Samsung watches have limited compatibility with iPhones
Most Samsung watches will not work with an iPhone. Samsung designs its watches to pair with Android phones, and the software that runs Samsung watches—called Wear OS or Tizen—does not fully support Apple's ecosystem. If you connect a Samsung watch to an iPhone, you will lose core features like notifications, health tracking, and app control.
The one exception is the Galaxy Watch4 and newer models running Wear OS 3, which can pair with iPhones through a workaround, but even then the experience is stripped down compared to pairing with an Android phone. You will not get the full feature set Samsung advertises.
If you own an iPhone and want a smartwatch, Apple Watch is the device built for your phone. If you already own a Samsung watch and want to use it with an iPhone, this guide explains what will and will not work.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung watches running Wear OS 3 (Galaxy Watch4 and later) can technically pair with iPhones, but Apple does not officially support this pairing and many features will not work.
- Older Samsung watches using Tizen software cannot connect to iPhones at all and require an Android phone.
- Even when a Samsung watch pairs with an iPhone, you lose notifications, third-party apps, and most health tracking features.
- Apple Watch is the only smartwatch designed to work fully with iPhone and is the recommended choice if you use an iPhone.
Which Samsung watches can pair with iPhone
The Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch6, and Galaxy Watch7 are the only Samsung watches that can technically connect to an iPhone. These models run Wear OS 3, which is Google's smartwatch operating system. Because Wear OS is not made by Samsung, it has some ability to work across different phone brands—but Apple still does not officially support it.
All older Samsung watches—including the Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch Active series, and Galaxy Watch Classic—use Samsung's own Tizen operating system. Tizen watches cannot connect to iPhones under any circumstances. If you own one of these models and want to use a smartwatch with your iPhone, you will need to switch to an Apple Watch.
Even if you own a newer Wear OS watch, the pairing process is not straightforward. You will need to sideload the Wear OS app onto your iPhone through a workaround, since Apple does not list it in the App Store. This means downloading the app file directly rather than through the official store.
What features work when you pair a Samsung Wear OS watch with iPhone
When you connect a Galaxy Watch4 or newer to an iPhone, you can see the time, access basic watch faces, and use the watch as a fitness tracker for step counting and distance. You can also receive some notifications, though not all apps will send them reliably. The watch will vibrate when you get a call or text, but you cannot answer calls directly from the watch.
Health features are severely limited. The watch will track steps and basic movement, but sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and blood pressure readings either do not work or require manual input. Workout tracking is minimal compared to what you get with an Android phone. You also cannot install third-party apps on the watch when it is paired with an iPhone—only the pre-installed apps are available.
Payment features like Samsung Pay do not work with iPhone. You cannot use the watch to unlock your phone, control music playback, or send messages. The watch cannot receive software updates while paired with an iPhone, which means you will miss security patches and new features.
How to pair a Samsung Wear OS watch with iPhone if you choose to try
This process is not supported by Apple or Samsung, so if something breaks, neither company will help you fix it. You do this at your own risk.
First, read the Wear OS app onto your iPhone. Since Apple does not carry it in the App Store, you will need to find the app file (called an IPA file) from a third-party source and use a tool like AltStore or Sideloadly to install it. This requires a computer and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Search online for "how to sideload Wear OS on iPhone" to find current instructions, as the process changes when Apple updates iOS.
Once the app is installed, open it and turn on your Samsung watch. Put the watch in pairing mode by swiping down from the top of the watch screen, tapping Settings, then About, then tapping the watch name repeatedly until you see a pairing code. Open the Wear OS app on your iPhone, tap the plus sign to add a device, and enter the code when prompted. The watch will then attempt to connect.
Connection can take several minutes and may fail on the first try. If it fails, restart both devices and try again. Even after a successful pairing, the watch may disconnect randomly and require re-pairing.
Why Apple Watch is the better choice for iPhone users
Apple Watch is built specifically for iPhone and receives all features and updates that Samsung watches cannot. You get full notification support from any app, direct calling and messaging from the watch, complete health tracking including ECG and blood oxygen, and the ability to install thousands of third-party apps. Apple Watch also integrates with Siri, Apple Pay, and your iPhone's lock screen.
Apple Watch pairs when ready and stays connected reliably. Updates happen automatically and include new features within weeks of iOS updates. If something goes wrong, Apple Support can help you troubleshoot. The experience is seamless because both devices are made by the same company.
If you already own a Samsung watch and want to use it with an iPhone, the pairing process is complicated, unsupported, and gives you only a fraction of the watch's features. Switching to Apple Watch costs money upfront but saves you time and frustration in the long run.
What to do if you own a Samsung watch and just got an iPhone
If you recently switched from Android to iPhone and own a Samsung watch, you have three options. The first is to keep your Android phone as a secondary device just to use with the watch—this works if you have an old Android phone lying around, but it means carrying two phones.
The second option is to attempt the Wear OS pairing described above. This works if you want basic timekeeping and step counting, but you will lose most of the features you had on Android. The watch will feel broken compared to what you are used to.
The third option is to sell or donate your Samsung watch and buy an Apple Watch. This is the most expensive choice upfront, but it is the only way to get a fully functional smartwatch experience with your iPhone. Apple Watch models range from $250 to $800 depending on size and features, and older used models are often available for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Samsung Galaxy Buds with my iPhone?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds can pair with iPhones through standard Bluetooth and will work for music and calls. You will not get Samsung's full app features, but basic audio functionality works fine. This is different from Samsung watches, which have deeper software integration that iPhones do not support.
Will my Samsung watch work if I switch back to Android?
Yes. If you return to an Android phone, your Samsung watch will work normally again. The watch will reconnect to your Android phone automatically, and all features will return. You do not need to reset the watch or do anything special—just turn on Bluetooth and pair it as you normally would.
What if I buy a new Samsung watch—will it work better with iPhone?
Newer Samsung watches (Galaxy Watch6 and Watch7) use the same Wear OS software as older Wear OS models, so the pairing experience and feature limitations are the same. A newer watch will not give you better iPhone compatibility. If you want a fully supported smartwatch for iPhone, you need Apple Watch.
Can I use my Samsung watch as a regular watch if it will not connect to my iPhone?
Yes. A Samsung watch will display the time, show a watch face, and work as a basic timepiece even without a phone connection. However, you will not get notifications, health tracking, or any smart features. It will function like a regular digital watch with a touchscreen.
Is there any Samsung watch that works fully with iPhone?
No. Samsung does not make any watch designed to work fully with iPhone. Even the Wear OS models have limited compatibility and lose major features. If you need a smartwatch that works completely with iPhone, Apple Watch is your only option.