C. AppowFeatured, March 21, 2022
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Do you want to learn how to pair a smartwatch or fitness tracker with an iPhone or Android? Although for many users this can be a bit tricky, our easy-to-follow tips will save you time and energy. How can you easily set up a fitness watch?
First, access your smartphone and go to Settings. Turn on the Bluetooth so it can communicate with your fitness watch. Then, open your fitness tracker or smartwatch application on your phone and go to the main menu. Add your device to your application and follow the instructions on your smartphone’s screen.
If you have never connected a fitness watch to your iPhone or Android before, no worries. We’ll share expert recommendations that will be of great help. You will learn what to do prior, during, and after binding your fitness tracker or smartwatch to a phone to ensure a successful connection.
Table of Contents
- 1 Do fitness watches have to be connected to a phone?
- 2 How to pair a fitness watch to your smartphone the right way
- 2.1 Before the setup
- 2.2 During the setup
- 2.3 After the setup
- 3 Still unable to set up your fitness tracker or smartwatch? Then try these bonus tips.
- 4 Final words
- 4.1 Explore other related topics:
Do fitness watches have to be connected to a phone?
You may have wondered whether it is necessary to pair a fitness tracker or smartwatch with a cell phone. I have asked myself the same question.
Although they are not required to be paired with another device you may miss many of their great functionalities depending on the brand or model. Most fitness trackers or smartwatches work with an application to access, analyze, and transfer the data collected from them. So, to see a detailed report of your progress, it is advisable to connect your fitness watch to your phone by following our below tips.
How to pair a fitness watch to your smartphone the right way
Whether you have an Apple or Garmin watch, these very effective steps will assist in setting up your device without any problems. Follow these helpful expert tips to get started:
Before the setup
Have in mind the following before connecting your fitness watch to your smartphone:
- Check your user manual to become familiar with your fitness watch or your phone since the settings vary from one device to another.
- Then, make sure both have a good battery charge.
- Go to your phone’s Settings and enable Bluetooth.
- Ensure that your phone is not in Airplane mode.
- For Android phones, tap on Settings and choose Network or Internet. Check that the Airplane mode is off.
- For iPhone, go to Settings and turn off Airplane Mode if applicable.
- Verify that your fitness watch is near the phone (around 2 inches).
- Keep in mind that the stronger the Internet (wired or WIFI) and phone signal the better to achieve an uninterrupted connection.
- Check if your phone system needs an update.
- Android phones – go to your phone’s Settings and then About phone. Go to System update.
- iPhones – Acess the Settings of your iPhone and then Software update.
- Also, ensure the fitness watch app is up to date.
- Android phone – tap on the fitness tracker app or go to Settings. Choose Applications and tap on the application. You will receive an alert if it needs an update.
- iPhones – Go to the application or go to the App Store. On the top of the screen tap on your profile avatar. Check for any pending updates. Tap on Update next to the fitness watch. Scroll to see pending updates and release notes.
- Then check that your phone is running the later versions of mobile operating systems.
Minimum requirements:
- Android 5.0 (Lollipop or higher)
- iOS 10 or later (iPhone 5s or higher)
Related reading: How do I update firmware on my fitness tracker or smartwatch
During the setup
Once you have followed the above tips you can proceed to pair your fitness watch with a smartphone:
- Download the application or tool that corresponds to your fitness watch. You may need to open an account.
- Give the app permission to access at least your phone’s location, phone, and storage so the Bluetooth and app features can work.
- For Android phones, go to Settings, tap on Apps, go to the fitness application and tap on “Permissions” to allow them. Tap the switch next to each app to allow or deny access. Select an app, then turn Precise Location on or off.
- If you have an iPhone access the Settings and tap on Privacy. You will find Location Services and the applications that you wish to allow or deny permission.
- Open it and add your fitness tracker or smartwatch. If the Bluetooth is not enabled you will be prompted to turn it on.
After the setup
If you were able to set up your fitness watch, congratulations! Now you should be able to monitor your progress and enjoy your device’s features. Also, depending on the device you may navigate and configure settings right from your wrist.
In addition, any data collected from your fitness tracker or smartwatch will automatically transfer to your phone. To make sure it is synched without any issues verify the Bluetooth is on and the internet signal is strong enough.
Still unable to set up your fitness tracker or smartwatch? Then try these bonus tips.
Sometimes we may encounter problems that can affect the pairing process. They may be caused due to poor signal to a low battery charge. If you are having trouble setting up your watch please follow the below steps that have helped me resolve this issue:
- Turn off both your phone and fitness watch. Wait a couple of seconds and turn them on. Some phones have a restart option that can be used as well.
- Unpair smartwatch or fitness tracker from your smartphone. Go to Bluetooth, tap on the device name, and tap on Forget.
- Remove your fitness device from the fitness application.
- Uninstall the application and install it again.
- Connect your fitness watch to your smartphone once again following the above steps.
- If nothing works contacting the manufacturer may be the best option. If the watch is defective they can fix it for you for a fee, give you a new one or issue a refund depending on the merchant’s policy.
