Not every Apple Watch includes cellular hardware, and for those with the Wi-Fi only model, the connection to an iPhone is a necessity. However, this requirement means that if communication is lost, internet connectivity is also lost and along with it, much of the functionality. That includes receiving notifications, messages and calls on the Apple Watch. So keeping that link to the iPhone is important. Any Bluetooth device will have its share of connection problems, but there are some useful tips that can help when it comes to an Apple Watch.

Most importantly, the iPhone and Apple Watch need to be within Bluetooth range for the connection to work. If the iPhone is too far away from the Apple Watch, the connection will be lost. Bringing the two devices within range should fix basic connectivity issues. If not, Apple suggests going to the Control Center (swipe up from the bottom of the Apple Watch home screen) to check status. A green phone icon at the top indicates connected, whereas a red icon with a line through it (or a red X) indicates the connection has been lost. While in Control Center, make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on the Apple Watch (the icon should be blue), and Airplane mode is disabled. If Airplane mode is on, an orange airplane icon will appear at the top of the Apple Watch screen. Tap the airplane icon in Control Center to turn it off.

Related: How To Clear Messages On An Apple Watch

Enable Bluetooth & Wi-Fi On iPhone

iPhone displaying Control Center

If the iPhone is near the Apple Watch and it's still not connecting, try turning Bluetooth off and on again on the iPhone. To do this, swipe down from the top left corner of the iPhone to open Control Center, and tap the Bluetooth symbol to toggle the connection off and on again. While in Control Center, make sure Wi-Fi is turned on (icon should be blue) and Airplane mode is turned off (icon should be gray).

If toggling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi doesn't fix the issue, users can try forcing their Apple Watch and iPhone to reconnect. To do this, bring both devices together so that they are within range. Next, swipe down from the top right corner of the iPhone and make sure Airplane mode is turned off, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and turned on. Users should also make sure that Airplane mode is turned off on their Apple Watch by going to Control Center. Once the settings are in place, restart the Apple Watch and iPhone.

Restart The Apple Watch & iPhone

Apple Watch power off screen

To restart an Apple Watch running watchOS 9, press and hold the side button until the power button appears in the top right corner of the screen. Tap on the button and then drag the Power Off slider. Once the Apple Watch is switched off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. To restart an Apple Watch that's running an older version of watchOS, press and hold the side button and then drag the Power Off slider on the screen. Restart the smartwatch the same way. Users should make sure that their Apple Watch isn't charging when attempting to restart it.

Next, users will need to restart an iPhone. To do this, simultaneously press and hold the power button and either the volume up or volume down button until 'Slide to power off' appears on the screen. Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone. To turn on the iPhone, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

It is almost a cliché to advise this, but powering devices off and back on has been known to solve some of the most difficult problems with technology. It is commonly accepted that leaving the device off for 30 seconds to a full minute will help clear memory and give the chip contained within a fresh start. The reason is that electronics, such as capacitors, hold their charge even after power is removed.

Unpair and Repair The Apple Watch

An unpaired Apple Watch next to an iPhone

If connection problems persist, it’s time to try unpairing and repairing. This will clear the user’s Apple Watch of all data, but it is backed up on the iPhone, so that shouldn’t be a problem. All of that information will be restored when the connection is made again. In the Apple Watch app on an iPhone, go to 'My Watch,' then tap on 'All Watches.' Tap the “i” icon next to the watch, and then tap 'Unpair Apple Watch.' Tap 'Unpair [watch name],' enter the Apple ID password to disable the activation lock, and tap 'Unpair' again.

Once the Apple Watch is unpaired, it's time to pair it with the iPhone again. To do this, bring the Apple Watch near the iPhone, and wait for the pairing screen to appear on the iPhone. Tap 'Continue' and follow the onscreen instructions to pair the Apple Watch with the iPhone. Once unpaired and paired again, any persistent connectivity issues should be solved. If not, it might be time to take the Apple Watch and iPhone to the service center.

Source: Apple