I just received my new Apple watch SE and it won’t pair with my phone which is up to date on iOS

Hello Curlieljd,

Congratulations on your new Apple Watch SE! Being able to set up this device on your iPhone is important and you've come to a great place for help! The steps listed below are specific to setting up your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Those steps are outlined in more detail via the link below.

1. "Turn on your Apple Watch and put it on"
2. "Hold your Apple Watch close to your iPhone"
3. "Hold your iPhone over the animation"
4. "Set up as new or restore from a backup"
5. "Sign in with your Apple ID"
6. "Create a passcode"
7. "Customize your settings"
8. "Set up cellular and Apple Pay"
9. "Keep your devices close as they sync"

Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you're completing the steps there and are still unable to connect or pair your Apple Watch, you'll want to complete the steps outlined in the article below. The steps listed there are specific to resolving the issue you're facing.

If your Apple Watch isn't connected or paired with your iPhone - Apple Support

Take care!

Curlieljd wrote:

I just received my new Apple Watch SE and it will not pair with my iPhone. IOS is up to date.

When you say your phone is up-to-date, do you mean iOS15.7? Or iOS 16? The watch requires iOS 16.

Curlieljd wrote:

Unfortunately, it seems there are problems with IOS 16 at the moment so I guess I will have to wait to wear my new watch until they fix the many issues.

No, there aren't any major problems with iOS 16.