DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
World desk5 min

How to Back Up Smartwatch Data Before Switching Apps

Learn what to back up before changing smartwatch apps, with steps for Apple Watch, Health Connect, Samsung Health, Google Health/Fitbit, and Garmin Connect.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Before switching smartwatch apps, sync your watch with its current companion app, make the backup or export that applies to your platform, and verify the important dates and data in the destination. Keep the old phone and source account until that check is complete. A saved backup is not the same as a complete import into a different brand’s app.

Before switching, protect the data you actually need

  1. Sync the watch. Open its current companion app, let syncing finish, and check that recent workouts and important health records appear in the source account.
  2. Identify where the history lives. Note the account and app holding it—such as Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Health/Fitbit, Garmin Connect, or Health Connect. A watch backup may preserve settings and app state without being a portable copy of every health record.
  3. Back up or export before disconnecting. Use the matching platform instructions below. Keep the old phone and source account accessible.
  4. Set up the new app deliberately. Grant only the permissions you need, and check which categories it supports. A connection or permission grant does not necessarily import past records.
  5. Verify before cleanup. Check specific dates and categories—such as workouts, sleep, heart rate, or steps—in the destination. Reset the watch, remove the old app, or close an account only after the data you need is present.

Apple Watch and Apple Health

Apple Watch backs up automatically to its paired iPhone when the devices are near each other, and unpairing triggers a backup to that iPhone. An iPhone backup to iCloud or a computer includes Apple Watch data. Apple Health and Fitness data requires iCloud or an encrypted computer backup. See Apple’s Apple Watch backup instructions and Apple’s Health data backup guidance.

Moving to a new iPhone

  1. Update the old iPhone and Apple Watch.
  2. Check that Health sync is enabled in iCloud, or ensure the computer backup is encrypted.
  3. Back up the old iPhone.
  4. During setup of the new iPhone, restore the most recent backup.
  5. Open the Watch app on the new iPhone and complete pairing.

For Health data stored in iCloud, devices should use the same Apple Account, be online, and run current operating-system versions; Apple also documents encrypted computer backup as an alternative. See Apple’s iPhone Health data instructions and its steps for pairing Apple Watch with a new iPhone. This documented route restores within Apple’s iPhone, Apple Watch, and Health setup; it is not a universal export for another brand’s app.

Android: export Health Connect data

Health Connect’s backup and restore feature requires Android 14 or later. It creates a ZIP file through an installed cloud-storage app, and the export can be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Garmin USB-C Charging/Data Cable, 0.5 Meter
  • Connect this cable to your USB-C AC adapter (sold separately) to recharge your compatible Garmin device.
  • Item Package Dimension: 6.649999993217L x 2.6799999972664W x 0.749999999235H inches
  • Item Package Weight - 0.09038952742 Pounds
  • Item Package Quantity - 1
  • Product Type - ELECTRONIC CABLE
  1. On the source device, open Settings → Health Connect → Manage data → Backup and restore → Scheduled export.
  2. Choose the export schedule and cloud-storage app, then retain the resulting ZIP file.
  3. On the destination device, open Health Connect, choose Import data, and select the ZIP file.
  4. Check that the expected categories appear in Health Connect and, separately, in the new watch app.

Google states that health records are not supported by this export/import feature, and a Health Connect archive does not guarantee that a third-party watch app can ingest its data. See Google’s Health Connect backup and restore instructions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health

Back up and restore the watch

Samsung’s current guidance uses Galaxy Wearable on the connected phone: open Watch settings → Account and backup → Backup settings or Back up data. Restore from the same area using Restore or Restore data. Some watches also offer Backup and restore directly in watch settings through a Samsung account. Wear OS watches can only be backed up from their paired phone through Galaxy Wearable, according to Samsung. Menus and availability can vary by model, carrier, and software.

Rank #2
Sale
Garmin 010-12637-00 Charge Cable (Vivo Smart 3), Black
  • Product Type: Electronic Cable
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Made In Taiwan
  • Package Dimensions: 2.5Cm (L) X 7.6Cm (W) X 17.8Cm (H)

Samsung warns that some data may not transfer when restoring from a Tizen watch to a Wear OS watch. Music saved on the watch is not backed up by this feature. Consult Samsung’s smartwatch backup guidance and check the destination rather than assuming all watch content was restored.

Sync Samsung Health with Health Connect

Samsung says watch health data reaches Samsung Health on the smartphone and can then sync to Health Connect. Supported synchronized types include activity, heart rate, and sleep. Enable Samsung Health permissions in Health Connect; Samsung Health settings can also be used to trigger Samsung account sync. Sync timing depends on the device and app policy. See Samsung’s Health Connect FAQ.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Garmin Charging Clip for Multiple Devices, 010-11029-19
  • Compatible devices: approach G10, approach S20, Forerunner 230, Forerunner 235, Forerunner 35, Forerunner 630, Forerunner 645, Forerunner 645 music, Forerunner 735XT, and vivomove hr
  • Connect the cable to your computer's USB port to recharge your compatible Device and to transfer data to and from your computer
  • This cable also pairs with an optional AC adapter (sold separately)
  • Package Dimension : 2.8 centimeters L x 6.9 centimeters W x 17.4 centimeters H

Google Health and Fitbit

Google Health’s export guidance distinguishes Google Account users from users still signing in with an original Fitbit login. Google Account users can download data through Google data download with Google Health selected. Legacy Fitbit users can request a complete Fitbit account archive in Fitbit settings. A selection-based export also lets users choose a period, data types, and file format; Google says a large archive can take up to a few days to generate.

