Samsung and Apple might not seem like the most likely combination, but you can easily use your Galaxy Watch with an iPhone. The process will depend on your model; in some cases, you may need to think outside the box. This guide walks you through the compatibility possibilities.
Which Samsung Watches Are Compatible With iPhone?
Before understanding which set of instructions you should follow, it’s worth ensuring that your device is compatible. While you can use a Samsung Galaxy watch without a phone, it’s easier if you can pair it more easily.
At the time of writing, the following devices are compatible with iPhones:
- Galaxy Fit (iOS 10 and later)
- Galaxy Watch 3
- Galaxy Watch Active
- Gear S2
- Galaxy Watch Active2
- Gear S2/S3
- Gear Fit 2/Fit 2 Pro
- Gear Sport
- Gear Live
If your watch isn’t listed above, you’ll need to use a third-party app. If your watch is listed, you will have the choice of Bluetooth and/or the Galaxy app. The latter, however, only applies to some devices.
Connect Your Samsung Watch With iOS via the Galaxy App
You can connect your Samsung Watch with your iPhone via the Galaxy app if you have the Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch Active, or Galaxy Watch Active2.
First, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled via the Settings app or the Control Center.
Download the Samsung Galaxy Watch app for iOS from the App Store, then open the app and select Start the Journey.
Choose your Samsung Galaxy Watch from the list of options, and pair your device.
Connect Your Watch via Bluetooth
If your Samsung watch is compatible with iOS, you can also connect it via Bluetooth, but I think it’s easier to use the official app’s pathway if you can.
First, make sure that you’ve enabled Bluetooth on your iPhone and Galaxy Watch, then go to Settings -> Bluetooth.
Go to Other Devices to find your Samsung watch from the list of options.
There are numerous options to try if your Galaxy Watch isn’t connecting to your phone.
Use a Third-Party App to Connect Your Samsung Watch
If your Samsung watch isn’t compatible with your Apple Watch, don’t worry, as you can always try a third-party app. While this isn’t guaranteed to work, it’s worth it to at least try.
Merge is one popular option to consider. Start by downloading the Merge app from the App Store, then give Merge Bluetooth permissions by navigating to Apps -> Merge -> Bluetooth and toggling the feature to On.
Choose your Samsung Watch from the list of options to connect it to your iPhone.
Note that you will need a paid subscription to use the Merge app. It costs $5.99 per month if you pay monthly, or $59.99 per year if you pay annually. Do note that there is a free 14-day trial.
Regardless of whether your Samsung watch is officially compatible with iOS, there are plenty of options to connect your device. It’s always easier if you can do so via the official app or Bluetooth, but if not, try a third-party app instead. If you don’t have a Samsung watch yet, you may want to consider trying one of the other best smartwatches.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.
