For newer Galaxy Watches (4th Generation or newer) there is almost no compatibility with iOS so it is not recommended that you pair the two devices. Newer Galaxy watches use WearOS which is not compatible with iOS. For older models (3rd Generation or older) it is possible to pair your watch with an iPhone for limited functionality. Some features may not be available as compared to pairing with a Samsung phone. To do so, you need to download the Galaxy Watch app from the App Store and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the devices via Bluetooth.
Understanding the Compatibility
Compatibility Chart
| Samsung Watch Model | iOS Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch4 & Later (Wear OS) | No | Incompatible due to software differences. |
| Galaxy Watch3 & Active2 (Tizen OS) | Limited Functionality | Can connect via Bluetooth for basic features like notifications and health tracking, but advanced features like ECG and cellular calls require a Samsung phone. |
| Galaxy Watch & Gear Sport (Tizen OS) | Full Functionality | Can connect via Bluetooth and utilize all features, including advanced functionality like ECG and cellular calls (if supported by the watch model). |
Compatibility List
Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6 or Newer (Wear OS)
Not compatible with iPhone. These models, starting from the Galaxy Watch 4 series, cannot be paired with iOS due to software differences and are recommended to be paired with Android devices only.
Galaxy Watch 3 & Active2 (Tizen OS)
Limited functionality with iOS. They can connect via Bluetooth for basic features such as notifications and health tracking. However, advanced features like ECG and making cellular calls require a Samsung phone.
Galaxy Watch, Watch Active, Gear Sport (Tizen OS)
Full functionality with iOS. These models can connect via Bluetooth and utilize all features, including advanced functionalities if supported by the watch model.
Important Notes:
- The Galaxy Watch iOS app supports pairing with Galaxy Watch3, Active2, Watch, and Gear Sport.
- Some features may be limited or unavailable on newer Galaxy Watch models when paired with iOS.
- For an optimal experience, pairing a Samsung Watch with a Samsung phone is recommended.
Pair Your Samsung Watch With An iPhone
Note: Will Not Work With Newer Models
Older Samsung Galaxy Watches (3rd Generation and older) can connect to iPhones, but you’ll miss out on the full suite of features enjoyed by Android users. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Samsung Watch with Android | Samsung Watch with iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Functionality | Calls, texts, notifications, fitness tracking | Calls, texts, notifications, fitness tracking |
| Samsung Pay | Yes | No |
| ECG (Electrocardiogram) | Yes | No |
| Blood Pressure Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Advanced Health Features | Some models have additional features | Limited or unavailable features |
| App Ecosystem | Access to a wider range of apps | Limited app selection |
Setting Up Your Samsung Watch with an iPhone
- Download the Galaxy Wearable App: Get it from the iOS App Store.
- Pairing: Follow the app’s instructions to pair your watch and iPhone via Bluetooth.
What to Expect
While you’ll still get core smartwatch functionality on your iPhone, be aware of these limitations:
- Customization: Less options for watch faces and complications.
- Messaging: You can receive and view messages, but replying might be more limited.
- Health Features: Advanced health tracking features are unavailable for iPhone users.
Is It Worth It?
If you primarily want a smartwatch for basic notifications, calls, and fitness tracking, a Samsung Galaxy Watch could work with your iPhone. However, if you’re after the complete Samsung smartwatch experience, pairing it with a Samsung smartphone is the optimal choice.
- Download the Galaxy Wearable App: Available on the iOS App Store.
- Enable Bluetooth: Ensure both the iPhone and Samsung watch have Bluetooth enabled.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: The app guides you through the pairing process.
Alternatives for iPhone Users
The Apple Watch offers the most seamless integration and features when paired with an iPhone. If you’re firmly within the Apple ecosystem, it’s likely a more suitable choice.
Key Takeaways
- Many Samsung Galaxy watches can pair with iPhones through Bluetooth and a companion app.
- The pairing process is user-friendly, involving an app download and following on-screen instructions.
- While pairing is possible, some features may have limitations when using a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone.
Compatibility and Pairing
Connecting a Samsung smartwatch to an iPhone is possible if the devices are compatible. This section explains which devices work together, how to pair them, and what to expect once paired.
