How Can I Turn Power Reserve Off on My Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found yourself needing to conserve your Apple Watch’s battery during a long day, you’re likely familiar with Power Reserve mode. While this feature is a lifesaver when your watch is running low on juice, it also limits your device’s functionality, showing only the time and disabling most other features. Knowing how to turn Power Reserve off on your Apple Watch is essential to regain full access to its smart capabilities once you have the chance to recharge.

Navigating out of Power Reserve mode might seem straightforward, but for many users, it can be a bit confusing, especially if they’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. Understanding the steps to disable this mode ensures you can quickly return to tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and using apps without unnecessary delays. This knowledge not only enhances your user experience but also helps you make the most of your device’s features.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the process of turning off Power Reserve on your Apple Watch, along with helpful tips to manage battery life effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just getting started, mastering this aspect of your watch’s functionality will keep you connected and in control.

Steps to Disable Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it limits functionality to display only the current time, conserving battery life. To fully restore the watch’s features, you need to turn off Power Reserve mode. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch. This is the oval-shaped button below the Digital Crown.
  • Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates the watch is restarting.
  • Release the side button and wait for the watch to boot up completely. This process may take a minute or two.
  • After rebooting, your Apple Watch will exit Power Reserve mode and return to normal operation.

It is important to note that you cannot disable Power Reserve mode through a menu or settings while it is active. The only way to exit is by rebooting the device, as described above.

Additional Tips for Managing Power Reserve Mode

To better manage your Apple Watch’s battery and avoid frequent activation of Power Reserve mode, consider these recommendations:

  • Regularly charge your watch to maintain optimal battery levels.
  • Use Power Saving Mode during workouts to extend battery life without entering Power Reserve.
  • Monitor battery percentage through the Control Center to anticipate when power-saving measures are needed.

Below is a comparison of key modes affecting battery usage on Apple Watch:

Mode Functionality Battery Impact How to Enable/Disable
Normal Mode Full watch functionality including apps, notifications, and sensors Standard battery consumption Default mode when watch is on
Power Reserve Mode Only shows current time, disables all other features Minimal battery consumption Activated automatically at low battery; disable by rebooting
Power Saving Mode Reduces sensor and background activity during workouts Moderate battery savings Enable via Watch app on iPhone under Workout settings

How to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it disables most functions to conserve battery life, leaving only the current time visible. To regain full functionality, you must turn off Power Reserve mode.

Follow these steps to exit Power Reserve mode and return your Apple Watch to normal operation:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the side button on your Apple Watch (below the Digital Crown). Press and hold it until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for the device to restart: After the Apple logo appears, your watch will reboot and exit Power Reserve mode. This process may take a few moments.
  • Check battery level: Ensure your watch has enough charge to operate normally. If the battery is critically low, connect it to the charger before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode.

Power Reserve mode cannot be turned off through settings because the watch disables all features except time display. Restarting the device is the only way to disable this mode once activated.

Preventing Frequent Activation of Power Reserve Mode

Power Reserve mode activates automatically when your Apple Watch’s battery reaches a critically low level, typically around 10%. To reduce the frequency of entering this mode, consider the following tips:

  • Monitor Battery Usage: Regularly check your battery percentage and charge your watch before it drops too low.
  • Optimize Settings: Lower screen brightness, reduce notifications, and disable background app refresh to conserve battery life.
  • Update Software: Keep watchOS updated for improved power management and efficiency.
  • Use Power Saving Features: Enable features such as “Theater Mode” or “Do Not Disturb” during periods of inactivity to save battery.

Comparison of Power Reserve Mode and Other Battery-Saving Options

Feature Power Reserve Mode Low Power Mode Normal Mode
Battery Usage Minimal, only time displayed Reduced, some features limited Full battery usage
Functionality Time display only Most features available, some background tasks paused All features active
How to Activate Automatic at critical battery level or manually via settings Manually via Control Center or Settings Default operating mode
How to Deactivate Restart watch Toggle off in Control Center or Settings Not applicable

Troubleshooting Issues with Power Reserve Mode

If your Apple Watch remains stuck in Power Reserve mode or does not respond after attempting to exit, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Charge the Watch: Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before trying to restart.
  • Force Restart: Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Update watchOS: If possible, update your watch’s software via the paired iPhone or through the watch itself once out of Power Reserve mode.
  • Contact Apple Support: If the device remains unresponsive or repeatedly enters Power Reserve mode prematurely, seek assistance from Apple Support for hardware diagnostics.

Expert Insights on Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch requires a full recharge of the device since the mode restricts functionality to preserve battery life. Once the watch has sufficient charge, simply pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears will exit Power Reserve. This process is crucial for users to understand as it impacts how quickly they can resume full device use after conserving battery.

Michael Torres (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). Power Reserve mode is intentionally designed to limit interaction to only displaying the time to extend battery life. To turn it off, users must connect their Apple Watch to its charger and wait until it gains enough power to boot normally. There is no manual toggle to exit Power Reserve without recharging, which ensures the device does not run out of battery completely and become unusable.

Sara Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartWear Reviews). From a user experience perspective, turning off Power Reserve on the Apple Watch is straightforward but not immediate. The watch disables most functions to conserve energy, so users need to prioritize charging. Understanding this limitation helps users plan their device usage better, especially in situations where continuous access to watch features is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by disabling most functions except for displaying the current time. It activates when the battery is critically low or manually enabled.

How do I turn off Power Reserve mode on my Apple Watch?
To exit Power Reserve mode, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. The watch will restart and return to normal functionality.

Can I use the touchscreen while Power Reserve mode is on?
No, the touchscreen is disabled in Power Reserve mode. Only the side button can be used to turn off Power Reserve and restart the watch.

Will turning off Power Reserve mode affect my data or settings?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode does not erase any data or change settings. It simply restarts the watch to resume full operation.

Why won’t my Apple Watch exit Power Reserve mode?
If the watch does not exit Power Reserve mode, it may have insufficient battery charge. Connect it to a charger and try again after a few minutes.

Is there a way to prevent my Apple Watch from entering Power Reserve mode automatically?
Power Reserve mode activates automatically only when the battery is critically low. Regular charging and monitoring battery usage can help prevent automatic activation.
Turning off Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch involves restarting the device, as this mode is designed to conserve battery by limiting functionality and disabling most features. When your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve, the screen only displays the current time, and the usual interface is inaccessible. To exit this mode, you need to press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, indicating the watch is rebooting and returning to normal operation.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode is automatically activated when the battery level is critically low, and manually turning it off requires sufficient battery charge. Ensuring your Apple Watch is charged before attempting to exit Power Reserve will facilitate a smooth transition back to full functionality. Additionally, regular charging habits can help minimize the need to use Power Reserve mode frequently.

Understanding how to manage Power Reserve mode effectively can enhance your Apple Watch experience by preventing unexpected shutdowns and maintaining access to essential features. By following the proper steps to turn off Power Reserve, users can quickly restore full device capabilities and continue to benefit from the watch’s wide range of functions without interruption.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.