Set up the Galaxy Watch9 with the Galaxy Wearable app on a compatible Android phone. Before disconnecting your old watch, make a fresh manual backup; during Watch9 setup, choose that backup and the categories you want to restore if the option appears. The process does not guarantee a complete copy: watch-stored music is excluded from Samsung’s general backup guidance, and some data may not transfer from older Tizen watches.
Check compatibility and prepare both watches
Samsung’s Watch9 compatibility page lists Android 13.0 or later and at least 1.5 GB of RAM for Samsung and third-party Android phones. It also says iOS is unsupported and warns that some third-party phone models and tablets are excluded. Because those details can vary by market, check Samsung’s local compatibility information for your exact phone before starting.
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- Update your phone and Galaxy Wearable app if needed, turn on Bluetooth, and have the Samsung account used with the old watch available.
- Keep the old watch connected to its paired phone until its backup is complete. Samsung warns that connecting a watch to a new phone can reset it and remove data, depending on the model and software.
- If your Watch9 is an LTE model, decide whether you want to activate carrier service during setup. Carrier activation is a separate, provider-dependent step; a Wi-Fi model does not need it.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch setup instructions require a phone for current Galaxy Watches running Wear OS. Do not assume an iPhone can set up a Watch9.
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Start a manual backup
- On the phone currently paired with the old watch, open Galaxy Wearable.
- Go to Watch settings > Accounts and backup. On Samsung’s Watch9-specific instructions, the backup is started through Smart Switch; follow the options shown on your phone.
- Start the backup and wait for it to finish. Check the displayed last-backup time before moving on.
Samsung Japan’s Watch9 guidance, updated August 3, 2026, says automatic backups are not supported for Watch9. Make a manual backup rather than assuming one ran overnight. Menu labels and availability may differ by country, phone, and software version; see Samsung Japan’s Watch9 backup and restore guidance for its instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- TRACK HEALTH PATTERNS¹ IN YOUR SLEEP WITH VITALS²: Stay aware of the subtle changes in your body with Vitals¹–it tracks health metrics while you sleep, catches shifts from your usual patterns, and provides tailored guidance based on the insights.²
- A PERSONALIZED COACH FOR YOUR FITNESS GOALS: Whether you're building endurance for a long trek or training to build muscle, Fitness Index³ delivers tailored guidance based on your fitness level goals. Finally, train smarter with your fitness watch.
- EVERYDAY AI ASSISTANCE, SIMPLIFIED: With the Galaxy Watch9, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁴—no wake phrase needed. This smart watch won’t slow you down.
- ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Instead of checking multiple metrics separately, track the single Heart Health Score⁵ based on sleep time, BMI, activity and vascular load to stay aware of your wellness.
- TRACK YOUR NIGHTS. OWN YOUR DAYS: Galaxy Watch9 gives you personalized recommendations and habit-building guidance with Advanced Sleep Coaching.⁶ Plus, Bedtime Guidance⁷ helps you find your optimal bedtime so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Pair the Galaxy Watch9 and select what to restore
- Power on the Watch9. Install or open Galaxy Wearable on the compatible Android phone.
- In Galaxy Wearable, select the Watch9 and follow the pairing prompts on the phone and watch.
- If setup offers a previous-watch backup, select the old watch and choose the data categories to restore.
- Complete any requested permissions. If you have an LTE model and want cellular service, follow the carrier activation prompt; you can skip it if you do not want to activate service during setup.
- After setup, check the watch face, apps, settings, and Samsung Health data you rely on before wiping, trading in, or disconnecting the old watch.
Samsung’s US setup guide lists possible restore categories such as apps, phone, quick panel, Samsung Health, settings, watch face, tiles, widgets, and messages. That is a list of options shown during setup—not a guarantee that every category is available for every watch or backup. Follow the categories actually offered on your device.
What transfers—and what may be missing
Samsung’s general Galaxy Watch backup guidance lists items such as data and settings for preinstalled apps, the installed-app list, watch-face settings, and system settings. The available restore set depends on the source watch and backup.
