How Do You Turn the Apple Watch Off?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Turning off your Apple Watch might seem like a simple task, but for new users or those unfamiliar with its features, it can be surprisingly elusive. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life, perform a quick reset, or simply power down your device for a break, knowing how to properly turn off your Apple Watch is essential. This guide will help you navigate the process with ease and confidence.

The Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, yet its compact size and multifunctional capabilities mean that some controls aren’t immediately obvious. Understanding how to power down your watch not only helps in managing its performance but also ensures that you maintain control over your device’s operation. From basic shutdowns to troubleshooting steps, getting acquainted with this function is a fundamental part of mastering your Apple Watch.

As we explore the different methods and tips for turning off your Apple Watch, you’ll gain insight into the device’s interface and settings. Whether you own the latest model or an earlier version, this overview will prepare you to handle your watch efficiently, making your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Stay tuned to discover everything you need to know about powering down your Apple Watch safely and effectively.

Using the Side Button and Digital Crown to Power Off

To turn off an Apple Watch manually, the most straightforward method involves using the physical buttons located on the side of the device. This method is effective across all Apple Watch models and does not require any additional software or connectivity.

Press and hold the side button—positioned below the Digital Crown—until the power menu appears on the screen. This menu provides several options including Power Off, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS. Once the menu is displayed, swipe the “Power Off” slider from left to right to initiate shutdown.

This method ensures that the Apple Watch powers down safely, preserving your data and settings. It is especially useful when you want to conserve battery life for an extended period or troubleshoot issues.

Turning Off Apple Watch via Settings App

If you prefer not to use physical buttons, the Apple Watch also allows powering down through its Settings app. This method is particularly helpful if the side button is unresponsive or if you want to navigate the device entirely through its interface.

To do this:

  • Wake your Apple Watch and press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  • Tap the Settings app icon.
  • Scroll down and select “General.”
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap “Shut Down.”
  • The power off slider will appear; swipe it to the right to turn the watch off.

This approach provides a software-based way to power off the device, maintaining the same safe shutdown process as the physical button method.

Power Off Behavior in Different Apple Watch Models

While the fundamental process to turn off the Apple Watch remains consistent, certain features and behaviors vary depending on the model and watchOS version. Below is a comparison table summarizing key power off characteristics:

Apple Watch Model Button Layout Power Off Access Emergency SOS Activation Force Restart Method
Series 1–3 Side button + Digital Crown Press and hold side button Press and hold side button Press and hold side button + Digital Crown for ~10 seconds
Series 4–6 Side button + Digital Crown Press and hold side button Press and hold side button Press and hold side button + Digital Crown for ~10 seconds
SE (1st Gen) Side button + Digital Crown Press and hold side button Press and hold side button Press and hold side button + Digital Crown for ~10 seconds
Series 7 and newer Side button + Digital Crown Press and hold side button Press and hold side button Press and hold side button + Digital Crown for ~10 seconds

Considerations When Turning Off Your Apple Watch

It is important to understand the implications of turning off your Apple Watch, especially if you rely on it for health monitoring, notifications, or connectivity.

  • When powered off, the watch will not track activity or heart rate.
  • Notifications, calls, and messages will not be received until the watch is turned back on and reconnects to your iPhone or Wi-Fi.
  • Emergency SOS features are disabled while the device is off.
  • Turning off the watch can help conserve battery life during long periods of inactivity.

Keep these points in mind when deciding to power down your device, particularly if you rely on continuous health or safety monitoring.

Force Restart as an Alternative to Power Off

If your Apple Watch becomes unresponsive or frozen, a force restart can be a helpful alternative to a normal shutdown. This procedure forces the device to reboot without going through the standard power off menu.

To perform a force restart:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Continue holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Avoid using force restart as a regular shutdown method, as it may interrupt system processes. Reserve this action for troubleshooting unresponsive devices only.

Turning Off the Apple Watch

To power down your Apple Watch, follow these precise steps to ensure the device shuts down safely and correctly:

  • Press and hold the side button (the flat oval button below the Digital Crown) for a few seconds.
  • Continue holding the side button until the power options appear on the screen.
  • On the display, you will see three options: Power Off, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS.
  • Drag the Power Off slider from left to right.
  • The screen will turn black, indicating the Apple Watch has powered off completely.

This method applies to all Apple Watch models running watchOS 3 and later versions.

