Apple Watch not connecting to iPhone? 8 fixes that work
A red iPhone or red X on the watch means the two lost touch. Most of the time a restart and a Bluetooth check bring it back.
The fix
8 fixes, in order
- 1
Bring the watch and iPhone close together.
- 2
Turn off Airplane Mode on both.
On the watch, press the side button to open Control Center.
- 3
Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the iPhone.
- 4
Restart both devices.
Turn off the watch, then the iPhone, and turn the iPhone on first.
- 5
Update iOS, then watchOS.
A new iOS sometimes needs a watchOS update before they talk again.
- 6
Reset network settings on the iPhone.
Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings.
- 7
Unpair the watch.
Open the Watch app › My Watch › All Watches, tap the info button and choose Unpair Apple Watch.
- 8
Pair again and restore from backup.
Frequently asked questions
What does the red iPhone icon on my Apple Watch mean?
The watch is disconnected from your iPhone. Bring them close together and check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on.
Will unpairing erase my Apple Watch data?
Unpairing erases the watch but first saves a backup to your iPhone. You can restore that backup when you pair again.
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