It’s time to learn how to set up your new smartwatch

Technology is increasingly making old-school watch faces obsolete. With a smartwatch, you can do so much more than just tell time from your wrist. 

You can send emails. You can take calls. You can track your physical fitness. You can manage appointments… Well, you get the picture. 

But if you’re new to this game, you might be asking, how do you set up such a sophisticated piece of tech? Don’t worry. This guide will walk you through step-by-step directions on how to set up your smartwatch. 

How to set up a smartwatch

The specific process of setting up your smartwatch depends on the device. Each has its own steps. Below, we’ll walk through the Fitbit setup and the Apple Watch setup.

How to set up a Fitbit

Every Fitbit setup starts with the same basic steps: 

1. Charge and turn on the Fitbit device 
2. Download the Fitbit app on your mobile device
3. Sign up for or log in to your account
4. Tap on your account icon 
5. Tap Set up a Device and choose your Fitbit model 

From here, you’ll need to get device-specific: 

Fitbit Versa

You should see the Fitbit Versa in the list of models to choose from. Select that and kick off the setup. 

1. After reading and tapping through the prompts, your mobile device will connect with the Versa via Bluetooth 
2. You’ll see numbers on the Versa screen; enter those into the app on the phone 
3. Tap Next and connect to your Wi-Fi network
4. Tap Next to download any updates for your Versa
5. Once that’s complete, tap Continue to be on your way! 

Fitbit Alta HR

After you’ve chosen the Alta HR from the Fitbit device list, you’ll follow the same steps as you would for the Versa. 

1. Make your way through the prompts, and your mobile device will use Bluetooth to connect with the Alta HR
2. When you see numbers on the Alta HR screen, enter them into the app on your phone
3. Tap Next and connect to your Wi-Fi network
4. Tap Next to download necessary updates for your Alta HR
5. Once that’s complete, tap Continue and you’re ready to go 

How to set up Apple Watch

The Apple Watch setup is fairly simple: 

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone 
2. To use your phone’s camera, tap Start Pairing and hold the watch up to your phone’s camera. To do it manually, tap Pair Apple Watch Manually and tap your watch’s name in the list that pops up. You should get a prompt to enter a six-digit code, which should appear on your watch’s display 
3. After you’ve successfully paired the devices, go to the Apple Watch app on your phone and tap Set Up Apple Watch 
4. Choose your preferences and accept the terms and conditions 
5. Log in with your Apple ID credentials 
6. Walk through the rest of the prompts, granting location services, creating a watch passcode and deciding whether to unlock the watch from your phone 
7. Set up Apple Pay to make mobile payments 
8. Set up Emergency SOS to be able to call emergency services and alert selected contacts from your watch when you’re in trouble 
9. Choose which apps you want to install on your Apple Watch 
10. Once the Apple Watch has finished syncing with your iPhone, you’re ready to go!

How to set up cellular on Apple Watch

To get a mobile connection on your Apple Watch, without a tethered phone, open the Apple Watch app on your phone. 

1. Go to the My Watch tab 
2. Tap Cellular 
3. Tap Set Up Cellular 

The app should then take you through your carrier-specific steps to set up the connection.

How to set up hard fall on Apple Watch

Fall detection is Apple Watch’s way of protecting you if it senses you have taken a spill while wearing the watch. This is an especially handy feature for seniors. 

In the Apple Watch app on your phone: 

1. Go to the My Watch tab
2. Tap Emergency SOS
3. Look for Fall Detection to turn it on or off 

Now that you know how to set up your smartwatch, learn what you need to know about keeping your phone and other devices secure. And don’t forget to recycle your old devices!

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