Supported Devices and Operating Systems
Samsung Watches Compatible with iPhone:
- Galaxy Watch Active (Tizen OS 3.0 or higher)
- Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Tizen OS 3.0 or higher)
- Galaxy Watch 3 (Tizen OS 3.0 or higher)
Note: Newer models, such as the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5, run on Google’s Wear OS which is not compatible with iPhones.
Required Operating Systems:
- iPhone: iOS 9.0 or later
- Samsung Watch: Tizen OS 3.0 or higher
Pairing Process and Setup
To pair a Samsung watch with an iPhone, users need to follow these steps:
- Download the Galaxy Wearable App from the App Store.
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the iPhone and the Samsung watch.
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on the iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions.
Key Pairing Settings:
- Bluetooth: Turned on for both devices.
- Galaxy Wearable App: Must be installed on the iPhone.
Functionality After Pairing
Once paired, users can enjoy several features on their Samsung watch with their iPhone. However, certain functions that are available with a Samsung smartphone may not be supported.
Available Functions:
- Notifications: Alerts for calls, messages, and apps.
- Music Control: Play, pause, and skip tracks on the iPhone.
- Sync Settings: Adjust to manage which notifications to receive on the watch.
Note: Features such as Samsung Pay and some messaging functions might be unavailable.
Features and Limitations
When pairing a Samsung Galaxy Watch with an iPhone, users experience a mix of functionality and restrictions. Understanding these will help in maximising the watch’s benefits and knowing its constraints.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Galaxy Watch shines in health and fitness tracking. It monitors workouts, heart rate, sleep, and stress. For iPhone users, these features remain accessible. The watch’s ability to sync this data with the iPhone allows for a comprehensive view of daily health goals.
Communication and Apps
While the Galaxy Watch can display notifications from the iPhone, responding directly from the watch is limited. Calls can be received and initiated, and users can switch between their watch and iPhone seamlessly. However, the access to apps is not as broad as with Android phones. The Galaxy App Store has fewer options when accessed from an iPhone, affecting the variety of apps available.
Customization and Performance
Users can personalize their watch experience with various watch faces and settings. The performance of the Galaxy Watch is consistent, offering a reliable battery life. However, compatibility limitations affect the ability to reset or adjust certain settings from an iPhone. Some features like Samsung Pay, Bixby, and LTE may not be available or have restricted functionality when connected to an iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section aims to clarify how Samsung Galaxy Watches interact with iPhones, covering compatibility, connection process, and feature availability.
Is Galaxy Watch 4 compatible with iPhone?
The Galaxy Watch 4 does not support pairing with an iPhone. It runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung, which currently lacks compatibility with iOS devices.
How can one connect a Galaxy Watch to an iPhone?
To pair a compatible Galaxy Watch with an iPhone, turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and open the Galaxy Watch app. Follow the on-screen prompts on both devices to establish a connection.
Can you receive and send text messages on a Samsung watch while it’s connected to an iPhone?
When connected to an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy Watch can display text message notifications. However, sending texts directly from the watch may not be supported.
What are the compatibility requirements for connecting a Samsung Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?
A Samsung Galaxy Watch must be running on Tizen OS to work with an iPhone. The iPhone needs to have the Galaxy Watch app installed and Bluetooth enabled for pairing.
Is the Galaxy Wearable app available for iPhones to use with Samsung watches?
Yes, the Galaxy Wearable app is available for download on the Apple App Store, enabling iPhone users to pair and manage selected Samsung Galaxy Watches.
Can you use the features of a Samsung watch fully when it is paired with an iPhone?
Some features of the Samsung watch might be limited when paired with an iPhone. For instance, replying to messages or emails and initiating calls may not be supported, while tracking fitness and receiving notifications generally work well.
Can Galaxy Watch 6 pair with other devices?
Yes, it pairs seamlessly with Android phones running Android 10 or higher.
Why the shift from Tizen to Wear OS?
Samsung moved to Wear OS to offer richer features and integrations, starting with the Galaxy Watch 4.
Are there cross-platform compatible smartwatches?
Yes, smartwatches like Fitbit by Google offer cross-platform compatibility.
Can I use Samsung Pay with an iPhone-paired Samsung watch?
Most likely not. Samsung Pay might face restrictions due to ecosystem differences.
