Fix: Apply Watch Keeps Getting Disconnected

The connection between the Apple Watch and iPhone can sometimes drop suddenly, even when both devices are close to each other. This can lead to missed notifications, problems syncing activity, and some apps not working properly. Most of the time, this happens because Bluetooth isn’t working as it should.

This is often seen after a recent iOS update or when you start using a new iPhone. Other possible reasons include Focus modes being set up incorrectly, battery-saving settings being turned on, or issues with Wi-Fi calling.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

Troubleshooting Prerequisites

• If you use an extender link on your watch’s strap, remove it and check if the problem goes away.
• Ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone.

1. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode on the Watch and iPhone

Sometimes, the communication modules on your watch or phone do not work as expected, which can prevent a reconnection. Enabling and then disabling Airplane Mode on both devices can help reset their connections.

1. Open the Control Center on your watch and tap the Airplane icon.

   

2. Wait a minute, then turn off Airplane Mode. See if your devices reconnect.
3. If you still have issues, try disabling Wi-Fi on the watch and check if that helps.

2. Restart the iPhone and Apple Watch

Ongoing connection problems can be caused by minor software hiccups on either the watch or iPhone. Restarting both devices often resolves these issues.

2.1. Restart Watch

1. On the watch, press and hold the side button.

   

2. When the Power slider appears, slide it to turn off the watch.
3. Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button again.
4. Release the button when the Apple logo appears.
5. After it powers on, check if the disconnection is fixed.

2.2. Restart the iPhone

1. Press and hold the side or top button.

   

2. When the power slider appears, slide it to turn off the iPhone.
3. Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the side or top button.
4. Let go when the Apple logo shows up, and check if the watch is connected after the phone restarts.

2.3. Restart Both

1. Power off your iPhone. While it’s off, restart your Apple Watch.
2. Power on your iPhone and see if the watch connects.

3. Update The Apple Watch and iPhone to the Latest OS

Running outdated software on either device can affect how they connect. Make sure both your iPhone and Apple Watch are updated to the latest available versions. Before updating, back up your data and ensure both devices are fully charged and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Also, check that there is enough free space to complete the update.

3.1. Update the iPhone

1. Go to iPhone Settings, then General > Software Update.

   

2. If an iOS update is available, download and install it. Restart your iPhone afterwards.
3. Restart your Apple Watch and check if it reconnects normally.

3.2. Update the Apple Watch

You can update your Apple Watch either directly on the watch or through the Watch app on your iPhone.

3.2.1. Through the Watch App on iPhone

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to My Watch > General > Software Update.

   

2. If you see a WatchOS update, install it and restart your watch.
3. Restart your iPhone and see if the problem is fixed.

3.2.2. Through the Watch Settings on Apple Watch

1. Go to Settings on the watch: General > Software Update.

   

2. If there’s an update, install it and restart your watch.
3. Restart your iPhone and check if the issue is gone.

4. Disable VPN on the Paired iPhone

If your iPhone is using a VPN, your watch may not be able to connect to it over Wi-Fi if Bluetooth is unavailable. Disabling the VPN can fix this problem.

1. On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN.

   

2. Turn off the VPN, then restart your iPhone.
3. Restart your Apple Watch and see if the connection is restored.

5. Disable Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch

When the Apple Watch enters Low Power Mode, it can limit several key features—including connectivity. To fix this disconnection, turn off Low Power Mode:

1. Open Apple Watch Settings and go to Workout.
2. Turn off Low Power Mode and check if the watch connects.

   

6. Disable and Enable Bluetooth

If Bluetooth is glitching on either device, toggling it off and back on can reset the connection. Try the steps below for the device that seems to have the problem:

6.1. On the Apple Watch

1. Go to Settings on your Apple Watch and open Bluetooth.

   

2. Turn off Bluetooth and wait about a minute.
3. Turn Bluetooth back on and check if the watch reconnects.

6.2. On the iPhone

1. Open iPhone Settings > Bluetooth.

   

2. Switch off Bluetooth and wait a minute.
3. Turn Bluetooth on, then find your Apple Watch in the list and select it to connect.
4. If it doesn’t connect, turn off Bluetooth and restart your iPhone.
5. Once your iPhone has restarted, enable Bluetooth and reconnect your Apple Watch.

6.3. On the iPhone and Apple Watch

1. Turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone and turn on Airplane Mode on your Apple Watch.
2. Now, turn Bluetooth on again on the iPhone, and disable Airplane Mode on the watch. Check if they reconnect.
3. If not, turn off both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
4. Restart your Apple Watch.
5. Finally, turn Bluetooth and Wi-Fi back on the iPhone and check if the watch connects.

7. Re-pair or Reset the Apple Watch and iPhone

If your watch still shows as disconnected, some of the critical system files may be damaged. Resetting and re-pairing both devices can solve the problem.

Before you start, back up your data on both devices, as a reset will erase your information. Make sure both are fully charged.

7.1. Unpair the Apple Watch with the iPhone

1. Open iPhone Settings and go to General > iPhone Storage.
2. Select Watch and remove all old backups.

   

3. Place the Apple Watch near your iPhone and open the Watch app.
4. Go to My Watch > All Watches, then select your watch.
5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch and confirm.

   

6. Uninstall the Watch app from your iPhone, then restart the iPhone.
7. Reinstall the Watch app and pair your Apple Watch again. Check if the connection issue is resolved.

7.2. Reset the Apple Watch

You can reset your Apple Watch either through your iPhone or directly on the watch.

7.2.1. Through the Watch App

1. Go to the Watch app and navigate to My Watch > General > Reset.
2. Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.

   

3. Confirm, let it reset, and then set up your watch again. See if the problem persists.

7.2.2. Through Watch Settings

1. Open Settings on the watch and go to General > Reset.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

   

3. Confirm and wait for the process to finish. Set up your watch and check if it connects properly.

7.2.3 Hard Reset the Apple Watch

If you can’t access the Watch app or Settings on the watch, try a hard reset:

1. Place the Apple Watch on a charger and lock it.
2. On the passcode screen, press and hold the side button.
3. Release when the Power Off slider appears.
4. Press and hold the Digital Crown.

   

5. Release when you see Erase Content and Settings.

   

6. Tap to confirm and select Reset. When finished, set up the watch and check if it stays connected.

7.3. Reset the iPhone

1. On the iPhone, open Settings > General > Reset.
2. Select Erase Content and Settings.

   

3. Confirm, wait for the process to complete, and set up your iPhone as new.
4. Pair it with your Apple Watch and hopefully, you won’t see more disconnected messages.

If none of these steps work and you have an iPad available, try enabling Bluetooth on the iPad to see if your Apple Watch will connect to it. If that also fails, contact Apple Support. If your watch is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement. Otherwise, it’s best to have your device checked for any hardware issues.