How Can You Get Your Apple Watch Out of Low Power Mode?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found your Apple Watch stuck in Low Power Mode, you know how limiting it can be. While this feature is designed to extend your watch’s battery life during critical moments, it also restricts many of the device’s functionalities, leaving you eager to return to full use. Understanding how to get your Apple Watch out of Low Power Mode can help you regain access to its full range of features quickly and efficiently.

Low Power Mode is a helpful tool that conserves energy by disabling certain background activities and reducing performance, but it’s not meant to be a permanent state. Whether your watch entered this mode automatically due to low battery or you enabled it manually, knowing the steps to exit Low Power Mode ensures you can seamlessly switch back to normal operation. This knowledge is especially useful when you need your Apple Watch to perform at its best without unnecessary interruptions.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore what Low Power Mode entails, why your Apple Watch might be stuck in this state, and the straightforward methods to restore it to full functionality. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the tips and tricks to manage your device’s power settings confidently and keep your Apple Watch running smoothly.

Steps to Exit Low Power Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch is in Low Power Mode, many features are temporarily disabled to conserve battery life. To restore full functionality, you need to turn off Low Power Mode. Here are the steps to do this directly on your device:

  • Wake your Apple Watch by raising your wrist or pressing the Digital Crown.
  • Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center.
  • Look for the battery percentage icon, which will appear yellow if Low Power Mode is active.
  • Tap the battery percentage icon to open the Battery settings.
  • You will see a toggle or option labeled Low Power Mode. Tap to switch it off.
  • Confirm if prompted, and your watch will begin exiting Low Power Mode, restoring standard performance and features.

If your watch does not respond or Low Power Mode cannot be disabled via Control Center, you can try restarting your device:

  • Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
  • Drag the slider to turn off the watch.
  • After it powers down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
  • Once restarted, Low Power Mode should be disabled.

Additional Tips for Managing Low Power Mode

To manage battery life effectively and avoid frequent Low Power Mode activation, consider these best practices:

  • Regularly charge your Apple Watch to keep the battery above critical levels.
  • Update watchOS to the latest version, as updates often include battery optimization improvements.
  • Disable unnecessary notifications and background app refresh to conserve power.
  • Adjust screen brightness and reduce the wake duration of the display.
  • Use Power Reserve mode intentionally when you want to conserve battery for an extended period, but remember it is different from Low Power Mode and disables most functions except showing time.

Comparison of Power Saving Modes on Apple Watch

Mode Battery Conservation Level Features Available How to Exit
Low Power Mode Moderate Basic notifications, limited sensors, reduced background activity Toggle off in Battery settings or restart watch
Power Reserve Mode Maximum Only time display Press and hold side button until Apple logo appears

Understanding these modes and their management options will help you maintain optimal performance and battery life on your Apple Watch.

Steps to Disable Low Power Mode on Your Apple Watch

Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch is designed to extend battery life by limiting certain features and background activities. To restore full functionality, you need to exit this mode. The process to get your Apple Watch out of Low Power Mode involves the following steps:

  • Wake the Apple Watch by tapping the screen or pressing the Digital Crown.
  • Open the Control Center by swiping up from the bottom edge of the watch face.
  • Look for the battery percentage icon; if Low Power Mode is active, the battery icon will be yellow.
  • Tap the battery icon to open the battery settings.
  • In the battery settings screen, you will see a toggle for Low Power Mode.
  • Turn off Low Power Mode by tapping the toggle so it switches from green to gray.
  • The watch will then exit Low Power Mode and resume normal operation.

If you do not see the Low Power Mode toggle in the battery settings, it may indicate that the watch is not currently in Low Power Mode or the battery percentage is above the threshold that triggers this mode.

Using the Watch App on iPhone to Manage Low Power Mode

You can also manage Low Power Mode through the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone. This method allows you to control settings remotely and check the battery status more conveniently.

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on the My Watch tab if not already selected.
  • Scroll down and select Battery.
  • Locate the Low Power Mode option.
  • Toggle Low Power Mode off if it is enabled.

This approach provides an alternative if the watch interface is unresponsive or if you prefer managing device settings through your iPhone.

Automatic Exit Conditions for Low Power Mode

Apple Watch Low Power Mode is designed to activate under certain conditions, particularly when battery levels drop below 10%. Exiting Low Power Mode can occur automatically under these scenarios:

Condition Description
Charging the Apple Watch Connecting the watch to a charger and reaching 80% battery will automatically disable Low Power Mode.
Manual Deactivation User manually toggles Low Power Mode off via the watch or iPhone app.
Restarting the Device Restarting the Apple Watch can sometimes reset system states, potentially exiting Low Power Mode if the battery level permits.