Google Health also supports exporting GPS exercises as TCX files, one activity at a time. That can help hand off an individual activity, but it is not a full health-account transfer to another smartwatch platform. In all cases, an archive is a copy, not proof that a new app can import every category. Follow Google Health’s data export instructions.

Rank #4
Inovat 3FT Replacement Micro USB 2.0 PC Computer Sync Data Power Charger Cable Cord for VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
  • Features: Length: 3FT, Color: Black
  • Connect Type: USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B Male
  • Durablity Design: Perfect connection with your equipment, no gaps or static electricity
  • Hi-Speed Syncing: Transfer data to and from your USB-C compatible computer at speeds of up to 480Mbps
  • Compatibility: Perfect for you to tranfer data to a computer fastly. Compatible with VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Garmin Connect

Garmin has account export and transfer support resources, but the exact current steps and the extent of full-history migration are not established here. Use Garmin’s current instructions for your account and device, retain the downloaded files, and confirm that the destination app supports importing the specific file types and records you need before deleting source data.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Garmin USB-C Charging/Data Cable, 0.5 Meter
Garmin USB-C Charging/Data Cable, 0.5 Meter
Item Package Dimension: 6.649999993217L x 2.6799999972664W x 0.749999999235H inches; Item Package Weight - 0.09038952742 Pounds
$24.99
SaleBestseller No. 2
Garmin 010-12637-00 Charge Cable (Vivo Smart 3), Black
Garmin 010-12637-00 Charge Cable (Vivo Smart 3), Black
Product Type: Electronic Cable; Package Quantity: 1; Made In Taiwan; Package Dimensions: 2.5Cm (L) X 7.6Cm (W) X 17.8Cm (H)
$25.49
Bestseller No. 3
Garmin Charging Clip for Multiple Devices, 010-11029-19
Garmin Charging Clip for Multiple Devices, 010-11029-19
This cable also pairs with an optional AC adapter (sold separately); Package Dimension : 2.8 centimeters L x 6.9 centimeters W x 17.4 centimeters H
$24.99
Bestseller No. 4
Inovat 3FT Replacement Micro USB 2.0 PC Computer Sync Data Power Charger Cable Cord for VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Inovat 3FT Replacement Micro USB 2.0 PC Computer Sync Data Power Charger Cable Cord for VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Features: Length: 3FT, Color: Black; Connect Type: USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B Male; Durablity Design: Perfect connection with your equipment, no gaps or static electricity
Best Value
Itramax 2-in-1 USB C Charger Cable for Garmin Watch Charging Cord 4FT 1Pack
  • 2-in-1 Charging Connector: This charging cable for Garmin comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, securely tethered to the cord so it’s always there when you need it — no more lost dongles or juggling extra accessories. It lets you charge from both USB-A and USB-C power sources without hassle.
  • Right-Angle Design: The connector uses a right-angle (L-shaped) design that lets your watch lay flat during charging. This not only protects the screen from scratches but also makes it easier to glance at your stats or time without picking it up.
  • Stable & Safe Charging: With a braided nylon exterior, the 2-in-1 charging cord for Garmin is flexible and tangle-resistant. It also includes an integrated cable strap, so you can coil it up neatly for travel, storage, or everyday use.
  • Charging & Data Sync: Designed to support both charging and data sync, the charging wire for Garmin Watch ensures fast, stable power delivery and seamless data transfer to your Garmin app.
  • Compatibility Notice: Not compatible with Garmin Lily 2, Forerunner 35/235/230/630/645/735XT, Approach X40/S20/G10, Vivomove Trend/HR, Vivosmart HR/4/3, and a few other models. Compatible with Garmin Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, Instinct, and most popular series. (For full details, please refer to the compatibility list below.)

What each route does—and does not establish

Platform route What the official guidance establishes Main caveat
Apple Watch and iPhone backup Watch data backs up to the paired iPhone; an iPhone backup includes it. Health and Fitness data requires iCloud or an encrypted computer backup. Apple’s documented restore path is not evidence of a universal cross-brand import.
Health Connect export Android 14 or later supports a ZIP export to a selected cloud app, scheduled export, and import on another device. Health records are excluded, and a destination app may not consume the archive.
Samsung watch backup Backup and restore are available through Galaxy Wearable or, on some setups, a Samsung account. Tizen-to-Wear OS restoration may omit data; menus vary by model and software.
Google Health/Fitbit export Google Health data export, a legacy Fitbit account archive, selection-based exports, and individual GPS exercise TCX exports are documented. An exported archive does not establish compatibility with a new app.
Garmin Connect Garmin account export and transfer support resources are available. Exact current procedures and full-history cross-platform coverage are not established here.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.