Rank #2
- TRACK HEALTH PATTERNS¹ IN YOUR SLEEP WITH VITALS²: Stay aware of the subtle changes in your body with Vitals¹–it tracks health metrics while you sleep, catches shifts from your usual patterns, and provides tailored guidance based on the insights.²
- A PERSONALIZED COACH FOR YOUR FITNESS GOALS: Whether you're building endurance for a long trek or training to build muscle, Fitness Index³ delivers tailored guidance based on your fitness level goals. Finally, train smarter with your fitness watch.
- EVERYDAY AI ASSISTANCE, SIMPLIFIED: With the Galaxy Watch9, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁴—no wake phrase needed. This smart watch won’t slow you down.
- ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Instead of checking multiple metrics separately, track the single Heart Health Score⁵ based on sleep time, BMI, activity and vascular load to stay aware of your wellness.
- TRACK YOUR NIGHTS. OWN YOUR DAYS: Galaxy Watch9 gives you personalized recommendations and habit-building guidance with Advanced Sleep Coaching.⁶ Plus, Bedtime Guidance⁷ helps you find your optimal bedtime so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
- Music stored on the watch: Samsung says it cannot be backed up through its general watch backup process. Songs stored on your phone can be transferred to a watch manually.
- Older Tizen watch data: Samsung cautions that some data may not transfer when restoring from a Tizen watch to a Wear OS watch.
- Other content: Treat the restore as a way to bring back supported categories, not as a full clone. Reconfigure items that are absent after setup.
If you are moving the old watch to a different phone
Samsung UK’s instructions for connecting a Galaxy Watch to a new phone say to start reconnection on the watch and continue on the phone. The process may reset the watch and remove existing data depending on the model and software version. Back up first, then follow the prompt shown on your particular watch rather than assuming it will move without a reset.
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Troubleshoot common setup and restore problems
The phone cannot find or set up the Watch9
Check the phone’s Android version, RAM, exact model, and regional compatibility listing. Confirm Bluetooth is on, Galaxy Wearable is installed and updated, and the watch is powered on.
Rank #3
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Graphite [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pVUmtVzHL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
- SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
- YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
- NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
- A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
The old-watch backup is missing
Confirm Galaxy Wearable is signed in with the Samsung account used for the old watch, then check Watch settings > Accounts and backup. The Watch9-specific Samsung Japan instructions describe a manual backup path, but screens may differ by locale and software.
You skipped the restore prompt
Samsung’s setup instructions establish the restore choice during pairing, but do not establish a universal later restore route for Watch9. Check the current backup and restore screens in Galaxy Wearable and your local Samsung support guidance; a skipped prompt is not guaranteed to be recoverable.
Rank #4
- 47mm - 1.5" Super AMOLED, 480x480px, 590mAh Battery, MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68/10ATM 100m water resistant, ECG certified
- 64GB, 2GB RAM, Exynos W1000 (3nm), Penta-core, Mali-G68 GPU, Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 8 with AI Assistant
- Unlock your full potential with Galaxy AI: Track and improve your fitness performance, monitor heart health with precision, get personalized wellness tips, optimize your sleep for better health, stay connected with smart replies, and enjoy music or podcasts on the go—all from your Galaxy Watch.
- Compatible with Android devices Only. Supports Google Pay. 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/40/66/71 - eSIM.
- International Model - No Warranty. 100% Unlocked but Most US carriers may not allow International models. Will still work as Bluetooth Watch. Works outside US with all carriers. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
Music or other content is absent
Watch-stored music is excluded from Samsung’s general backup guidance. For other missing items, check which categories were offered and selected, then reconfigure unsupported or unavailable content on the Watch9.
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Pairing and carrier service are separate. Check whether the Watch9 displayed an activation prompt and confirm the model, plan, and provider support activation; contact the carrier if its requirements are unclear.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6' AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model - (Gray)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31JyN7HkB8L._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.
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