How To Restart The Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is unresponsive, a restart can often resolve minor software issues. Knowing how to restart the Apple Watch is a fundamental skill for any owner, as it’s the first step in troubleshooting many common problems. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for every model and situation.

A simple restart is different from a full reset. It’s like giving your watch a fresh start without erasing any of your data or settings. Let’s get your watch back on track.

The standard restart method works for most situations when your watch is still responsive. It’s a soft reboot that closes all apps and clears temporary memory. Follow these steps.

Standard Restart For Apple Watch Series 2 And Later

For newer Apple Watch models, the side button is used for the restart command. This includes all watches from Series 2 onward, as well as the Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd generation).

Press and hold the side button (the button below the Digital Crown) until you see the Power Off slider.
Drag the Power Off slider to the right. Your watch screen will go black as it shuts down.
Wait about 30 seconds for the watch to fully power off.
To turn your Apple Watch back on, press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo appear. This may take a minute.

Standard Restart For Apple Watch Series 1 And First Generation

The original Apple Watch and Series 1 use a slightly different method, as the side button function was changed in later models.

Press and hold the side button for a few seconds until you see the Power Off slider.
Firmly press the Power Off slider. You need to use a bit more pressure than a normal tap. This was part of the original Force Touch feature.
Wait for the watch to turn off completely.
Press and hold the side button again to turn the watch back on, waiting for the Apple logo.

What If The Slider Does Not Appear?

If you hold the side button and the Power Off slider doesn’t show up, your watch may be more frozen than usual. In this case, you should proceed to the force restart method described in the next section. Don’t worry, a force restart is still safe for your data.

How To Force Restart Your Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch is completely frozen or unresponsive—the screen is black or stuck, and it won’t respond to touches or button presses—a force restart is necessary. This is the equivalent of pulling the battery on an old device.

Force Restart Instructions For All Models

The good news is that the force restart method is the same for every single model of Apple Watch, from the first generation to the latest Ultra. It’s a universal fix.

Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
Keep holding both buttons down for at least 10 seconds. Ignore any sliders that may briefly flash.
Release both buttons only when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This can take up to 15 seconds.

Your watch will then boot up normally. This process does not delete any content; it simply forces the hardware to reboot.

Restarting A Paired Apple Watch From Your iPhone

You can also restart your Apple Watch directly from the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This is convenient if the watch screen is cracked or you find the phone interface easier.

Steps To Restart Via IPhone

Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Tap on the “My Watch” tab at the bottom.
Go to General > Shut Down.
Tap “Shut Down” on the next screen to confirm.
After the watch is off, you can turn it back on by pressing and holding its side button, or you can wait and it will often restart when you put it on your wrist.

This method achives the same result as the standard restart on the watch itself.

When Should You Restart Your Apple Watch?

Restarting is a helpful first step for many common issues. It clears the device’s active memory (RAM) and stops any background processes that might be causing trouble. Consider a restart if you notice:

Unresponsive touchscreen or buttons
Apps freezing or crashing frequently
Bluetooth disconnecting from your iPhone randomly
Extremely slow performance or lag
Battery draining faster than usual
Workout data not syncing properly
The watch face not updating correctly

A weekly restart can help keep your watch running smoothly, similar to restarting your computer or phone.

Troubleshooting After A Restart

Sometimes, a restart fixes the issue immediately. Other times, the problem might persist. Here’s what to do next if your Apple Watch is still not working correctly.

Check For Software Updates

Outdated software can cause bugs and glitches. After restarting, check if a new watchOS update is available.

On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
Tap General > Software Update.
If an update is available, connect your watch to its charger (updates require at least 50% battery) and follow the prompts to install.

You can also check for updates using the Watch app on your iPhone under General > Software Update.

Unpair And Repair Your Apple Watch

If problems continue, unpairing and re-pairing your watch from your iPhone can resolve deeper software conflicts. This process creates a fresh connection without necessarily erasing your data if you choose to restore from a backup.

Keep your watch and iPhone close together.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to the “My Watch” tab.
Tap “All Watches” at the top, then tap the info button (i) next to the watch you want to unpair.
Tap “Unpair Apple Watch” and confirm. This creates a backup on your iPhone.
After unpairing, follow the on-screen instructions to pair your watch again as if it were new. You can choose to restore from the backup you just made.

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried restarting, updating, and repairing, and your Apple Watch still has major issues, there may be a hardware problem. It’s a good idea to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further diagnosis. They can check for physical damage or internal faults that a software fix cannot resolve.

Preventing The Need For Frequent Restarts

While restarts are useful, you can take steps to minimize how often you need them. Good habits lead to a more stable experience.

Manage Your Apps And Storage

Too many apps running in the background or a nearly full storage can slow down your watch.

Regularly review and uninstall apps you no longer use from the Watch app on your iPhone.
Check storage in the Watch app under General > Storage. Aim to keep some free space.
Limit complex watch faces with many complications if you notice lag.

Maintain Battery Health

A weak battery can cause unexpected shutdowns and performance issues.

Avoid letting your watch battery completely drain to 0% frequently.
Use the official Apple charger or a certified third-party one.
Update to the latest watchOS, as updates often include battery management improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Restart My Apple Watch Without The Side Button?

If the side button is broken, you have two main options. First, try restarting it from the paired iPhone using the Watch app as described earlier. If that doesn’t work, you will likely need to use the force restart method (holding both the side button and Digital Crown), even if the side button is damaged—sometimes it may still register the press. If the button is completely non-functional, contacting Apple Support for repair is the best course of action.

What Is The Difference Between Restart And Reset On Apple Watch?

A restart (or reboot) simply turns the device off and on, fixing minor glitches without affecting your data. A reset, often called a factory reset, erases all content and settings, returning the watch to its original out-of-the-box state. You would only reset if you are selling the watch or facing a very serious software problem that a restart cannot fix.

Why Won’t My Apple Watch Turn On After A Restart?

If your Apple Watch shows a black screen and won’t turn on after a restart attempt, the most common cause is a depleted battery. Place it on its charger for at least 30 minutes, then try the force restart method again. If it still doesn’t respond, the charger, cable, or battery itself may be faulty and require service.

How Often Should I Restart My Apple Watch?

There’s no strict rule, but restarting your Apple Watch once every week or two can help maintain smooth performance by clearing temporary files. You don’t need to do it daily. Many users find they only need to restart when they encounter a specific problem.

Can I Schedule Automatic Restarts For My Apple Watch?

Unlike some iPhones, the Apple Watch does not have a built-in feature to schedule automatic restarts. You must manually restart it using one of the methods outlined in this article. It’s a quick process that only takes a minute or two of your time.