You can pair an iPhone with some older Samsung Galaxy Watches, but not with Galaxy Watch4 or newer models. For a compatible watch, install Samsung’s Galaxy Watch app on your iPhone, select the watch in the app, and follow the setup prompts. Check the exact model first: ordinary Bluetooth pairing does not make an unsupported Wear OS watch compatible with iOS.
How do I pair my Samsung Galaxy Watch with my iPhone?
First confirm the exact watch model. Samsung lists the 2018 Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2, and Galaxy Watch3 as compatible with iPhone. Galaxy Watch4 and later Wear OS models are not officially compatible with iOS. Samsung’s U.S. compatibility guidance says compatibility can also depend on region, carrier, or model; Samsung Canada’s setup instructions apply to devices sold in Canada and note that screens and settings may vary by region.
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Set up a supported older Galaxy Watch
- Install the Samsung Galaxy Watch app from the iPhone App Store.
- Open the app and tap START THE JOURNEY.
- Select your watch model.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
These are Samsung’s published setup steps. Some features and services may not be available when the watch is connected to an iPhone. Samsung does not provide a complete iPhone feature-by-feature matrix for every older model, so do not assume that every watch function will be available.
Which Samsung watches can connect to an iPhone?
Samsung’s U.S. compatibility page lists the following models and minimum iPhone software requirements:
#1 Best Overall
- Galaxy Watch3 combines powerful technology with a premium, customizable design so you can manage the day-today from your wrist, beautifully.
- Keep an eye on wellness with advanced health monitoring, and go for days without charging.
- Keep an eye on your fitness and health with SpO2, VO2 max, and heart-rate monitoring. Help is just a tap away if you stumble. And track your cycle in an easy and discreet way. *This device and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. SPO2, VO2 max and running coach features not available at the time of launch, will become available during Q3. Features will require a software update.
- Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, three colors, 50,000-plus watch faces and premium leather bands—with military-grade durability and water resistance.
- Spend your time moving while Galaxy Watch3 tracks seven popular activities automatically. Get more out of each movement thanks to a built-in run coaching.
| Watch | Minimum iPhone requirement listed by Samsung |
|---|---|
| 2018 Galaxy Watch | iPhone 5 or later; iOS 9 or later |
| Galaxy Watch Active | iPhone 5 or later; iOS 9 or later |
| Galaxy Watch Active2 | iPhone 5 or later; iOS 9 or later |
| Galaxy Watch3 | iPhone 5 or later; iOS 9 or later |
Samsung also lists certain older Gear watches and bands as compatible: Gear Live, Gear S2, Gear S3, Gear Sport, Gear Fit 2, and Gear Fit2 Pro require iPhone 5 or later with iOS 9 or later; Galaxy Fit requires iPhone 7 or later with iOS 10 or later. These are compatibility minimums, not a guarantee that every feature works. Samsung says iPad and iPod touch are not supported, and warns that connection may be unstable on iPhone 6S and 6S+ running iOS 10 or later. Gear 1, Gear 2, Gear S, and Gear Fit are not supported on iOS. See Samsung’s U.S. compatibility list for its model-specific details.
Which Galaxy Watches will not pair with an iPhone?
Samsung lists Galaxy Watch4, Watch5, Watch6, Watch7, Watch Ultra, and Watch FE as incompatible with iOS. Its stated reason is that these watches rely on Google Play services, which Samsung says are not supported on iOS. Samsung’s Wear OS setup guidance also identifies Watch5 Pro and Watch6 Classic as Wear OS models and says Watch4 and Watch5 cannot be set up with iOS or as standalone watches.
Rank #2
- Galaxy Watch3 combines powerful technology with a premium, customizable design so you can manage the day-today from your wrist, beautifully.
- Keep an eye on wellness with advanced health monitoring, and go for days without charging.
- Keep an eye on your fitness and health with SpO2, VO2 max, and heart-rate monitoring. Help is just a tap away if you stumble. And track your cycle in an easy and discreet way. *This device and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. SPO2, VO2 max and running coach features not available at the time of launch, will become available during Q3. Features will require a software update.
- Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, three colors, 50,000-plus watch faces and premium leather bands—with military-grade durability and water resistance.
- Spend your time moving while Galaxy Watch3 tracks seven popular activities automatically. Get more out of each movement thanks to a built-in run coaching.
Samsung summarizes the limitation directly: “Galaxy watches running Wear OS are not compatible with iOS devices.” The published setup route for a supported older model is the Samsung Galaxy Watch app—not simply selecting the watch in the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. Samsung Canada says it cannot recommend or guarantee third-party connection apps for newer watches; any such app should be treated as an unsupported experiment, not a dependable workaround. See Samsung’s Wear OS setup guidance.
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What to do if your watch is incompatible
- If you want to keep using your iPhone: Use a Galaxy Watch model Samsung lists as iPhone-compatible, such as Galaxy Watch3 or Galaxy Watch Active2, while accounting for the feature limitations.
- If you want a newer Galaxy Watch: Use it with a compatible Android phone and follow Samsung’s setup instructions for that watch.
- If you are unsure: Check the model name on the watch or its packaging, then compare it with Samsung’s regional compatibility guidance before attempting setup.
Samsung’s setup steps for supported older watches are also described in its U.S. watch setup guide. For regional context, Samsung Canada’s Galaxy Watch setup instructions cover the older iPhone-compatible models and explain the limits of third-party connection apps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and, 50,000 plus watch faces-with military-grade durability and water resistance
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHIND: Leave your phone at home. Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get notifications via LTE connectivity
- You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone
- BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: The Galaxy Watch3’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a day on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone with Wireless Power Share
- STRONGER INSIGHTS. NEXT-LEVEL FITNESS: Spend your time moving while Galaxy Watch3 tracks seven popular activities automatically. Get more out of each movement thanks to built-in run coaching
Rank #4
![SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6' AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model - (Pink)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31mWI71wuzL._SL160_.jpg)
- Vibrant 1.6” AMOLED Display – Large, high-res screen with smooth touch for easy navigation
- 5ATM & IP68 Water Resistance – Swim-ready and dust-resistant for active lifestyles
- Up to 14 Days Battery Life – Powerful 208mAh battery for long-lasting performance
- 101+ Workout Modes with Auto Detection – Automatically tracks common workouts for seamless fitness tracking. Advanced Health Tracking – Includes sleep coaching, SpO2, heart rate, and snore detection
- International Model No Warranty in the US. ONLY compatible with Android devices. Samsung Pay - Not Supported. NOT compatible with iPhone or iOS devices.
Rank #3
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and, 50,000 plus¹ watch faces-with military-grade durability² and water resistance³.
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHND: Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get notifications via Bluetooth connectivity.
- HOLISTIC HEALTH MONITORING: Use your Galaxy watch to record ECG for 30 seconds similar to a standard single-lead ECG. ⁴(All ECG functionality requires compatible Galaxy smartphone. ⁴) The ECG Monitor app will also check the recording for signs of Atrial Fibrillation— a common form of irregular heart rhythm. ⁴You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone.
- BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: The Galaxy Watch3’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a day ⁵on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone with Wireless Power Share⁶.
- STRONGER INSIGHTS. NEXT-LEVEL FITNESS: Spend your time moving while Galaxy Watch3 tracks seven popular activities automatically. Get more out of each movement thanks to built-in run coaching⁷.
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