Fix: Apple Watch 8 Not Pairing With iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series

Undoubtedly, the Apple Watch 8 is one of the most advanced and coveted smartwatches available today. In addition to fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, messaging, and phone calls, it also includes a number of other features. However, users may occasionally encounter difficulties with the device failing to pair with their iPhones, which can be particularly irritating for those who heavily depend on their Apple Watch for daily tasks. Below, we explore some prevalent reasons why the Apple Watch 8 may experience pairing issues with iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series, along with solutions to address them.

What Are The Reasons for Apple Watch 8 Not Pairing With iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series?

1. Software Issues: Software issues are generally to blame for Apple Watches not pairing with iPhones. Typically, this occurs when the software is outdated, glitchy, or bugged.
2. Bluetooth Connection Issues: Bluetooth is how the Apple Watch 8 and iPhone communicate. It is possible that the devices can’t connect if there are issues with the Bluetooth connection.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: Having problems with your Wi-Fi is another common issue. To communicate with your iPhone, the Apple Watch uses Wi-Fi. The devices might not pair if the Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable.
4. Low Battery: If one of the devices’ batteries is low, it might be difficult to establish a connection.
5. Distance: There is a possibility that the Apple Watch cannot connect to the iPhone if it is too far away from it.

How to Fix Apple Watch 8 Not Pairing With iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series

Here are some fixes that you need to perform Apple Watch 8 pairing with iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14:

Fix 1: Update the Software

You need to update the software to resolve the not pairing with iPhone issues when your Apple Watch 8 doesn’t pair with your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series. Compatibility issues can arise between two devices due to outdated software, leading to connectivity issues. Here’s how to update your iPhone’s software:

1. Tap the “Settings” app on your iPhone on the home screen.
2. Tap the “General” option after scrolling down.
3. To check if your device requires an update, tap “Software Update.”
4. Tap “Download and Install” if an update is available.
5. Complete the update by following the on-screen instructions.

Please note that the update process can take a while depending on your internet speed and the update size. The update process requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and your iPhone is plugged in or has sufficient battery life.

You can update your Apple Watch 8’s software by following these steps:

1. At least 50% of your Apple Watch 8’s battery should be charged.
2. Place your Apple Watch 8 near your iPhone and connect it to its charger.
3. Open the “Watch” app on your iPhone.
4. Select “General” from the “My Watch” tab.
5. Click on “Software Update.”
6. Tap on “Download and Install” if an update is available for your Apple Watch 8.
7. To complete the update, follow the instructions on the screen.

Your devices might require significant storage space if updated with the latest software. Ensure you have sufficient storage space before updating your iPhone and Apple Watch.

Fix 2: Check Distance

There could be a range of iPhone issues between your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series and the Apple Watch 8. Both devices must be close to each other to complete the pairing process. To maintain a distance between the devices, follow these steps:

1. You should wear your Apple Watch 8 on your wrist and keep your iPhone within a reasonable distance, usually between 30 feet or 9 meters.
2. If you have trouble pairing your devices, you may need to move your iPhone closer to your Apple Watch 8.
3. You should avoid walls and metal objects that may block communication between your devices. These obstacles can sometimes weaken the Bluetooth signal and make pairing difficult.
4. Move both devices to a different location where fewer obstacles block the signal if you still have trouble pairing your devices.
5. Following the steps in the previous solution, restart both devices and try pairing them again as soon as they are within range of each other.

The distance between devices can cause pairing issues, but it may not be the root cause. You may want to try the other solutions in this article if the issue persists even after ensuring both devices are within reach.

Fix 3: Restart Both Devices

Restarting your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series devices may be effective if updating the software did not resolve the pairing issue with your Apple Watch 8. Performing a reboot on both devices can reset their systems and fix any minor software glitches that might prevent them from connecting. To restart both devices, follow these steps:

How to Restart Your iPhone

1. When you press and hold the power button, your device will display a “Slide to power off” slider.
2. To turn off your iPhone, drag the slider to the right.
3. After that, hold the power button for a few seconds, then press and hold it again to see the Apple logo.
4. You will be prompted to restart your iPhone after releasing the power button.

How to Restart Your Apple Watch 8

1. Your device will appear with a slider that says “Power Off” when you hold the right-hand side button.
2. After that, drag the slider to the right to turn off your Apple Watch 8.
3. Hold down the side button for a few seconds and wait for the Apple logo to appear.
4. You will be prompted to restart your Apple Watch 8 once you release the side button.

Try pairing the devices again after both have restarted to see if the problem has been resolved.

When you restart your devices, no data, settings, or media will be erased. In addition to refreshing their systems and solving minor issues, it is also a safe and effective method.

