Set up your Galaxy Watch with or without a phone

Last Update date : Feb 20. 2026
Galaxy Watch5 next to a Galaxy phone displaying the Galaxy Wearable app setup screen.

Using the Galaxy Wearable app, you can pair your watch with a Samsung or other Android phone, or even an iPhone, depending on the model. If you don’t have a phone nearby, some watches can also be set up on their own. Choose the setup method below to get started.

Note:

  • Information provided applies to devices sold in Canada.
  • Available screens and settings may vary for Galaxy Watch models sold in other countries.
  • Galaxy Watch models that use Wear OS (such as Galaxy Watch4 and later) are designed to be set up using the Galaxy Wearable app on a compatible phone.

You can connect your Galaxy Watch to a Samsung or other Android phone using the Galaxy Wearable app. The app allows you to complete the initial setup, customize settings and manage features directly from your phone. If the app is not already installed on your device, download it first, then follow the steps to complete the connection.

Download the Galaxy Wearable app

If the Galaxy Wearable app is not available on your Galaxy phone, Android phone, or tablet, you can download it from an app store. Make sure to install the official, free version developed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. from a trusted source. Keep in mind that on Android devices some advanced options may be limited or unavailable compared to the Samsung ecosystem.

Galaxy Wearable app page in the Google Play Store displayed on a Samsung Galaxy phone.

You can install the app from either store, depending on your preference:

Set up the connection using the Galaxy Wearable app

To access all available features, connect your Galaxy Watch to your phone using the Galaxy Wearable app. Once connected, you can use the app to manage your watch settings and installed apps. Before you begin, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone.

Galaxy Wearable app welcome screen on a Samsung Galaxy phone with the Start button. Galaxy Wearable app welcome screen on a Samsung Galaxy phone with the Start button.

Step 1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app, then tap Start.

Galaxy Wearable app showing a confirmation screen with a Confirm button during Galaxy Watch setup. Galaxy Wearable app showing a confirmation screen with a Confirm button during Galaxy Watch setup.

Step 2. Tap Confirm on both your phone and your watch.

Galaxy Wearable app showing setup permissions with a Continue button during Galaxy Watch connection. Galaxy Wearable app showing setup permissions with a Continue button during Galaxy Watch connection.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.

Disclaimer: Galaxy Watch devices are primarily designed for use with Samsung Galaxy phones. While select earlier models support iPhone connection, some features and services may not be available.

Some earlier Galaxy Watch models, such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2, and Galaxy Watch3, as well as Galaxy Fit devices, can be connected to an iPhone using the Samsung Galaxy Watch or Samsung Galaxy Fit app from the App Store. These models were designed to support both Android and iOS devices.

After installing the app, open it, tap START THE JOURNEY, select your device, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Samsung Galaxy Watch app on an iPhone showing Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch Active2, and Galaxy Watch Active model options.

Keep in mind that newer Galaxy Watch models that use Wear OS (such as Galaxy Watch4 and later) are not compatible with iOS devices and cannot be set up using a Samsung app. If you have one of these newer models and want to use it with an iPhone, you may find third-party apps that offer limited connection options. However, because these apps are developed by third parties, Samsung cannot recommend a specific app or guarantee performance, feature support or security.

Some older Galaxy Watch models, such as Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2, and Galaxy Watch3, can be set up without a phone. This allows you to use basic watch features on their own, and you may also be able to activate a mobile plan on LTE models.

When powering on the watch for the first time, you can choose the option to continue setup directly on the watch and follow the on-screen instructions.

Person wearing a Galaxy Watch and checking the watch screen.

However, Galaxy Watch models that use Wear OS (such as Galaxy Watch4 and later) require a compatible phone during the initial setup. After the watch is set up, LTE models can stay connected through a mobile network, even when your phone is not nearby.

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