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To set up a Pixel Watch 5, pair it with a compatible Android phone in the Google Pixel Watch app, then choose a backup from your old Google Pixel Watch when prompted. That restores a previous Pixel Watch backup; it is not a general way to import data from any brand of watch. If you are keeping the same watch but changing phones, use Transfer Watch instead.

Before you start

  • Use a phone running Android 12.0 or newer. Google says Pixel Watch 5 works with most phones on that version of Android or later; setup also requires the Google Pixel Watch app and a Google Account. See Google’s Pixel Watch 5 specifications.
  • Charge both devices, update the phone and Pixel Watch app if updates are available, and connect the phone to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Turn on Bluetooth and allow location access for setup. Google’s setup guide recommends these preparations.
  • If the old device is a Pixel Watch, start its backup well before setting up the new one. Google says a backup can take up to a few days. Place the old watch on its charger, connect it to Wi-Fi, then in the Pixel Watch app use Google > Backup > Turn on. Details are in Google’s upgrade or transfer guide.

Set up the Pixel Watch 5

  1. Turn on the watch and bring it near your Android phone with Bluetooth enabled.
  2. If Fast Pair appears on the phone, follow its prompt. Otherwise, open the Google Pixel Watch app and begin setup. Select the Pixel Watch when it appears.
  3. Check that the pairing code on the phone matches the code on the watch. Pair only if the codes match. If they do not, restart the devices and try again.
  4. Sign in to your Google Account, accept the terms, and follow the setup prompts.
  5. When asked whether to restore, select the backup for your old Pixel Watch. Choose Don’t restore if you want to start fresh.
  6. Choose the wrist and crown orientation, then finish the remaining prompts. Google lists Google Health, LTE, safety features, Gemini, screen lock, Wallet, and app installation among possible setup options; availability can vary by model, region, and account.

Google’s Pixel Watch 5 FAQ says Backup and Restore with Google One can restore data from an older Google Pixel Watch, including settings, watch faces, messages, alarms, and more. The feature is for a prior Pixel Watch backup, not a universal transfer from another watch brand.

Choose the right transfer for what is changing

What is changing? Use this process What it does
You are replacing an older Google Pixel Watch with a Pixel Watch 5 Select the old watch’s backup during Pixel Watch 5 setup Restores the eligible prior Pixel Watch backup, including data and settings Google lists in its Pixel Watch 5 FAQ.
You are keeping your Pixel Watch 5 and replacing its phone Use Transfer Watch from Settings on the watch or in the Pixel Watch app Moves the existing watch connection and data to the new phone rather than restoring a backup onto a replacement watch. Google’s current Watch 5 FAQ identifies this menu label; its general transfer guide describes pairing and confirming the code on the new phone.
You are moving from a non-Pixel watch to Pixel Watch 5 Complete standard setup and check any individual services or apps for their own migration options The cited Google guidance establishes backup restore from an older Pixel Watch, not a full import from other watch brands.

Transfer the same Pixel Watch 5 to a new phone

  1. Start Transfer Watch from Settings on the watch or from the Pixel Watch app, as described in Google’s Watch 5 FAQ.
  2. Open the Pixel Watch app on the new phone and follow its pairing prompts. Confirm the pairing code matches on the watch and phone.
  3. Complete the transfer prompts. Google’s general help says the watch is unpaired from the old phone only after the transfer succeeds.

Google’s generic transfer help labels its procedure as requiring Wear OS 4, while Pixel Watch 5 specifications list Wear OS 7.0. Prefer the Watch 5-specific Transfer Watch label if the older generic instructions show different menu wording.

LTE and phone-number service

For the LTE Pixel Watch 5, Google says the watch can share the phone number after activation with a compatible operator, and the phone and watch must use the same operator. Carrier eligibility, plan requirements, and activation steps depend on the operator and region; check with your carrier before relying on cellular service away from the phone. See the Pixel Watch 5 product FAQ.

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#1 Best Overall
Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) - Smartwatch - Obsidian Active Band - Wi-Fi
  • The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
  • See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
  • The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
  • Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
  • Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]

If setup or pairing fails

  • Check that both devices have charge and install available software updates.
  • Confirm Bluetooth, location access, and Wi-Fi or mobile data are enabled, and keep the phone near the watch. For Fast Pair, Google specifies a distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft) or less.
  • Restart the watch: hold the crown for three seconds, select Restart, wait for the watch to finish restarting, then retry setup.
  • If the pairing codes do not match, do not approve the pairing; restart and try again.

See Google’s pairing troubleshooting guidance for these checks.

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Use factory reset only as a last resort

A factory reset erases apps, settings, and data, so it is not a routine step for transferring a watch or restoring a backup. If other troubleshooting has failed, back up what you can first. Google’s general instructions list Settings > Disconnect & reset on the watch, or System > Reset and unpair watch in the app. Menu names may vary with software version. See Google’s reset and pairing help.

Rank #4
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) 2024 Model - Android Smartwatch, Heart Rate Tracking, Fitbit Advanced Running, Fitness Insights, 24-Hour Battery - Matte Hazel Aluminum Case - Hazel Band - Wi-Fi
  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
  • Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
  • Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
  • Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
  • Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Rank #3
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) Latest Model - Matte Black Aluminum Case - Obsidian Band - Wi-Fi (Renewed)
  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
  • Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
  • Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
  • Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
  • Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Rank #2
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) - Smartwatch - Obsidian Active Band - LTE
  • 2yrs of data included with Pixel Watch 4 LTE[23]; Google Fi powers your messaging, navigation, and music on the go; offer only valid on Pixel Watch 4 LTE sold by and shipped from select sales channel
  • The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
  • See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
  • The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
  • Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]

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