How Do I Set Up WearOS 5 for the First Time?
Setting up WearOS 5 requires proper phone preparation, app installation, and systematic pairing to ensure all features work correctly. Both phone and watch should have 50%+ battery before starting.
Pre-Setup Requirements
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Android Phone: Android 6.0+ with at least 1.5GB RAM and Google Mobile Services.
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Sufficient Storage: Ensure 2GB+ free space on phone for companion apps and data sync.
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Stable Internet: Strong
WiFiconnection for downloading apps and system updates. -
Charged Devices: Both phone and watch should have 50%+ battery before starting.
Step-by-Step Setup
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Download Companion App: Install
Wear OS by GoogleorGalaxy Wearable(Samsung watches) fromPlay Store. -
Power On Watch: Hold power button until watch displays welcome screen and pairing instructions.
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Phone Detection: Open companion app and tap "Set up a new watch" when watch appears.
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Pairing Verification: Confirm matching pairing codes on both phone and watch screens.
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Account Setup: Sign in with Google account and configure basic preferences.
Configuration Options
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Notification Preferences: Choose which apps can send notifications to your watch.
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Google Pay Setup: Add payment cards for contactless payments (optional).
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Health Apps: Configure
Google Fit,Samsung Health, orFitbitintegration. -
Watch Face Selection: Choose default watch face and customize complications.
Common Setup Issues
Pairing Failure
- Restart both devices
- Ensure
Bluetoothis enabled - Try pairing again
- If still failing, clear companion app cache and restart phone
App Installation Problems
- Clear companion app cache in phone
SettingsAppsWear OSStorageClear Cache - Restart phone
- Try installation again
Google Account Issues
Ensure Google account has two-factor authentication configured properly and is verified.
Network Problems
Switch to different WiFi network or use mobile hotspot temporarily.
Post-Setup Optimization
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System Updates: Check
SettingsSystemAboutSystem updatesand install any available updates immediately. -
App Downloads: Install essential apps like
Gmail,Calendar, and your preferred fitness apps. -
Battery Optimization: Disable battery optimization for companion apps in phone settings.
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Permissions Review: Grant necessary permissions for health tracking, location, and notifications.
iPhone Limitations
iPhone users can pair WearOS 5 watches but will miss many features including Google Pay, full notification support, and seamless app integration. See the iPhone compatibility guide for details.
See Also: iPhone Compatibility|Performance Optimization|Notification Troubleshooting