If you have a new Apple Watch or one that has powered down, you might be wondering how do you turn on apple watch. The process is simple, but it’s the first step to accessing all its features. To start an Apple Watch, you press and hold the side button until the logo appears.
This guide covers everything from that basic step to troubleshooting a watch that won’t power on. We’ll also explain the different buttons and what they do.
Whether you have a Series 9, an Ultra 2, or an older model, the core method is the same. Let’s get your watch started.
How Do You Turn On Apple Watch
The primary method for turning on your Apple Watch is consistent across all models. You only need to locate one button.
Find the side button on your watch. It is the oblong button below the Digital Crown (the round dial). It is not the flat, indented button used for taking screenshots.
Press and hold the side button firmly. You will need to hold it for several seconds.
Keep holding until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This can take about 10-15 seconds. Once the logo is visible, you can release the button.
The watch will continue its startup sequence. You will then see either the watch face or the initial setup screens if it’s a new device.
What To Do If Your Apple Watch Does Not Turn On
If you press and hold the side button and nothing happens, don’t worry. There are several common solutions to try before seeking repair.
The most likely cause is a depleted battery. Your Apple Watch needs to have some charge to power on.
Charge Your Apple Watch First
Connect your Apple Watch to its magnetic charging cable or a compatible charging dock. Plug the other end into a USB power adapter and connect it to a working outlet.
Place the watch on the charger so the magnets align. You should see a green lightning bolt icon on the screen if the charger is connected properly, even if the watch is off.
Let it charge for at least 30 minutes. A completely dead battery may need a little time before it can even show the charging symbol.
After charging, try pressing and holding the side button again. If the battery was the issue, it should now start normally.
Force Restart Your Apple Watch
If the watch is charged but still unresponsive, a force restart can help. This is different from a normal turn on procedure.
Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time.
Hold them both for at least 10 seconds, then release when you see the Apple logo. Ignore the power off slider if it appears; keep holding until the screen goes black and the logo appears.
This process can clear minor software glitches that prevent startup. It’s a useful first step for troubleshooting.
Understanding Apple Watch Buttons And Controls
Knowing the function of each button helps you operate your watch correctly. There are two main physical controls on the side of the device.
The Digital Crown is the round, rotating dial. It is used for scrolling, zooming, and navigating menus. Pressing it once returns you to the watch face, and pressing it twice brings up your recent apps.
The Side Button is the oblong button. Its primary functions are to turn the device on and off, open the Control Center, and activate emergency SOS when held.
On Apple Watch Ultra models, there is an additional Action Button that can be customized for various shortcuts, but it is not used for powering the device on.
Setting Up Your Apple Watch After Turning It On
When you turn on a new Apple Watch or one that has been erased, you will go through a setup process. This pairs it with your iPhone.
Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS and has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Keep your phone and watch close together during setup.
Hold your iPhone near your Apple Watch. A setup animation should appear on your iPhone; tap “Continue” when it does.
Center the watch face in your iPhone’s camera viewfinder to pair the two devices. This is the most seamless method.
Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices to choose settings like left or right wrist orientation, Apple ID login, and passcode creation. You can also restore from a backup if you are upgrading from an older watch.
How To Turn Off Your Apple Watch
Turning off your Apple Watch is just as straightforward as turning it on. You should power it down if you won’t be using it for an extended period or before traveling.
Press and hold the side button until you see the sliders appear on the screen. This takes a couple of seconds.
Drag the “Power Off” slider to the right with your finger. The screen will go black, and the watch will shut down completely.
To turn it back on, simply press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo returns.
Using Power Reserve Mode
Power Reserve is a special low-power state that turns off all features except the time display. It is useful for extending battery life in critical situations.
To enter Power Reserve, swipe up on the watch face to open Control Center. Tap the battery percentage icon.
Tap “Power Reserve” and then confirm by tapping “Proceed.” Your watch will switch to a simple clock mode.
To exit Power Reserve, you must press and hold the side button to force a restart, as the normal touchscreen is disabled. This will fully turn your Apple Watch back on.