Final words
Now you know how to connect your fitness watch to your phone the easy way. We hope that our tips have solved any issues in a flash. You can resolve many fitness watch connection problems by making sure Bluetooth is on or checking the Internet signal. Also, the fitness watch application must be updated every time you receive an update notification. If you follow our suggestions you should be fine.
Explore other related topics:
C. Appow
C. C. Appow is a webmaster, content creator, and blogger who loves fitness watches and working out.
After many attempts to stick to a fitness plan, she found inspiration in fitness wearables which has helped her remain active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She is committed to encouraging individuals who need help with their motivation.
When she isn’t researching fitness technology market trends and writing, you might find her cooking delicious meals, connecting with nature, growing veggies, and reading about technology.
Check out his other blog Breathe Out Panic Attack.
FAQs
How do I connect my fit watch to my Android? ›
- On your phone, open the Google Fit app .
- At the bottom, tap Profile. You'll find the account you used to sign in.
- On your watch, swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap Settings Personalization. Accounts. ...
- If they're not the same, sign in to the same account on both devices.
Can I use a fitness tracker without a smartphone? Yes. Many fitness trackers can be used independently from a smartphone. Commonly, smartphones and mobile devices have helpful functions for monitoring exercises and configuring settings.
How do I sync smartwatch with phone? ›- Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone. ...
- Step 2: Turn the Discoverable Mode on. ...
- Step 3: Turn on your Smartwatch. ...
- Step 4: Pair the Smartwatch with your Android Phone.
Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch
If you really can't seem to get Fitness+ to find your Apple Watch, you can try unpairing and then re-pairing your Apple Watch. Go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Tap All Watches at the top of the My Watch screen. Tap the info button to the right of your current watch.
Reset your device connection
On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and Forget the pairing with your watch. Go to Settings > Apps > Android Wear > Storage > Clear data. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage > Manage space > Clear all data. Reboot.
- It's Time To Charge It Up. ...
- Install The App Onto Your Smartphone. ...
- Register For An Account. ...
- Pair With Your Smartphone. ...
- To improve accuracy, enter biometric data. ...
- It should be worn correctly. ...
- Establish goals and connect with friends. ...
- Run updates.
- Fitness22.
- FitNotes.
- Google Fit.
- JEFIT Workout Tracker.
- Leap Fitness Step Counter.
- MyFitnessPal.
Connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi
If your watch supports Wi-Fi, it can stay connected to your phone at any distance when they're both connected to the Internet. To stay connected to your phone, turn on and connect to Wi-Fi on your watch.
Most fitness trackers don't actually use the Bluetooth connection to track data, but instead just to transmit the tracked data to your phone or computer. Some fitness trackers also use Bluetooth so that you can listen to music with wireless headphones while exercising.
Do I need GPS on my fitness tracker? ›Some people prefer to use the GPS capabilities of a smartwatch or smartphone when working out, which negates the need for a fitness tracker with GPS. However, for those who want precise tracking of their workout performance, having GPS built into the fitness tracker is the easiest way to obtain this type of data.
Do all smart watches need to connect to a phone? ›
In order to have full functionality, nearly all smartwatches must connect via Bluetooth and be within wireless range of an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. However, a few connected smartwatches actually have 3G/LTE capabilities and can operate without a connection to another device.
Does smartwatch need to be connected to mobile? ›Some smartwatches can be used without a smartphone. Typically these are the higher-end models that require micro-SIM for the operation which means that the smartwatch will communicate over a cellular network without the need to tether to a device.
Why is my Fitness not connecting to my watch? ›If Apple Fitness can't connect to your Apple Watch when you try to start a workaround session on Apple TV, update all your devices to the latest OS version. Then, force-quit all your Apple TV apps, and restart Apple Fitness. Additionally, go to Apple TV settings, and change your Apple TV location.
How do I sync my fitness watch to my iPhone? ›- Go to Settings.
- Tap on the Apple Health cell.
- Turn On "Synchronize Activities" or re-sync again.
- After that, you might need to restart your Apple Watch and open StepsApp on your Apple Watch.
- If your screen is dim, tap it to wake up the watch.
- From the top of the screen, swipe down.
- Tap Settings Connections Bluetooth. Available devices. Wear 2: Tap Settings Connectivity Bluetooth. ...
- To connect to a device, tap your device's name when your watch searches for nearby devices.
...
To reset from your phone:
- Open the Google Pixel Watch app.
- Tap System.
- Select Reset and unpair watch.
- If you enabled cellular, tap the Erase downloaded SIM toggle.
- Tap Reset.
- Best Overall: MyFitnessPal.
- Best Budget App: Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer.
- Best for Apple Watch: Zones for Training.
- Best for Barre: Alo Moves.
- Best for Yoga: Glo.
- Best for Beginners: Sworkit.
- Best for Weightlifting: JEFIT Workout Planner Gym Log.
- Best for Meditation: Headspace.
