Trying to pair your iPhone XS Max with your Apple Watch but nothing’s working? Whether it’s stuck on the pairing screen or the connection keeps dropping, you’re not alone. Here’s how to troubleshoot and get both devices synced up again.
1. Restart Both Devices
The first thing to try is a simple restart. This clears out minor glitches.
To restart your iPhone XS Max:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume button until the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Turn it back on after 30 seconds.
To restart your Apple Watch:
- Press and hold the Side button until the power slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off.
- Press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.
Note: You can’t restart the Apple Watch while it’s charging.
2. Turn Bluetooth Off and On Again
A Bluetooth refresh can often resolve pairing issues.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Turn it off, then back on after a few seconds.
- Try pairing again.
3. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
This quick trick resets wireless radios on both devices.
On iPhone XS Max:
- Go to Settings > Airplane Mode and toggle it on.
- Wait 10 seconds, then turn it off again.
Do the same on your Apple Watch if needed.
4. Reset Network Settings
If Bluetooth is still failing, reset your iPhone’s network settings.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
This will erase saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, so you’ll have to reconnect afterward.
5. Unpair and Re-pair Your Apple Watch
If your devices were paired before and now won’t connect, try unpairing and starting fresh.
On iPhone:
- Open the Watch app.
- Tap the My Watch tab > tap the info icon next to your watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
Then reset the watch:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings on your Apple Watch.
Now set up the Apple Watch again using the Watch app or by holding the watch close to your iPhone and tapping Continue when the pairing prompt appears.
6. Check the Basics
Make sure all requirements are met:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled.
- Devices should be within a few inches of each other.
- Your Apple Watch must be fully charged.
- Airplane mode should be off.
- Your watch must be compatible with iOS version on the iPhone XS Max.
7. Still Not Pairing? Contact Apple Support
If none of these steps work, reach out to Apple Support. There may be a deeper software or hardware issue they can help resolve.