iPhone SE is the most affordable iPhone launched by Apple, since it’s long-rumored release. The four inch display phone isn’t the only affordable item that Apple released, because alongside it, the Apple Watch took a price cut starting at $299. Both devices were tempting for many people to get both owing to the low pricing, but owning both could come with its downsides.
One of the issues owners of both devices mention is when the iPhone SE can’t pair with Apple Watch. If this is your current situation, you can find some fixes below that can help you pair the two devices again.
How to fix iPhone SE can’t pair with Apple Watch
Disable Airplane (flight) mode
It’s easy to forget that airplane or flight mode is on. If you find it enabled on your iPhone SE, disable it so that you can pair it with your Apple Watch. Check the top right side of your iPhone to see if the airplane icon is visible or not. If it’s visible, then it’s activated. To disable it, swipe from the bottom up and tap airplane mode icon to deactivate it.
You can also try activating airplane mode and switching it off again before trying to pair the two devices.
Activate WiFi and Bluetooth
You can connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone SE via WiFi and Bluetooth. Activate both first by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and turn on the WiFi and Bluetooth icons if they’re off.
Bring the iPhone SE and Apple Watch close together
Distance can disturb the Bluetooth connection. Place your Apple Watch and iPhone SE close to each other as you try to pair the two devices.
Remove iPhone case
If you have a case for your iPhone SE, remove it and see if it can pair again with the Apple Watch. If it works, then the case is causing the issue.
Check your iPhone camera
If you’re pairing your Apple Watch for the first time with your iPhone, the camera is pointed to the Apple Watch’s display. If the camera isn’t working, pairing may not work as well.
Restart your iPhone
A reboot can cause some activities to stop, especially those that may disturb the pairing process between your iPhone SE and Apple Watch. Shut down the iPhone and let it rest for about 30 seconds before turning it on again. Try to pair the two devices again.
You can also force restart your iPhone if it can’t turn off by pressing and holding down the home and power buttons until it restarts, and try the pairing process again.
Update iOS version
If your iOS is outdated, it may interfere with the pairing process. Software updates come with critical bug fixes so to do this, go to Settings>General>Software Update. Tap download and install.
Reset all settings
To do this, go to Settings>General>Reset and Reset all settings. The iPhone will restart and reset the settings, and then you can try pairing again.
Erase all settings and contents
Backup your data before you erase everything, and then open Settings>General>Reset>Erase all content and settings.
Restore your iPhone
To do this, use a USB cable to connect to a computer and then open iTunes. On Summary, click Restore and iTunes will first download the firmware. Allow restoration to complete and then set up your iPhone before trying the pairing process again.
Elsie is a tech writer with 8+ years professional experience. For Tech News Watch, she brings rich experience contributing to topics such as Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS among others. In her spare time, she loves checking out the latest tech trends, gadgets, and news, listening to music and cars.