Understanding these conditions helps users know when the watch will return to normal functionality without manual intervention.

Troubleshooting If Apple Watch Won’t Exit Low Power Mode

In rare cases, the Apple Watch may not exit Low Power Mode even after following standard steps. Consider the following troubleshooting tips:

– **Ensure the battery has sufficient charge:** Plug the watch into its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes.
– **Force restart the Apple Watch:** Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
– **Check for software updates:** Outdated watchOS versions may affect battery management features. Update the watchOS via the Watch app on iPhone.
– **Reset settings:** If issues persist, you may reset all settings via *Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings* on the watch. Note this does not erase data but resets preferences.

  • Contact Apple Support: Persistent issues might indicate hardware problems with the battery or power management system.

Impact of Low Power Mode on Apple Watch Features

Understanding what Low Power Mode disables helps clarify why exiting the mode is necessary for full watch functionality. When enabled, Low Power Mode:

  • Temporarily disables the always-on display on Apple Watch Series 5 and later.
  • Limits background heart rate and blood oxygen measurements.
  • Pauses Wi-Fi and cellular data usage except for essential functions.
  • Disables the Always-On Retina display.
  • Suspends background app refresh and reduces screen brightness.
  • Stops automatic workout detection and GPS tracking in workouts.

This trade-off between battery life and feature availability is critical to manage based on user needs.

Summary Table: How to Exit Low Power Mode on Apple Watch

Method Action Notes
On Watch Open Control Center → Tap battery icon → Toggle Low Power Mode off Available only if battery is low and mode is active
On iPhone Open Watch app → My Watch → Battery → Toggle Low Power Mode off Convenient for remote management
Automatic Charge watch to 80% or above Auto-exits Low Power Mode upon sufficient charge
Restart Force restart Apple Watch Resets system states, may exit Low Power Mode

Expert Advice on Exiting Low Power Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). To disable Low Power Mode on your Apple Watch, simply press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then tap “Power Off.” After the device powers down, press and hold the side button again to restart the watch. Once rebooted, Low Power Mode should be automatically disabled, restoring full functionality.

Michael Torres (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development). Low Power Mode is designed to conserve battery by limiting background activity and sensor use. To exit this mode, ensure your watch has sufficient charge—above 20%—then navigate to Settings > Battery and toggle off Low Power Mode. If the option is greyed out, a restart or charging the device may be necessary to regain full operational status.

Sara Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartWear Insights). Users often confuse Low Power Mode with a system fault. The most reliable method to get out of Low Power Mode is to connect the Apple Watch to its charger. Once the battery level rises, the watch will automatically exit Low Power Mode. Alternatively, manually turning off Low Power Mode in the battery settings after charging ensures the watch returns to normal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch?
Low Power Mode reduces the Apple Watch’s energy consumption by disabling certain features and background activities, extending battery life when the charge is critically low.

How do I turn off Low Power Mode on my Apple Watch?
To exit Low Power Mode, press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then tap “Resume” or simply charge the watch until it automatically disables Low Power Mode.

Can I disable Low Power Mode manually without charging the watch?
No, Low Power Mode is designed to activate and deactivate automatically based on battery levels and charging status; manual disabling without charging is not supported.

Will my Apple Watch automatically exit Low Power Mode after charging?
Yes, once the Apple Watch reaches a sufficient battery level during charging, it will automatically exit Low Power Mode and restore normal functionality.

Does Low Power Mode affect notifications and app performance?
Yes, Low Power Mode limits background app refresh and some notifications to conserve battery, which may delay updates until the mode is turned off.

Is Low Power Mode available on all Apple Watch models?
Low Power Mode is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later models running watchOS 9 or newer.
Exiting Low Power Mode on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that primarily involves recharging the device or manually disabling the mode through the settings. When Low Power Mode is activated, the watch conserves battery life by limiting certain functions and reducing performance. To restore full functionality, users can either connect the watch to a charger, which often prompts the device to exit Low Power Mode automatically, or navigate to the Control Center or Settings app to turn off the feature manually.

It is important to understand that Low Power Mode is designed to extend battery life during critical moments, but it restricts some features such as background app refresh, heart rate monitoring, and always-on display. Therefore, disabling Low Power Mode will reinstate the watch’s complete capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and access to all health and connectivity features.

In summary, managing Low Power Mode effectively enhances the overall user experience by balancing battery conservation with functionality. Users should be aware of how to toggle this mode on and off as needed, especially when full watch performance is required. Keeping the Apple Watch sufficiently charged remains the most reliable method to exit Low Power Mode and maintain seamless operation.

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.