and more with Fitbit activity tracking
- Track your heart rate and get insight into your sleep
- Save time with things like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn directions using Maps, and event notifications from Calendar
- Stay connected and productive wherever you go; respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls right from your wrist
A factory reset erases apps, settings, and data stored on the watch. Google documents reset instructions separately in its Wear OS reset guide. Use it as the fallback, not the first step.
If you have already wiped the old phone, you may need to perform a fresh setup and reset the watch before it can be paired again. A Pixel Watch is intended to connect to one phone at a time, not remain actively paired with two phones.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this work when moving to an iPhone?
Do not assume that this Android transfer procedure works across platforms. Google’s instructions are built around the Google Pixel Watch app and a compatible Android setup. Check Google’s current support information for the specific watch generation before attempting a move to an iPhone.
Sources
- Google Pixel Watch Help: transfer an existing watch to a new phone
- Google Wear OS Help: setup troubleshooting
- Google Wear OS Help: factory reset
- Google Wear OS Help: pairing restrictions
- 9to5Google’s report on Google’s May 2025 reminder
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my Pixel Watch without resetting it?
Yes, if the watch supports Wear OS 4 or later and the old phone is still available. Use Transfer watch rather than manually unpairing the device.
Best Value
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Do I need to keep the old phone?
Keep it available until the new-phone transfer succeeds. Google says the watch remains paired to the old phone until then.
Will LTE transfer automatically?
Google handles same-number and different-number cases differently, but carrier conditions can apply. Test calls and cellular data after setup.
Are watch faces restored immediately?
Not necessarily. Google warns that watch faces may take time to synchronize.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Is transferring a watch the same as restoring a backup?
No. Transfer watch is for moving the existing watch to another phone. Restoring a backup is associated with setting up a replacement watch.
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