If you’re holding a new Apple Watch or one that has powered down, you might be wondering how do you turn on an apple watch. The process is straightforward, but it’s different from turning on a phone or a computer. Switching off your Apple Watch involves navigating to the Settings app and selecting the power option, but turning it back on requires a simple button press.
This guide covers every method to power on your device, from a standard start-up to troubleshooting a watch that won’t respond. We’ll also explain what the different screens mean and how to get your watch ready for use.
How Do You Turn On An Apple Watch
The primary method for turning on your Apple Watch is the same for all models, from the Series 1 to the latest Ultra. It uses the side button, which is the elongated button below the digital crown.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Locate the side button on your Apple Watch. It is the button on the side of the case, not the circular digital crown.
- Press and hold the side button down. You don’t need to press extremely hard, just a firm hold.
- Continue holding the button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This usually takes about 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button once the logo is visible. Your watch will continue booting up.
After the Apple logo, you will either see your watch face appear (if it was just powered off) or the start-up sequence (if it’s new or was erased). If the watch was paired before, you may need to enter your passcode.
What To Do If The Apple Logo Does Not Appear
If you hold the side button and nothing happens, don’t worry. The most common cause is a completely drained battery. Your first step should always be to connect the watch to its charger.
Place your Apple Watch on its magnetic charger. Ensure the charger is plugged into a working power outlet or a USB port. You should see a green lightning bolt symbol on the watch face, indicating it is charging. Let it charge for at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again.
Sometimes, the screen may show a red lightning bolt. This indicates the battery is critically low and needs charging before it can power on. A green lightning bolt means it’s charging but may still need more power to boot.
Understanding The Different Start-Up Screens
When you turn on your Apple Watch, you might encounter a few different screens. Knowing what they mean helps you understand what to do next.
- The Apple Logo: This is the standard boot screen. Just wait for it to complete.
- Language/Region Selection: This screen appears on a new or fully erased watch. It means you need to go through the initial setup process.
- A Red Exclamation Point: This is a rare recovery mode screen. It typically means the software needs to be restored using an iPhone.
- A Gear Icon with Progress Bar: This means a software update is being installed. Keep the watch on its charger and do not restart it.
Turning On A New Apple Watch For The First Time
Turning on a brand new Apple Watch initiates the pairing process with your iPhone. The steps are simple but require your iPhone to be nearby.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, as described above.
- When the watch powers on, bring your iPhone close to it. A message should appear on your iPhone prompting you to start pairing.
- Tap “Continue” on your iPhone. If the message doesn’t appear, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap “Start Pairing.”
- Center the animation that appears on your watch screen in your iPhone’s viewfinder. This automatically pairs the devices.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone to set up your preferences, sign in with your Apple ID, and choose settings.
The entire process is guided by your iPhone. Make sure both devices have sufficient charge to complete setup, which can take several minutes.
How To Turn On Apple Watch Without An IPhone
While you need an iPhone for the initial pairing, you can turn on a previously paired Apple Watch without an iPhone present. Simply use the side button method. The watch will boot to the watch face, though some features that rely on the iPhone connection, like messages or calls, will not be available until they are back in range.
If the watch was erased and is showing the setup screen, you cannot complete the process without an iPhone. A Family Setup watch for a child or family member also requires an iPhone for initial configuration.
What To Do When Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On
A non-responsive Apple Watch can be concerning, but there are several reliable troubleshooting steps you can try before seeking service.
Step 1: Charge The Watch
This is the most important step. A fully drained battery can appear dead.
- Use the original Apple charging cable and a power adapter you know works.
- Check that the magnetic charger is snapping firmly to the back of the watch.
- Let it charge undisturbed for at least an hour. The screen may remain black for a while before showing the charging symbol.
Step 2: Force Restart Your Apple Watch
If the watch is charged but frozen, a force restart can help. This is different from a normal turn on. The button combination varies by model.
For Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra, Ultra 2, Series 8, Series 7, SE (2nd gen), Series 6, Series 5, Series 4:
- Press and hold both the side button and the digital crown at the same time.
- Hold them for about 10 seconds.
- Release both buttons when you see the Apple logo.
For Apple Watch Series 3, Series 2, Series 1, and Original (Series 0):
- Press and hold both the side button and the digital crown for at least 10 seconds.
- Release when you see the Apple logo.
Step 3: Check For Physical Damage
Inspect the watch and its charger. Look for any visible damage to the watch screen or case. Also, check the charging cable for fraying or bent pins. Debris on the back of the watch or the charger can also prevent a good connection; clean both with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Contact Apple Support
If after all these steps your Apple Watch still shows no signs of life, it may be a hardware issue. You can contact Apple Support online or visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for further diagnosis. If your watch is under warranty, you may be eligible for a repair or replacement.
Powering On After A Software Update
During a software update, your Apple Watch will restart automatically. Sometimes, it may seem to take a long time on the Apple logo or a progress screen. This is normal.
Do not force restart the watch during an update unless it has been stuck on the same screen for over an hour. Interrupting an update can cause software corruption. Ensure the watch is on its charger and has at least a 50% battery before starting any update.
Identifying Update Screens
You might see two screens:
- A progress bar circling around the Apple logo. This means the update is downloading or preparing.
- A large gear icon with a circular progress bar underneath. This means the update is being installed. Just wait for it to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For An Apple Watch To Turn On?
A standard boot from being powered off takes about 30-60 seconds from pressing the button to seeing the watch face. A first-time setup or a boot after a major software update can take several minutes. If the battery was completely dead, it needs to charge to at least 5-10% before it can power on, which could take 20-30 minutes.
Can You Turn On An Apple Watch With The Digital Crown?
No, you cannot. The digital crown is used for scrolling, zooming, and accessing apps, but it does not power the device on. The sole button for powering on the Apple Watch is the side button. You only use the digital crown during a force restart, and even then, you press it alongside the side button.
Why Is My Apple Watch Not Turning On Even When Charged?
If your watch shows a charging symbol but won’t boot, try a force restart. If that fails, the software may be corrupted. You may need to place the watch in recovery mode and restore it using the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This erases all content, so it should be a last resort.
What Does The Red Exclamation Mark Mean On Apple Watch?
A red exclamation point means your Apple Watch has entered recovery mode. This usually happens after a failed update or a software problem. To exit, you need to connect it to its charger, then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen. You then use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to restore the software.
How Do I Know If My Apple Watch Is Charging When Off?
When placed on the charger, a powered-off Apple Watch will typically show a green lightning bolt symbol on the screen after a minute or two. If the battery is extremely low, it might show a red lightning bolt instead. If you see no symbol after 10 minutes on a known-good charger, there may be an issue with the watch, the cable, or the power source.