Fix 4: Check Bluetooth Connection

To resolve this issue, check your Bluetooth connection between your Apple Watch 8 and your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series. Using Bluetooth, you can check your devices’ connection by following these steps:

1. Initially, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Select “Bluetooth.”
3. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. Toggle the switch to turn it on if it isn’t.
4. Connect your Apple Watch 8 to “My Devices” by looking for it under “My Devices.” To connect it, tap it if it’s not connected.
5. Now, swipe up from the watch face to access the Control Center on your Apple Watch 8.
6. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on by looking for the Bluetooth icon. Tap it if it is not already turned on to turn it on.
7. You can forget this device by tapping on the “i” icon next to your iPhone’s name under “Paired Phones” and selecting “Forget This Device.” Then, try pairing your devices again.

To resolve the issue, try resetting the iPhone’s network settings. When you reset your network settings, all Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings will be erased. To reset the network settings on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone, open the “Settings” app.
2. Click on “General.”
3. Tap “Reset” at the bottom of the page.
4. Click “Reset Network Settings.”
5. If prompted, enter your passcode.
6. To confirm, tap on “Reset Network Settings” again.

To use your Bluetooth device again, you will need to re-pair your Bluetooth device after resetting the network settings.

Fix 5: Forget And Re-Pair Devices

The next step you should take if your Apple Watch 8 has not paired with your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series after you have updated the software, restarted both devices, and checked the Bluetooth connection is to forget and re-pairing the devices.

When you forget and re-pair your devices, they are essentially erased from their previous connections and start all over again. To forget and re-pair your devices, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
2. Select “Bluetooth.”
3. On the left side of the screen, find your Apple Watch 8 and tap on the “i” icon.
4. On the “Forget This Device” screen, click “Forget.”
5. Verify that the device should be forgotten.
6. Go to your Apple Watch 8’s home screen and tap “Settings.”
7. Click on “Bluetooth.”
8. Under “Available Devices,” select your iPhone.
9. To complete the pairing process, follow the instructions on the screen.
10. To complete the pairing process, enter the passcode on your Apple Watch 8 and iPhone.

Once you have completed these steps, you should be able to pair your Apple Watch 8 with iOS 11, 12, 13, and 14.

Fix 6: Check Wi-Fi Connectivity

The Wi-Fi connection on your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series could be the cause of your Apple Watch 8 not pairing with your iPhone 11. 

1. To change your iPhone settings, open the “Settings” app.
2. Click on “Wi-Fi.”
3. Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on. Toggle the switch to turn it on if it is not on.
4. You should check your iPhone’s Wi-Fi connection. If it is not connected, select a Wi-Fi network to connect to and enter the password if necessary.
5. Try disconnecting and reconnecting from a Wi-Fi network if your iPhone is connected to one. It is sometimes possible to resolve a connection issue by reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
6. Try resetting your Wi-Fi network settings if you’re having trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi network. To do this, launch the “Settings” app, choose “General,” scroll down to “Reset,” and tap “Reset Network Settings.” This will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords, so be prepared to enter them again.
7. If you want to access the settings on the Apple Watch 8, go to the home screen and tap “Settings.”
8. Click on “Wi-Fi.”
9. Check to see if Wi-Fi is enabled. It should be turned on if it isn’t already.
10. If your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple Watch 8, then connect the Apple Watch 8 to that network. When you are prompted for a password, enter one if necessary if it is not connected to Wi-Fi.
11. It may be necessary to disconnect and reconnect your Apple Watch 8 if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. It is sometimes possible to resolve a connectivity issue by reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Fix 7: Reset Network Settings

If your Apple Watch 8 still does not pair with your phone, you may be able to fix it by resetting your network settings on your iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series if your Apple Watch 8 still does not pair with your phone. The process of resetting network settings on an iPhone essentially erases everything that has been saved in the settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords, VPN and APN settings, and cellular settings. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:

1. Initially, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Click on “General.”
3. Tap “Reset” when you reach it.
4. Click on “Reset Network Settings.”
5. If prompted, enter your passcode.
6. Make sure you want to reset your network settings.
7. Reset your network settings on your iPhone once it has completed the process. It may take a while for this to complete.
8. Your iPhone and Apple Watch 8 should be restarted after your iPhone has finished resetting its network settings.
9. After both devices are restarted, follow the steps outlined in the previous solution to pair them again.

You should know that resetting your iPhone’s network settings will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN and APN settings, as well as cellular settings. Consequently, any saved Wi-Fi passwords must be entered again, and VPN and APN settings must be re-configured. You may want to contact your network provider for assistance if you do not have this information or if you do not feel comfortable doing this.

Fix 8: Charge Devices

One or both of the iPhone 11, 12, 13, or 14 Series devices may have low battery levels if your Apple Watch 8 is not pairing with them. To complete the pairing process, both your Apple Watch 8 and iPhone must have a sufficient battery charge.

Also Read: Fix: Apple Watch Ultra Compass Keeps Opening or Turning On

So, that’s how to fix the Apple Watch 8 might not pair with iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14 Series. We hope that this guide has helped you. Meanwhile, for more info, comment below and let us know.