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How to Connect Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 to Your Phone

The Galaxy Watch 5 connects to Android phones via Bluetooth 5.2, providing improved range and stability over previous models. The watch requires the Galaxy Wearable app and is not compatible with iPhone.

Requirements​

Before connecting, ensure you have:

  • Android phone running Android 8.0 or higher
  • Galaxy Wearable app installed from Google Play Store
  • Bluetooth enabled on your phone
  • Watch charged to at least 30%

Connection Steps​

Follow these steps for first-time connection.

  1. Turn on your Galaxy Watch 5 by holding the Home button
  2. Select your language on the watch
  3. Open Galaxy Wearable on your phone
  4. Tap Start (or the + icon to add a new device)
  5. Select Galaxy Watch5 from the device list
  6. Wait for the app to find your watch
  7. Verify the passkey matches on both devices
  8. Tap OK on your phone and the checkmark on your watch
  9. Sign in to your Samsung account (recommended)
  10. Grant permissions for contacts, calls, messages, and notifications
  11. Wait for initial sync (5-10 minutes)

Connection Indicators​

Check your connection status at a glance.

  • Connected: Solid blue Bluetooth icon on watch face
  • Disconnected: Red line through Bluetooth icon, or icon missing
  • Standalone Mode: Watch functions independently when disconnected, limited features

The Galaxy Wearable app shows "Connected" when your watch is properly linked.

Bluetooth 5.2 Benefits​

The upgraded Bluetooth in the Galaxy Watch 5 provides improved performance.

  • Range: Up to 40 meters in open space
  • Stability: Fewer disconnections than Bluetooth 5.0
  • Power efficiency: Better battery life than older standards
  • Data transfer: Faster syncing

Wi-Fi Remote Connection​

Stay connected even when out of Bluetooth range.

When both devices are connected to the internet (watch via Wi-Fi, phone via any connection), notifications continue syncing even if Bluetooth is out of range.

Enable Remote Connection: Galaxy Wearable Watch settings General Remote connection

Connect Watch to Wi-Fi: Settings Connections Wi-Fi Select network

Maintaining Connection​

Keep your connection stable with these practices.

  • Keep Bluetooth enabled on your phone at all times
  • Don't force close the Galaxy Wearable app
  • Disable battery optimization for Galaxy Wearable: Phone Settings Apps Galaxy Wearable Battery Unrestricted
  • Keep devices within 10 meters for optimal Bluetooth connection
  • Restart both devices periodically if connection becomes unstable

Troubleshooting Connection Issues​

If your watch disconnects or won't connect:

  1. Restart both devices: Turn off and on both watch and phone
  2. Check Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
  3. Update the app: Install latest Galaxy Wearable from Play Store
  4. Clear Bluetooth cache: Phone Settings Apps Bluetooth Storage Clear cache
  5. Re-pair devices: Unpair in Galaxy Wearable, forget device in phone's Bluetooth settings, restart both, and pair again

See Also: How to Pair Galaxy Watch 5|Not Pairing Troubleshooting

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