How to Connect a Smartwatch to Your Phone (and Fix Pairing)
By TezKhareed Team · Updated 2 September 2026
Almost every budget smartwatch uses the same setup pattern: install the brand's companion app, scan a QR code on the watch, grant permissions. The problems come from permissions Android quietly denies and from Bluetooth calling needing a second pairing.
Setup, step by step
- Charge the watch to at least 50%. Setup pushes a firmware update on first connect, and a low battery aborts it halfway.
- On the watch, find the QR code (usually Settings → QR, or it shows on first boot). It points to the correct companion app — do not guess the app name.
- Install the app, open it, create or skip the account, and choose Add device.
- Scan the watch QR, or pick the watch from the list. Confirm the pairing code matches on both screens.
- Let the firmware update finish with both devices still and the phone unlocked.
Grant these permissions or notifications won't work
On Android, the app needs:
- Notification access (a separate system screen — the app will deep-link you there).
- Battery optimisation: don't optimise for the companion app, or Android kills it in the background and your watch goes silent after an hour.
- Autostart / run in background on Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Infinix, Tecno — these skins are aggressive; find the app in Settings → Apps and allow autostart.
On iPhone: enable Notifications for the app and keep Bluetooth on. iOS limits background access, so expect a short delay on notifications and no message replies.
Bluetooth calling needs a second pairing
This trips up most people. The companion-app pairing handles notifications and sync. Bluetooth calling is a separate audio connection. After setup:
- Open the phone's Settings → Bluetooth.
- You'll see a second entry, often the watch name with "-LE" or "Audio".
- Tap to pair that one too. Now calls route to the watch speaker.
The calling models in our smartwatches range all work this way — one app pairing, one Bluetooth audio pairing.
If it won't connect
- Turn Bluetooth off and on, force-close the app, retry.
- Remove the watch from the phone's Bluetooth list and the app, then re-add.
- Factory reset the watch (Settings → System → Reset) and start over — this fixes most "stuck on connecting" cases.
- Still failing after a reset? If it's from us, message your order number on WhatsApp.
More on choosing a watch: smartwatches in Pakistan, bank transfer with fast nationwide delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my smartwatch show notifications?+
The companion app needs Notification Access granted and must be exempt from battery optimisation. On Xiaomi/Oppo/Vivo/Infinix/Tecno you also need to allow autostart, or Android kills it in the background.
Why can I sync my watch but not make calls on it?+
Bluetooth calling is a separate audio pairing. Open the phone’s Bluetooth settings and pair the second entry (often the watch name with "-LE" or "Audio").
Part of our Smartwatches guides.