If you're not wearing your Apple Watch, you can still start the workout, but your metrics (like calories burned) aren't collected. Tap Work Out Without Watch to start the workout.
Should I turn off my smartwatch when not in use? ›It saves battery but in long term you are spoiling your battery life. Instead of this you can switch off connectivity because now-a-days processors have deep sleep mode which does save battery a lot without switching off.
Will my smart watch work if my phone is off? ›Yes, your smartwatch will work if you leave your phone at home. It will be able to perform basic tasks such as checking the time and streaming offline music. However, if it is connected to the internet / cellular, it'll be able to connect to your phone and receive calls and work normally.
How far does your watch connect to your phone? ›
What to Know. Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
What is the difference between a fitness tracker and a fitness watch? ›A fitness tracker is designed to keep track of your health and exercise. A smartwatch keeps track of your fitness too, but it also keeps you connected by delivering notifications and updates on your wrist. There is a lot of overlap between the two.
Can you text on a fitness watch? ›Introduction. Your Fitbit Versa has the ability to receive and send messages from your Android devices. You'll have to enable notifications and will only be able to send quick, customized replies called Quick Replies.
Can smartwatch work without Bluetooth? ›3. Do I always need my phone to use my smartwatch? Not always, although your phone needs to be on. Android Wear features such as using your smartwatch as an activity tracker, setting alarms and checking the time work without being paired with your phone.
Why do you need GPS on a fitness watch? ›Those with GPS can track how far you went, not just when running (which could have been done with a pedometer), but also when cycling, or open-water swimming or kitesurfing. Some watches have optional accessories for use with cycling that will also track your cadence (pedal rotations per minute).
What is the most accurate fitness tracker? ›- Fitbit Charge 5. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. VIEW Features. ...
- The Garmin Vivoactive 4S. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. VIEW Features. ...
- Honor Band 5. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. VIEW Features. ...
- Fitbit Inspire 2. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. VIEW Features. ...
- Fitbit Luxe. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. VIEW Features.
Phone GPS: Your tracker uses your phone's GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats. This option can help preserve battery life on your Fitbit device.
What is the difference between LTE and Bluetooth? ›Bluetooth is a wireless connection to a cell, phone, tablet, speakers or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. May be required for a watch to exchange data between Samsung companion apps on phone. LTE is a cellular network that can be used to text to make calls, receive emails.
Why is my fitness not connecting to my watch? ›If Apple Fitness can't connect to your Apple Watch when you try to start a workaround session on Apple TV, update all your devices to the latest OS version. Then, force-quit all your Apple TV apps, and restart Apple Fitness. Additionally, go to Apple TV settings, and change your Apple TV location.
How do I connect my fitness app to my iPhone? ›- Open the Health app.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner .
- Under Privacy, tap Apps. You can see apps that you already own that are compatible with Health. ...
- Tap an app and turn on the health categories that you want that app to track.
How do I set my fitness watch? ›
- It's Time To Charge It Up. ...
- Install The App Onto Your Smartphone. ...
- Register For An Account. ...
- Pair With Your Smartphone. ...
- To improve accuracy, enter biometric data. ...
- It should be worn correctly. ...
- Establish goals and connect with friends. ...
- Run updates.
Turn on airplane mode then turn it off again. Check your personal details are correct in your health app profile. Make sure the watch band is snug but not too tight. On your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap on Privacy and then select Location Services option and ensure that it is enabled.
Why is Apple Watch not syncing with phone? ›Re-pair Apple Watch if it's not syncing with iPhone
Unpairing and then reconnecting the Apple Watch with the iPhone can often fix syncing issues. This will delete the data and settings on the Apple Watch, so we'll need to back it up before doing a re-sync. To unpair your Apple Watch, go to the Watch App on your iPhone.
Try to connect your Apple Watch and iPhone again
On your iPhone, make sure that Airplane Mode is off and that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. To check, open Control Center. If you see the Airplane Mode icon on your watch face, Airplane Mode is on. Open Control Center, then turn off Airplane Mode.
Check your iPhone's Privacy and Location settings
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down and tap Motion & Fitness. Turn on Fitness Tracking or toggle it off and on. Then underneath, toggle on the Health app and any third-party fitness apps you use to track your workouts.
With an update coming this fall, Apple Fitness+ will no longer require an Apple Watch. Fitness+ will be available to all iPhone users for the first time. With iOS 16, the Fitness app is now available to all iPhone users.
How do I sync my Apple Fitness to my new phone? ›- Erase your Apple Watch.
- Set up your new iPhone and sign in to iCloud. ...
- Open the Apple Watch app on your new iPhone, then pair your watch with your new iPhone.
- Try to restore from a backup. ...
- Follow the onscreen steps to finish setting up.
- Start using your Apple Watch with your new iPhone.
Make sure Fitness Tracking and Health are on
To turn on Fitness Tracking and Health, go to the Settings app. Select the Privacy tab. Then scroll down to Motion and Fitness. From there, you'll be able to see if Fitness Tracking and Health are on.