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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 Health cloud
  • Tiles: Your configured tile arrangement

What Doesn't Transfer

Be aware of these limitations:

  • One UI Version Differences: Settings from One UI 7 won't transfer to One UI 8 if they no longer exist
  • Hardware-Specific: Features unique to your old model
  • Watch-Specific Data: Some app data stays on the device
  • Payments: Samsung Pay and Google Wallet cards need re-adding

Step 1: Back Up Your Old Watch

Before switching, create a fresh backup.

  1. Open Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
  2. Go to Watch settings Account and backup Back up data
  3. Select Back up now
  4. Wait for backup to complete (may take several minutes)
  5. Note the backup date and time for verification

Step 2: Pair Your New Watch

Set up your new watch and restore during pairing.

  1. Turn on your new Galaxy Watch
  2. Open Galaxy Wearable on your phone
  3. The app should detect your new watch
  4. Follow the pairing prompts
  5. When asked about data transfer, select Restore from backup
  6. Choose the backup from your old watch

Step 3: Restore from Backup

The restore happens automatically during setup.

  1. Select your backup from the list
  2. Choose what to restore (apps, settings, watch faces)
  3. Wait for restoration to complete
  4. Your new watch will restart with your settings

Manual Restore (If Missed During Setup)

If you skipped restore during pairing:

  1. Open Galaxy Wearable app
  2. Go to Watch settings Account and backup
  3. Select Restore data
  4. Choose your backup
  5. Follow prompts to restore

Version Compatibility Notes

When upgrading across major software versions:

  • Watch 7 to Watch 8: Some One UI 7 settings may not exist in One 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

Health Data Transfer

Samsung Health data syncs separately through the cloud.

  1. Ensure Samsung Health on your old watch synced to cloud
  2. Log into same Samsung account on new watch
  3. Health history automatically appears in Samsung Health
  4. 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 WiFi needed for cloud restore
  • Storage Space: New watch needs sufficient space for apps
  • Re-attempt: Try restoring again from Galaxy Wearable settings

See Also: Galaxy Watch Software Updates|Galaxy Watch Samsung Health Sync|Galaxy Watch Customization Issues