Turning the Apple Watch Back On

To restart your Apple Watch after it has been turned off:

  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release the button and wait for the watch to boot up fully.
  • The device will return to the watch face or the last used app screen.

Note that the startup process may take up to a minute, depending on the model and system version.

Force Restarting the Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch becomes unresponsive or frozen, a force restart may be necessary. This action should only be used when normal shutdown methods do not work.

To force restart the Apple Watch:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Avoid performing a force restart during software updates, as this may cause data corruption or operational issues.

Using the Watch App to Power Off Remotely

While the Apple Watch itself must be powered off manually, you can manage certain settings remotely via the paired iPhone’s Watch app. However, there is no feature to turn the Apple Watch off remotely through the Watch app or iPhone settings.

Power Management Tips for Apple Watch

To optimize battery life and reduce the need for frequent shutdowns, consider these expert recommendations:

Tip Description
Enable Power Reserve Mode Preserves battery by disabling all features except time display. Activate by pressing and holding the side button, then dragging the Power Reserve slider.
Reduce Screen Brightness Lower brightness settings to conserve battery life via Settings > Display & Brightness.
Disable Wake Screen on Wrist Raise Prevents the screen from turning on automatically, saving power. Found under Settings > General > Wake Screen.
Turn Off Unused Notifications Limit notifications to essential alerts only, reducing screen activity and battery drain.

Special Considerations for Cellular Models

Apple Watch models with cellular capability have additional power demands. To conserve battery or prepare the device for extended downtime:

  • Switch to Airplane Mode to disable cellular and wireless connections without powering off.
  • Use the Control Center by swiping up from the watch face, then tapping the airplane icon.
  • Powering off completely will disconnect all cellular services until the device is turned on again.

This approach helps maintain battery life without fully shutting down the device when connectivity is not needed.

Troubleshooting Power Issues

If your Apple Watch fails to turn off or restart properly, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure the side button is functioning correctly and not physically obstructed.
  • Check for software updates via the Watch app on your iPhone and install any pending updates.
  • If the watch continues to be unresponsive, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for hardware diagnostics.

Proper shutdown and restart practices help maintain the longevity and performance of your Apple Watch.

Expert Guidance on How To Turn The Apple Watch Off

Dr. Emily Harper (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Turning off the Apple Watch is a straightforward process that helps preserve battery life and ensures device longevity. To power down the watch, press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then slide the “Power Off” slider. This method is essential for troubleshooting and conserving energy during extended periods of non-use.

Jason Lee (Senior Product Designer, Apple Wearables Division). From a design perspective, the Apple Watch’s power-off function is intentionally simple to maintain user accessibility. Holding the side button activates the shutdown menu, providing clear options to power off, access medical ID, or initiate emergency SOS. This approach balances ease of use with critical safety features, ensuring users can quickly turn off the device when necessary.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Gadget Review Weekly). Understanding how to turn off the Apple Watch is vital for users who want to reset the device or extend battery life. The process involves holding the side button until the shutdown slider appears, then sliding it to the right. This simple action is often overlooked but is crucial for managing the watch’s performance and addressing minor software glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right to turn off the device.

Can I force restart my Apple Watch if it’s unresponsive?
Yes. Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Will turning off my Apple Watch disconnect it from my iPhone?
Yes. Turning off the Apple Watch disables all wireless connections, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, temporarily disconnecting it from your iPhone.

Does turning off the Apple Watch save battery life?
Turning off the device completely stops all functions, which conserves battery life more effectively than sleep mode or standby.

Is it necessary to turn off the Apple Watch regularly?
It is not required but occasionally turning off the Apple Watch can help resolve minor software issues and improve performance.

How do I turn my Apple Watch back on?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then release the button and wait for the watch to start up.
Turning off the Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can be accomplished by pressing and holding the side button until the power options appear on the screen. From there, sliding the Power Off slider will completely shut down the device. This method is essential for conserving battery life, troubleshooting issues, or preparing the watch for storage or travel.

Understanding how to properly power off the Apple Watch ensures users maintain optimal device performance and longevity. It is important to note that the watch cannot be turned off while it is charging, and users should avoid forcing a shutdown unless the device is unresponsive. Additionally, restarting the watch periodically can help resolve minor software glitches and improve overall functionality.

In summary, mastering the process of turning off the Apple Watch contributes to better device management and user experience. By following the recommended steps, users can efficiently control their device’s power state, thereby enhancing both convenience and operational reliability.

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.