Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Never Seen Before: How to Connect Samsung Smart Watch with iPhone

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Before we dive into the connection process, it’s crucial to understand that connecting a Samsung smartwatch to an iPhone is not as seamless as connecting it to an Android device.
  • Connecting your Samsung smartwatch to your iPhone might not be as seamless as pairing it with an Android device, but it still offers a range of benefits.
  • While you might miss out on some exclusive Samsung features, the ability to use your smartwatch with your iPhone provides a convenient and versatile option.

Are you an iPhone user who wants to explore the world of Samsung smartwatches? You’re not alone! While Samsung smartwatches are primarily designed for Android devices, you can still connect them to your iPhone, albeit with some limitations. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can enjoy the features and functionality your new smartwatch has to offer.

Understanding the Limitations

Before we dive into the connection process, it’s crucial to understand that connecting a Samsung smartwatch to an iPhone is not as seamless as connecting it to an Android device. Here’s why:

  • Limited Functionality: You won’t be able to access all the features of your Samsung smartwatch when paired with an iPhone. Some features, like Samsung Pay, will not work.
  • Third-Party Apps: You’ll need to rely on third-party apps to access certain functionalities, such as notifications and fitness tracking.
  • No Samsung Wearable App: The official Samsung Wearable app is not available for iOS, limiting your control over the smartwatch.

Choosing the Right Samsung Smartwatch

Not all Samsung smartwatches are compatible with iPhones. To ensure a successful connection, you need to choose a smartwatch that supports Bluetooth 5.0 and runs on Wear OS 3. Here are a few popular choices:

  • Galaxy Watch 5
  • Galaxy Watch 4
  • Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

The Connection Process

Now, let’s get into the steps of connecting your Samsung smartwatch to your iPhone:
1. Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled: On your iPhone, go to **Settings > Bluetooth** and turn it on.
2. Put Your Smartwatch in Pairing Mode: The method for entering pairing mode varies depending on your smartwatch model. Refer to your smartwatch’s user manual for instructions.
3. Search for Your Smartwatch: On your iPhone, tap the **+** icon to search for nearby devices. You should see your smartwatch listed.
4. Pair the Devices: Tap on your smartwatch’s name to initiate pairing. You may need to enter a PIN code, which will be displayed on your smartwatch.
5. Install a Third-Party App: Download and install a compatible third-party app from the App Store, such as **Wear OS by Google** or **Galaxy Watch Plugin**. These apps will bridge the gap between your iPhone and smartwatch, enabling you to access basic features.

Setting Up Your Smartwatch for iPhone

After pairing your smartwatch, you’ll need to configure it for use with your iPhone. Here’s how:
1. Open the Third-Party App: Launch the Wear OS by Google or Galaxy Watch Plugin app on your iPhone.
2. Connect to Your Smartwatch: The app will automatically detect your smartwatch and establish a connection.
3. Customize Settings: You can customize various settings within the app, such as notification preferences, watch faces, and app permissions.

Using Your Samsung Smartwatch with iPhone

Once you’ve completed the setup process, you can start using your Samsung smartwatch with your iPhone. Here are some of the key functionalities you can access:

  • Notifications: Receive notifications from your iPhone on your smartwatch, including calls, messages, and app alerts.
  • Fitness Tracking: Track your steps, distance, calories burned, and other fitness metrics.
  • Music Control: Control music playback on your iPhone from your smartwatch.
  • Find My Phone: Locate your iPhone using the “Find My Phone” feature on your smartwatch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While connecting a Samsung smartwatch to an iPhone can be a straightforward process, you may encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and solutions:

  • Smartwatch Not Showing Up: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your iPhone and smartwatch. Restart both devices and try again.
  • Connection Dropping: Check your Bluetooth range and ensure there are no interfering devices nearby.
  • Limited Functionality: Remember that some features will be limited or unavailable when using a Samsung smartwatch with an iPhone.

Wrapping Up: The Advantages of Connecting Your Samsung Smartwatch to iPhone

Connecting your Samsung smartwatch to your iPhone might not be as seamless as pairing it with an Android device, but it still offers a range of benefits. You can enjoy features like notifications, fitness tracking, and music control, enhancing your overall experience. While you might miss out on some exclusive Samsung features, the ability to use your smartwatch with your iPhone provides a convenient and versatile option.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use Samsung Pay with my Samsung smartwatch on an iPhone?
A: No, Samsung Pay is not compatible with iPhones. You’ll need to rely on other payment methods like Apple Pay.
Q: What are the best third-party apps for connecting a Samsung smartwatch to an iPhone?
A: Wear OS by Google and Galaxy Watch Plugin are the most popular and recommended options.
Q: Can I customize watch faces on my Samsung smartwatch when connected to an iPhone?
A: Yes, you can choose from a variety of watch faces available through the Wear OS by Google or Galaxy Watch Plugin app.
Q: Will I receive all my iPhone notifications on my Samsung smartwatch?
A: You can customize which apps send notifications to your smartwatch through the third-party app settings.
Q: Can I use my Samsung smartwatch to make and receive calls on my iPhone?
A: While you can receive calls on your smartwatch, you can’t make calls directly from it. You can, however, use the smartwatch to answer or decline calls on your iPhone.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button