Smart watches, like other modern portable gadgets, are very popular among Android device owners. In order to make the use of each such device more convenient, the developers have implemented synchronization via a Bluetooth connection. During the article, we will tell you how to properly connect a smartwatch to any smartphone.
Connecting smart watches on Android
To work together between a smartwatch and a phone running the Android operating system, it is not enough to simply turn on Bluetooth - you also need to connect using a proprietary application, previously downloaded from the Google Play Store. We will consider only a few of these options, while there are other solutions that work in a completely similar way. In addition, some applications are compatible with devices originally created by other developers.
Wear OS by Google
This solution, previously known as Android Wear, is the most popular means of synchronizing smartwatches of different models with an Android smartphone. Thanks to it, you can significantly expand the standard capabilities of a smartwatch by synchronizing with your phone and adding some new functions. In particular, management can be simplified using Google Assistant, access to music on the smartphone can be provided, appearance can be personalized and much more.
- After downloading and installing, on the start screen, click the “Start setup” button. Here you can also use a link to a page describing all the benefits of the application.
Immediately after this, the screen will ask you to turn on the Bluetooth module on your smartphone in order to subsequently search for supported smartwatches. Click the "Enable" button in the corresponding window.
Next, you need to turn on Bluetooth on the connected watch. The procedure may vary on different devices, but is unlikely to raise any questions.
- After successfully detecting the smartwatch, a list of connections will appear on the smartphone screen. If the gadget is missing, you can click on the “Watch is not in the list” link to go to the help section.
Synchronization with the clock occurs in a fully automatic mode, so the procedure can be completed. Due to the fact that Wear OS by Google provides a lot of possibilities, it is best to familiarize yourself with the functions of the application yourself. The connection process, as can be seen from the instructions provided, should go without problems.
Huawei Wear
Through Huawei Wear, you can synchronize your Android device with proprietary Huawei gadgets, including fitness bracelets and smartwatches of several models. The program has a similar principle of operation to previous software, but also requires some other actions.
- To get started, download and install the program from Google Play. After launch, you must accept the license agreement, which you should read.
The following parameters are mostly provided for using the application in conjunction with a fitness bracelet, but, unfortunately, cannot be skipped.
After completing the setup, confirm activating Bluetooth and then searching for a compatible gadget. To continue, click “OK” and be sure to turn on Bluetooth on your smartwatch.
The program is quite easy to use due to its intuitive interface and lack of authorization requirements.
Mi Fit
Another popular Mi Fit program is designed specifically for Xiaomi branded devices, which include a number of fitness bracelets and smart watches. This application has much in common with the previous solution and requires the provision of almost identical information.
Instructions for iPhone
When it comes to connecting Apple Watch to iPhone, it won't take much time. These devices are in the same Apple ecosystem, so the pairing process will be very fast.
Instructions
- Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- To establish a connection, place Apple Watch on your hand. Bring your watch wrist to your smartphone. Press and hold the power button on the side of the watch until the apple logo appears. Release the key after the logo appears.
- Install the Apple Watch app if you don't have it on your smartphone. Link to the program is below.
- Typically, the iPhone detects the device within a few seconds. After which it will redirect the user to the gadget settings. If this does not happen, you need to go to the Apple Watch app. In it, select the “Create a pair” item and force pairing.
- To assign a watch to one user, you need to go to the Apple Watch app settings. In it indicate your personal Apple ID.
To pair with smartwatches from third-party manufacturers, you will need to install special applications. Setting up the connection, in this case, will be similar to the algorithm for Android described above in the article.
QR Code
Watch
Developer: Apple
Price: Free
How to connect 2 or more smart watches?
Parents who have 2 or more children buy several children's smartwatches at once, the question arises: “is it possible to control 2-3 devices from one smartphone?” Yes, there is such a possibility. To get started, open the same Android Wear app. Next, you will see a down arrow next to the already connected devices, click it. Then the “New Watch” menu will open, where, according to the prompts, the second smart watch is connected. If you want to add a third gadget, follow the same instructions. There are no restrictions on the number of connected devices.
If you can't sync
Let's look at the popular reasons why Android wear devices do not connect to a smartphone. The first thing you need to check is your Internet connection – whether data transfer is enabled. If yes, let's look at 3 more reasons.
- Updating the operating system and Google applications. Please pay attention to device compatibility. Smartwatches for Android wear connect to phones and tablets running Android 3 and higher. Check this setting. In addition to the OS, the device must have Google services 7.3.28 and later, Google search 4.0, and Android Wear 1.0 application.
- See if you forgot to turn on Bluetooth on your phone (In settings, section “Wireless networks”).
