How to Transfer Settings from Old Galaxy Watch to New One
When upgrading to a new Galaxy Watch, you can transfer most settings, apps, and data from your old watch using the backup and restore feature in Galaxy Wearable.
What Transfers
The backup includes:
- Watch Faces: Installed faces and configurations
- Apps: Third-party apps and their settings
- Settings: Display, notifications, gestures, and preferences
- Health Data: Synced through
Samsung Healthcloud - Tiles: Your configured tile arrangement
What Doesn't Transfer
Be aware of these limitations:
- One UI Version Differences: Settings from
One UI 7won't transfer toOne UI 8if they no longer exist - Hardware-Specific: Features unique to your old model
- Watch-Specific Data: Some app data stays on the device
- Payments:
Samsung PayandGoogle Walletcards need re-adding
Step 1: Back Up Your Old Watch
Before switching, create a fresh backup.
- Open
Galaxy Wearableapp on your phone - Go to
Watch settingsAccount and backupBack up data - Select Back up now
- Wait for backup to complete (may take several minutes)
- Note the backup date and time for verification
Verify Backup
Check that the backup timestamp is current. Old backups may be missing recent changes.
Step 2: Pair Your New Watch
Set up your new watch and restore during pairing.
- Turn on your new
Galaxy Watch - Open
Galaxy Wearableon your phone - The app should detect your new watch
- Follow the pairing prompts
- When asked about data transfer, select Restore from backup
- Choose the backup from your old watch
Step 3: Restore from Backup
The restore happens automatically during setup.
- Select your backup from the list
- Choose what to restore (apps, settings, watch faces)
- Wait for restoration to complete
- Your new watch will restart with your settings
Manual Restore (If Missed During Setup)
If you skipped restore during pairing:
- Open
Galaxy Wearableapp - Go to
Watch settingsAccount and backup - Select Restore data
- Choose your backup
- Follow prompts to restore
Version Compatibility Notes
When upgrading across major software versions:
- Watch 7 to Watch 8: Some
One UI 7settings may not exist inOne UI 8 - Missing Features: Features removed in newer versions won't restore
- New Features: You'll need to configure new settings manually
- App Updates: Some apps may need fresh configuration after restore
One UI 8 Changes
If upgrading to Galaxy Watch 8 series, some timer, display, and gesture settings changed in One UI 8. These won't transfer and need manual setup.
Health Data Transfer
Samsung Health data syncs separately through the cloud.
- Ensure
Samsung Healthon your old watch synced to cloud - Log into same Samsung account on new watch
- Health history automatically appears in
Samsung Health - Verify workout history, sleep data, and health metrics transferred
Troubleshooting Transfer Issues
If restore fails or data is missing:
- Check Account: Ensure same Samsung account on both watches
- Internet Connection: Stable
WiFineeded for cloud restore - Storage Space: New watch needs sufficient space for apps
- Re-attempt: Try restoring again from
Galaxy Wearablesettings
Keep Old Watch Paired Briefly
Don't factory reset your old watch immediately. Keep it paired for a few days in case you need to create a new backup or check settings.
See Also: Galaxy Watch Software Updates|Galaxy Watch Samsung Health Sync|Galaxy Watch Customization Issues