Troubleshooting Common Apple Watch Power Issues
Sometimes, an Apple Watch may have persistent problems turning on or holding a charge. Here are solutions for more specific scenarios.
Apple Watch Screen Is Black Or Blank
A black screen doesn’t always mean the watch is off. It could be in Sleep Mode, have a software issue, or the screen brightness could be too low.
Tap the screen firmly or press the Digital Crown. This should wake the watch from sleep if it is powered on.
Check the battery level by placing it on its charger. If you see the green lightning bolt, the watch has power.
If the screen remains black after trying a force restart and charging, there may be a hardware problem with the display or battery.
Apple Watch Won’t Charge
If your watch doesn’t show a charging symbol, the problem might be with the accessories.
- Check the power connection: Ensure the USB adapter is plugged in firmly and the cable is not damaged.
- Clean the back of the watch and the charger: Dirt or debris on the magnetic surfaces can prevent a good connection. Gently wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Try a different outlet or USB port: The power source itself might be faulty.
- Use the original Apple charging cable if possible: Third-party accessories may not be MFi-certified and can cause charging problems.
Apple Watch Restarts Repeatedly
A watch stuck in a boot loop, where the Apple logo appears but it never fully starts, indicates a software corruption.
Try a force restart first. If that doesn’t work, you may need to erase the watch and set it up again.
You can erase it through the Watch app on your paired iPhone under General > Reset. Choose “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.” After it erases, you can pair it again as new or from a backup.
If the issue continues after a full reset, contact Apple Support for further diagnostics.
Maintaining Your Apple Watch Battery Health
Good charging habits can prevent many power-related issues and extend the overall life of your watch’s battery.
Avoid letting your watch battery drain to 0% frequently. Try to charge it when it drops to around 20-30%.
You can wear it while charging overnight; the software manages charging to protect battery health. It’s also fine to charge it in short bursts throughout the day.
Update to the latest version of watchOS. Apple often releases updates that include battery performance improvements and bug fixes. You can check for updates in the Watch app on your iPhone.
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can temporarily reduce battery performance and cause the device to shut down. Try to use and charge your watch in a moderate environment.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps—charging, force restarting, and resetting—and your Apple Watch still will not turn on, the battery or another internal component may have failed.
Check your warranty status on Apple’s website. Apple Watch models come with a one-year limited warranty, which may cover a battery with a manufacturing defect.
You can schedule a service appointment at an Apple Store or with an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They can run diagnostics to determine the exact cause of the problem.
If your watch is older and out of warranty, Apple offers battery service for a fee, which often involves replacing the entire device with a refurbished unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For An Apple Watch To Turn On?
From a powered-off state, pressing the side button should show the Apple logo within 10-15 seconds. The full startup process to the watch face usually takes less than a minute. A first-time setup will take longer due to the pairing process with your iPhone.
Can You Turn On An Apple Watch Without The Side Button?
No, the side button is the only physical control that can power on the Apple Watch from a completely off state. If the side button is broken, you cannot turn the watch on normally. Placing it on a charger may sometimes trigger a startup if there is enough battery, but this is not reliable. A damaged button requires repair.
Why Is My Apple Watch Not Turning On Even After Charging?
If you’ve charged it for over an hour and it still won’t turn on, the charger or cable could be faulty, the battery itself could be damaged, or there could be a deeper hardware issue. Try a different Apple-certified charger and cable. If that fails, a force restart is the next step. Persistent issues likely require professional service.
What Does The Red Lightning Bolt Mean On Apple Watch?
A red lightning bolt icon on the screen indicates that the battery is very low and needs to be charged immediately. Place your watch on its charger. A green lightning bolt means it is currently charging. If you see a red lightning bolt but the watch won’t charge, there may be a problem with the charging connection or the battery.
How Do I Know If My Apple Watch Is On Or Off?
If the screen is completely black and does not light up when you tap it or press the Digital Crown, it is likely off. A watch that is on but in sleep mode will show a blank screen but will illuminate when you raise your wrist or touch the display. You can also place it on a charger; an on watch will show the time and battery level, while an off watch may show a charging symbol after a moment.