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Back up your watch from Galaxy Wearable on your old phone, start the transfer on the watch, then complete pairing in Galaxy Wearable on your new phone. Back up first: depending on the watch model and software, reconnecting may reset the watch and erase its existing data.

Before you transfer: back up the watch

On your old phone, open Galaxy Wearable and go to Watch settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data. Wait for the backup to finish before moving on. Samsung recommends backing up before reconnecting a watch to another phone. Samsung’s UK instructions note that the outcome can depend on the watch model and software version: reconnecting may reset the watch and remove all existing data.

Transfer the watch to your new phone

  1. Start on the watch. Swipe down from the top of the screen, open Settings > General > Transfer watch to new phone, and tap the check mark to begin.
  2. Open Galaxy Wearable on the new phone. Tap Start and select your watch.
  3. Verify the pairing number. Compare the number shown on the watch with the one on the phone. If they match, tap Confirm on the phone.
  4. Finish setup. Follow the agreement and setup prompts, then wait for the connection to complete.
  5. Restore data if offered. If a Select item to restore screen appears, choose the backed-up data you want to restore.

Samsung’s pairing guidance describes the confirmation and restore prompts during setup. See Samsung Canada’s instructions.

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If you cannot find the transfer setting

The menu location can vary by watch model and software. For example, Samsung Canada lists Watch Settings > About watch > Transfer watch to new phone for connecting to a new Samsung Galaxy phone. If that path does not match your watch, check Samsung’s support page for the exact model and software rather than assuming the watch cannot be transferred. Samsung Canada: connecting a Galaxy Watch to a new phone.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Graphite [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
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  • A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.

Check compatibility, especially with an older watch

Compatibility depends on the watch model and the new phone’s software. As a specific example, Samsung’s US guidance for the Galaxy S25 series lists Galaxy Watch FE, Watch7, Watch Ultra, Watch6, Watch5, Watch4, and older listed families as compatible. The same guidance says Gear Sport, Gear S2 Classic, Gear S3 Frontier, Gear S3 Classic, Gear Fit2, and Gear Fit2 Pro are not compatible with Galaxy phones running Android 14 or later. These limits are specific to Samsung’s US Galaxy S25 guidance; check the support information for your phone, watch, and region before relying on them. Samsung US: Galaxy S25 compatibility guidance.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 46mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Rotating Bezel, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy Score, Black [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
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  • BUILT TO PERFORM. DESIGNED TO IMPRESS: Show off your style with an iconic design that blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.¹ A brighter screen makes everything easy to see, and a rotating bezel gives you access to your favorite apps
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
  • SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
  • YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
  • NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
  • A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch9, Graphite, 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch
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  • TRACK YOUR NIGHTS. OWN YOUR DAYS: Galaxy Watch9 gives you personalized recommendations and habit-building guidance with Advanced Sleep Coaching.⁶ Plus, Bedtime Guidance⁷ helps you find your optimal bedtime so you can wake up feeling refreshed.

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