- The smartwatch should not have airplane mode enabled. Go to device settings and check.
These are the main points when a smartphone or tablet does not see the device. If the operating system and programs are of the required versions, airplane mode is disabled, and bluetooth is active, restart both devices. Resetting the settings also helps.
Go to the gadget settings, select the “System” section, and then “Disable and reset settings”.
The connection is complete, but it is unstable, what should I do?
If the connection between the smart gadget and the phone is successful, but it is unstable, check how far the devices are from each other: it should not exceed 1 meter. The Internet connection may also fail, make sure it is stable. Also try to follow the steps that apply if there is no connection: updating the OS and programs to the required version, checking Bluetooth activity, making sure airplane mode is disabled. Then we follow the same pattern: we try to reinstall Android Wear or reset the parameters.
Compatibility issue
The first nuance that needs to be dealt with concerns compatibility - is it possible to connect a Samsung watch to an iPhone or Android. For convenience, we highlight the main models of smart devices and smartphones that support them:
- Galaxy Fit. On the Android side - M10, M2, A-series 2021, J (4, 6, 8), S10, S9 and S8 series, J 5 and 7 2021, A3, A5 and A7 2017 and 2021, S6 series and Note (4, 5, Edge). As for iPhone, only iPhone 7.7 Plus is supported here.
- Galaxy Fit e. Android - everything. iPhone is everything.
- Galaxy Watch, Gear S2 and S3, Gear Fit 2 and Fit 2 Pro, Gear Sport - full support.
- Gear S - not supported by Galaxy J5 and J7 2021, A3 2016, and all iPhones.
In order not to waste time with installation, it is better to immediately clarify which smart watch is suitable for your phone.
Conditions for proper operation
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the system requirements of the devices, their compatibility, and versions of Bluetooth channels. Successful pairing of devices also depends on timely software updates.
Smart watches must be compatible with your phone. Most models of wrist gadgets are synchronized with any Android 4.2, iOS 8 and later phones.
Before connecting the watch to the phone, you need to perform operations common to all devices:
Connecting to an Android phone
All smartwatches, except Apple Watch, successfully connect to smartphones running Android OS. The principle of synchronization is generally the same; the location of the required menus may differ slightly.
How to connect a smart watch to an Android phone:
- Install the smart watch application on your smartphone. The required applications for the correct operation of the watch model are indicated in the attached instructions. You can download such an application via a QR code or find it on GooglePlay by name.
- Turn on the watch and launch the application on your mobile phone.
- Place the wrist device as close to the phone as possible.
- Select the “Settings” item in the pairing program and wait for the watch to be detected.
- Enter your PIN code, if required, select the “Connect” option. In most models, the PIN is entered automatically by devices. If this does not happen, you need to find it in the paper instructions included with the watch.
- If the connection is successful, the application will display the message “Connected”.
How to connect a smart watch to your phone?
When purchasing a smartwatch, make sure that your smartphone is compatible with it. Perhaps the watch can only be connected to the Android operating system, and you are a happy owner of an iPhone, so to avoid any incomprehensible situations, carefully read the instructions, or check with the store consultants for information. However, most modern models connect to both operating systems without problems.
What applications are needed to connect a smart watch to a phone?
Smart Watch synchronizes with Android using free applications downloaded from the Play Market.
- WearOS is the official application from Google;
- Mediatek Smart Service - a program for synchronizing devices running on the MediaTek processor;
- BT Notification is a Chinese alternative to Android Wear, can be installed on both gadgets and is suitable for any watch.
List of applications for popular smart watch models for Android:
| Watch brand | Application Name |
| Xiaomi | MiFit |
| Huawei | Huawei Health |
| Samsung | Galaxy Wearable (Samsung Gear) |
| Garmin | Garmin Connect |
| Smarterra | Lefun Health |
| JET | JETSportWatch |
| IWOWN |
Why do you need a SIM card?
In addition to pairing with a mobile phone, many smartwatch models have the ability to use a SIM card for independent mobile communication.
A watch with a SIM card can:
- make and receive calls without using a phone.
- send SMS messages.
- receive notifications from social networks and instant messengers.
- surf the Internet.
- take photos and videos if the watch has a built-in camera.
Why does the watch with a SIM card not work?
To prevent problems when using a watch with a SIM card, you should consider:
- capabilities of the telecom operator: the quality of the signal, mobile coverage area, and ease of setting up the device depend on the choice of a reliable supplier.
- tariff with Internet traffic of at least 1 GB per month.
- replenishment of the account: if the balance is zero, the capabilities of the watch using a separate SIM card will be limited.
General instructions for popular smartwatch models in Russian will help a novice user master the process of connecting and controlling the device.
Why won't my smart watch connect?
