How to Secure Your Smartwatch from Cyber Threats

Why you need to protect your smartwatch right now

Let’s be real. You use your smartwatch every day. It tracks your steps, shows your messages, even lets you pay at stores. But here’s the thing — it also has your personal data, and if it’s not secure, that data can end up in the wrong hands.

You might think, “It’s just a watch.” But smartwatches are like mini-computers on your wrist. They connect to your phone, your Wi-Fi, and even the internet. And that makes them a target for hackers.

So, if you care about your privacy, your money, and your safety, you need to take a few easy steps to lock it down. Don’t worry — I’ll walk you through it.

How can someone hack your smartwatch?

Let’s start with how it happens. You’ll understand better what you need to fix.

#1 Weak Bluetooth Connections

Smartwatches use Bluetooth to talk to your phone. But when Bluetooth is left on all the time, especially in public, someone sneaky can try to connect to your watch without you knowing.

#2 No Password or PIN

Some smartwatches don’t ask for a password by default. Or maybe you skipped setting one up during setup. That makes it super easy for anyone to get into your watch if you lose it.

#3 Outdated Software

If you don’t update your watch’s software, it stays vulnerable. Old versions can have bugs or holes that hackers can use. Updates often fix those problems.

#4 Untrusted Apps

Yeah, those fun little apps you download on your watch? Some of them collect way more data than they need. And some are just spying on you.

#5 Public Wi-Fi Problems

If your smartwatch connects to public Wi-Fi, that’s risky. Hackers love public networks. They can watch the traffic, steal login info, or even install spyware.

How to secure your smartwatch step-by-step

Alright, now let’s fix this. These tips are easy. Most of them take just a minute or two.

#1 Set a strong PIN or lock code

Don’t leave your smartwatch unlocked. If you lose it, anyone can scroll through your messages, health info, and even payment apps.

Here’s how you do it:

• Open Settings on your smartwatch.
• Go to Security or Lock.
• Choose a PIN, pattern, or password.
• Pick something you’ll remember, but not something easy like “1234.”

#2 Turn off Bluetooth when you don’t need it

You don’t need Bluetooth on 24/7. If you’re not using it, turn it off. This keeps random devices from trying to connect.

• Swipe down on your smartwatch to open quick settings.
• Tap Bluetooth to turn it off.

#3 Keep your software updated

Updates may seem annoying, but they’re important. They fix bugs and close security holes.

• Open Settings on your smartwatch.
• Tap About or Software Update.
• If an update is available, choose Download and Install.

Do this every few weeks, or turn on auto-updates if your watch supports it.

#4 Only install apps from trusted sources

Stick with apps from the official store. Don’t install sketchy apps from random websites.

If you’re using an Apple Watch, stick to the App Store. For Android watches, use Google Play. Before installing:

• Check the ratings and reviews.
• See what permissions the app asks for.
• If it seems weird, skip it.

#5 Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi

Avoid connecting your smartwatch to any public Wi-Fi network. If you must use one, at least use a VPN to protect your data.

If your watch connects to Wi-Fi, you can manage the networks in the settings:

• Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
• Forget any public network you don’t trust.

#6 Disable features you don’t use

Your watch comes with tons of features you might not need. Things like camera access, microphone, or GPS. Each one opens a new path for hackers.

Go through your settings and turn off what you don’t use.

#7 Review app permissions

Some apps ask for access to your location, contacts, mic, or calendar. That might be fine for a few apps, but not all of them need it.

Here’s how you check:

• Open your smartwatch settings.
• Go to Apps or Permissions.
• Review what each app can access. If it doesn’t need it, turn it off.

#8 Use two-factor authentication

Many smartwatches connect to cloud services like Google or Apple. Make sure your accounts have two-factor authentication (2FA) turned on.

So if someone tries to log in, you’ll get a code on your phone or email. Huge bonus for your security.

#9 Enable Find My Device

Losing your smartwatch isn’t just about the money. It’s about someone getting all your private data. That’s why you need to turn on the “Find My” feature.

This lets you:

• Track your watch if you lose it.
• Lock or erase it remotely.

If you’re using an Apple Watch, use the Find My app from your iPhone. For other brands, check their app or account settings.

#10 Reset your watch if something feels off

If your smartwatch starts acting weird — battery drains too fast, new apps show up, or it’s super slow — it might be infected or compromised.

When in doubt, reset it.

• Go to Settings.
• Tap System or Reset.
• Choose Factory Reset or Erase All Data.

After that, set it up again and only install what you need.

Don’t forget about your phone

Your smartwatch doesn’t work alone. It’s deeply connected to your phone. If your phone isn’t secure, neither is your watch.

So make sure your phone has:

• A strong passcode.
• Latest software updates.
• Security settings turned on like 2FA, Find My Phone, and app permissions.

And speaking of connected devices, if you’re dealing with small tech problems, like finding an apple watch charging fix, it’s also worth making sure your watch’s software isn’t bugging out. Sometimes, security updates can help more than you think.

Other quick tips to stay safe

Just a few more easy things you can do:

• Don’t share your smartwatch with others.
• Turn off “always listening” features if you don’t use voice assistants.
• Check battery usage to see if any app is running in the background too much.
• If your smartwatch offers it, use biometric unlock like fingerprint or face scan.

The takeaway

Smartwatches are super handy, but they’re also full of personal data. If you’re not careful, a hacker could get access to your messages, health info, or payment apps.

You should start by setting a strong PIN, turning off Bluetooth when not needed, and keeping your watch updated. Also, watch out for sketchy apps and avoid public Wi-Fi.

One thing people get wrong? They think smartwatches are too small to be hacked. But size doesn’t matter when it comes to security. It’s all about what’s inside.

So, take a few minutes today to lock things down. You’ll thank yourself later. If you’ve got any more questions or tips, drop them in the comments below.

Also Read:

• Mobile Wallets vs. Carrier Billing Which Micropayment Channel Will Lead in 2025?