How to Set Up the Withings ScanWatch 2 (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
If you’ve just taken your Withings ScanWatch 2 out of the box and aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Many people contact TechPals because smartwatch setup can feel confusing the first time — especially if you’ve never used a smartwatch before.
Unlike a traditional watch, the ScanWatch 2 works together with an app on your phone. That extra step can make setup feel intimidating at first, but once everything is connected, the watch mostly takes care of itself.
This guide walks you through the entire ScanWatch 2 setup slowly and clearly, with no tech jargon and no assumptions. You don’t need to be “good with technology” to follow along. And if you get stuck at any point, TechPals is always here to help.
👉 Need personal help right away? Visit techpals.org or email support@techpals.org.
Before You Start (Quick Checklist)
Before setting up your ScanWatch 2, take a minute to gather everything you’ll need. Having it all in one place makes the process much smoother.
Make sure you have:
Your ScanWatch 2
The charging dock and cable
A smartphone (iPhone or Android)
Your phone connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or cellular)
About 15–20 minutes of uninterrupted time
💡 Tip from TechPals: Setup goes much more smoothly if your phone is fully charged and sitting close to the watch the entire time. If possible, place both on a table where you can see them easily.
Step 1: Charge Your ScanWatch 2 First
Even if your ScanWatch 2 looks brand new, it’s important to start by charging it.
Place the watch onto the charging dock
Connect the cable to a USB power source or wall adapter
Let the watch charge for at least 30 minutes
You should see a charging symbol or battery indicator on the watch screen.
If nothing appears right away, don’t worry. Sometimes it takes a few seconds for the screen to turn on. Make sure the watch is sitting flat on the dock and that the cable is firmly connected.
👉 If the screen stays blank, don’t panic — charging questions are one of the most common reasons people reach out to TechPals, and they’re usually easy to resolve.
Step 2: Install the Withings App on Your Phone
Your ScanWatch 2 does not work on its own. It needs to be connected to the Withings app on your phone. This is where your health data lives and where setup happens.
On your phone:
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
Search for Withings
Download and open the app
Choose Sign Up if you’re new, or Log In if you already have an account
Take your time here. Creating an account may involve entering an email address, choosing a password, and answering a few basic questions.
🧠 Why this matters: The ScanWatch 2 cannot finish setup or record data properly until it’s connected to the app.
Step 3: Start Adding the ScanWatch 2 in the App
Once you’re inside the Withings app, you’ll tell it that you’re setting up a new device.
Tap Devices (usually in the top corner of the screen)
Tap Add a device
Choose Watches
Select ScanWatch 2
Tap Install
At this point, the app will start looking for your watch using Bluetooth.
💡 Tip: Keep your phone close to the watch and don’t switch to other apps while this is happening.
Step 4: Pair the Watch to Your Phone
When the app finds your ScanWatch 2, you’ll be asked to pair them.
Here’s what to expect:
A code appears on the watch screen
The app asks you to enter or confirm that code
You tap Pair to confirm
This step is simply making sure the watch is connecting to your phone and not someone else’s nearby.
📱 Android note: You may see pop-ups asking for permission to access contacts, call history, or Bluetooth features. This is normal for Bluetooth pairing and doesn’t mean the watch is reading your messages.
👉 If pairing fails the first time, don’t worry. This happens occasionally, and TechPals helps people through it every day.
Step 5: Align the Watch Hands (This Is Normal)
During setup, the app may ask you to confirm that the watch hands are lined up correctly.
It will usually check that:
The main hands point to 12 o’clock
The small activity dial points to 100
If they don’t:
Gently turn the watch crown (the dial on the side)
Adjust the hands until they line up
Tap Yes when prompted
This step ensures the watch displays information accurately. It’s normal and only takes a moment.
Step 6: Choose Which Wrist You’ll Wear It On
Next, the app will ask whether you plan to wear the ScanWatch 2 on your:
Left wrist, or
Right wrist
This choice helps the watch measure movement and health data more accurately. Don’t worry — you can change this later if needed.
If you’re unsure, just pick the wrist you normally wear a watch on.
Step 7: Complete the Tutorials (Don’t Skip This)
After setup finishes, the app may offer short tutorials.
✔ TechPals strongly recommends completing these
✔ Some features won’t work until tutorials are activated
If you skip them now, you can always come back later by going to:
Devices → ScanWatch 2 → Tutorials
Think of these as “unlocking” the watch’s features.
What Happens After Setup?
Once setup is complete:
Your watch will begin tracking steps automatically
Data will sync to the Withings app
Some features, like ECG, require additional activation inside the app
It’s normal if not everything appears right away. New smartwatches often need a day or two to start showing consistent data.
If something looks strange at first, that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
Common Setup Questions (Quick Answers)
“Nothing is showing on my watch.”
Make sure the watch is charged and sitting correctly on the dock.
“The app can’t find my watch.”
Keep your phone nearby, Bluetooth turned on, and the app open.
“This feels more complicated than I expected.”
That’s completely normal. This is exactly why TechPals exists.
Need Help Setting Up Your ScanWatch 2?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
📧 Email support@techpals.org
🌐 Visit techpals.org for one-on-one help
🤝 A TechPals expert can walk you through setup step by step
Many people discover TechPals while trying to set up a new device — and we’re always happy to help.