What to do if the watch does not connect to the phone or other problems or failures occur during operation? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about working with the device.
System updates needed
The watch will not connect to your Google smartphone if the minimum working updates are not installed:
- Google Play - no lower than 7.3;
- SearchApp - from 4.0;
- Android Wear - 1.1.
Weak watch battery
The watch does not connect if the battery is not charged, and also if it does not hold a charge. Bluetooth connection is one of the most energy-consuming processes for any gadget.
Reasons why the watch battery may be overcharged:
- The Google Now app runs in the background and drains battery. You will need to put it into sleep mode.
- Interruption of wireless Internet connection. Constantly searching for a network increases battery consumption.
- System applications reduce battery capacity through automatic synchronization. You need to disable all unused applications.
- Problems in the OS. If the smartphone runs on Android 7, the firmware itself may consume an excessive amount of energy. Update required.
Why is there no pairing?
This situation occurs in the case of several parallel connections via Bluetooth. To solve this, you need to cut off third-party connections.
Notifications do not appear on the watch display
The problem is solved by rebooting the gadgets and resynchronizing. It is also recommended to check the operation of the application installed on your smartphone, update it and restart it.
Why connect a smart watch to your phone?
Why is a smart watch connected to your phone if they are already smartphones? Most watches without a smartphone connection are essentially just a fashion accessory that doesn't even tell the time. Of course, there are some models with a SIM card that can be used completely independently, but they are much smaller than “classic” smartwatches.
Once connected to the smartphone, many useful functions, such as:
- It notifies you about calls and messages from your phone to your watch.
- Reject or mute the volume when making a call.
- Control your phone's music player.
- Remote camera control.
- Search by phone.
- Detailed statistics on various activity parameters (duration of sleep, number of steps taken, calories consumed, etc.).
- Track the location of the watch (especially useful if the watch is worn by a child or an elderly person).
Connecting a Smart Watch to an Android phone
All smartphones except Apple Watch successfully connect to Android smartphones. The principle of synchronization is usually the same; it may differ slightly in the location of the desired menus.
How to connect a smart watch to an Android phone:
- Install the Smart Watch app on your smartphone. The application required for the correct operation of your watch model is given in the attached instructions. Such an application can be downloaded using a QR code or found on GooglePlay by name.
- Turn on your watch and launch the app on your phone.
- Place your wrist as close to the phone as possible.
- Select "Setup" in the pairing program and wait for the watch to be detected.
- Enter your PIN code and, if necessary, select the “Connect” option. In most models, the contact is automatically entered by the devices. If not, look for it in the paper instructions that came with the watch.
- If the connection is successful, “Connected” will appear in the application.
Step-by-step instruction
Step 1: Check your smartphone's battery charge. Charge it if necessary. Usually this takes no more than 3-5 hours.
Step 2. Open your smartphone's settings and under "Connected devices" or "Wireless connections" (the name may depend on the version of Android you have installed) find "Bluetooth". Turn the switch to the "on" position.
Step 3. The name of the smartwatch appears in the “Available Devices” subsection.
Step four. Open the Game application store on the market and enter the name of the program in the search field (in our case Mi Fit ). Select "Install" and when finished, click "Open".
If there is a QR code you need to scan it... The game on the market will automatically open on the desired application.
Step 5 . If you are launching the application for the first time, you may need to register. Enter your email address and find your password. Alternatively, you can also sign in using a third-party service such as Facebook or Google . In this case, there is no need to create a password.
Step six. To connect your smartwatch, tap the “+” in the top right corner of the app.
Step 7: Select “Clock” from the list that appears.
Step 8: A warning will appear informing you that information about your activity, sleep, and heart rate will be collected when the device is connected. To continue, select "Agree."
Step 9: Select the type of watch you want to connect.
Step 10. For faster pairing, bring the smart watch closer to the smartphone.
Step 11. If the device has been successfully connected, a Mi Fit . This is done to prevent Android from automatically loading a running application from the device's memory, which ensures seamless synchronization between the watch and the smartphone.
Setting up a Smart Watch for iPhone
You don't need to install additional apps to pair with Apple devices. Pairing is performed automatically when the Bluetooth option is turned on.
How to connect smart watch to iPhone:
- Enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi protocols on your iPhone.
- Turn on your Apple Watch with the button on the edge of the case and hold it until the brand icon appears.
- Place your watch near your iPhone and wait for the connection message to appear.
- Select Next.
- Point your phone camera at the watch display.
- Wait for a message about the couple.
- Register your wrist with your ID.
- Set up your Apple Watch by following the instructions.
If the gadgets do not “appear”, you need to factory reset both devices and repeat the steps.
