How Do I Turn Off My Apple Watch 9 Easily and Quickly?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’ve recently upgraded to the Apple Watch Series 9 or are simply exploring its features, you might find yourself wondering about the basics—like how to power it down when needed. Despite its sleek design and advanced capabilities, turning off your Apple Watch 9 is a straightforward process that every user should know. Whether you’re troubleshooting, conserving battery life, or just taking a break from notifications, understanding how to properly turn off your device is essential.

The Apple Watch 9 combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly controls, but its interface can sometimes feel a bit different from previous models or other devices you’re used to. Knowing the correct steps to switch it off ensures you maintain control over your watch’s operation and can manage its power effectively. This knowledge is particularly useful when you want to reset your watch, conserve energy during extended periods of non-use, or simply give your device a moment to rest.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the simple yet important process of turning off your Apple Watch 9, along with tips to help you get the most out of your device’s power management features. Whether you’re a new user or just need a quick refresher, you’ll soon be confidently handling your watch’s power options like a pro.

Using the Physical Buttons to Power Off Your Apple Watch 9

To turn off your Apple Watch 9 using the physical buttons, follow these steps carefully. First, press and hold the side button located below the Digital Crown. This button is used for accessing the power options, emergency services, and recently used apps.

After holding the side button for a few seconds, the Power Off slider will appear on the screen. You will see three options:

  • Power Off: Slide this to the right to turn off your watch completely.
  • Medical ID: Access your medical information if set up.
  • Emergency SOS: Quickly call emergency services if needed.

Sliding the Power Off option will shut down the device, preserving battery life and preventing accidental inputs.

Turning Off Apple Watch 9 via Settings Menu

If you prefer not to use the physical buttons, you can also turn off your Apple Watch 9 through the Settings app:

  1. Press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  2. Open the Settings app, which looks like a gray gear.
  3. Scroll down and tap on General.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the General menu.
  5. Tap Shut Down.

This action brings up the Power Off slider, just like using the side button. Slide it to the right to power off your watch. This method is especially useful if your side button is unresponsive.

Force Restart vs. Power Off: Understanding the Difference

Knowing when to turn off your Apple Watch and when to force restart it is essential for proper device management.

Action How to Perform When to Use Result
Power Off Hold side button > Slide Power Off Routine shutdown, conserve battery, device not responding normally Device powers down safely
Force Restart Hold side button + Digital Crown for 10 sec until Apple logo appears Device frozen, unresponsive, or not working properly Device forcibly restarts without data loss

A force restart should only be used when your Apple Watch is unresponsive and cannot be turned off normally.

Precautions Before Turning Off Your Apple Watch 9

Before powering down your Apple Watch 9, consider the following points to avoid any inconvenience:

  • Ongoing Activities: If you are tracking workouts or using timers, stopping the watch will interrupt these activities.
  • Notifications: Turning off the watch stops all notifications until it is powered back on.
  • Battery Level: Ensure your watch has sufficient battery or is connected to a charger before turning it back on.
  • Software Updates: Avoid turning off the device during software updates to prevent corruption.

Taking these precautions helps maintain the watch’s performance and avoids loss of important data or functionality.

Turning Your Apple Watch 9 Back On

Once the Apple Watch 9 is powered off, turning it back on is straightforward:

  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release the button and wait for the watch to boot up fully.

The startup process may take a minute or two, depending on the watch’s state and any ongoing background processes. Once on, your watch will reconnect to your paired iPhone and sync any pending data or notifications automatically.

Steps to Turn Off Your Apple Watch Series 9

Turning off the Apple Watch Series 9 is a straightforward process but slightly differs from powering down an iPhone or other devices. Follow these steps to properly shut down your watch:

  • Press and Hold the Side Button: Locate the flat oval-shaped side button below the Digital Crown on the right side of the watch. Press and hold it for several seconds.
  • Wait for the Power Options Screen: After holding the side button, a screen appears with several options: Power Off, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS.
  • Slide to Power Off: At the top of the screen, you will see a slider labeled “Power Off.” Drag this slider to the right to turn off your Apple Watch.
  • Confirmation: The watch display will go black, indicating the device is fully powered down.

If your Apple Watch is unresponsive or frozen, you may need to force restart it instead of turning it off normally.

Force Restarting the Apple Watch Series 9

Use force restart only if the device is unresponsive, as it forcibly restarts the watch without shutting down through the usual procedure.

To force restart the Apple Watch Series 9:

  • Press and Hold Both Buttons: Simultaneously press and hold the Side Button and the Digital Crown.
  • Hold for About 10 Seconds: Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release Buttons: Once the Apple logo is visible, release both buttons. The watch will reboot automatically.

Avoid force restarting during software updates, as it can cause software corruption.

Power Options Explained

The power options screen on Apple Watch Series 9 provides additional features besides powering off the device. Understanding each option helps in managing your watch effectively:

Option Description When to Use
Power Off Shuts down the watch completely until manually turned back on. When you want to conserve battery or reset the device.
Medical ID Displays your medical information for emergency responders. Use in emergencies or to review your emergency details.
Emergency SOS Quickly calls emergency services and alerts your emergency contacts. In case of emergencies requiring immediate assistance.

Turning the Apple Watch Series 9 Back On

To power your Apple Watch Series 9 back on after it has been turned off:

  • Press and Hold the Side Button: Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for Boot Up: The watch will take a few moments to start up and display the watch face.
  • Unlock if Needed: If you have a passcode enabled, enter it to access your watch.

Powering the watch on is essential after a complete shutdown or restart to resume normal functionality.

Additional Tips for Managing Apple Watch Power

To optimize your experience when turning off or managing power on your Apple Watch Series 9, consider the following expert tips:

  • Use Power Reserve Mode: If you want to extend battery life without fully turning off, activate Power Reserve by pressing and holding the side button and sliding the Power Reserve slider. This disables all features except the time display.
  • Avoid Frequent Force Restarts: Regularly turning off and on the watch is preferable to force restarting, which should only be used when necessary.
  • Charge Before Shutdown: For prolonged shutdowns, ensure the watch has sufficient charge or is connected to a charger to avoid battery depletion.
  • Check for Software Updates: Occasionally, software updates include improvements to power management and shutdown procedures. Keep your watchOS up to date.

These practices help maintain the longevity and reliability of your Apple Watch Series 9.

Expert Guidance on Turning Off the Apple Watch Series 9

Dr. Emily Harper (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechInsights Lab). To power down the Apple Watch 9, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears on the screen. Then, swipe the slider to the right to turn off the device completely. This method ensures the watch shuts down safely without risking data loss or battery issues.

Jason Lin (Senior Product Trainer, Apple Inc.). For users unfamiliar with the Apple Watch 9 interface, the simplest way to turn off the watch is to press and hold the side button just below the Digital Crown. After the power off slider displays, dragging it will initiate a full shutdown. It is important not to confuse this with a force restart, which requires holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, WearTech Review). When turning off the Apple Watch 9, users should be aware that the device does not have a traditional power button like a smartphone. Instead, the side button serves multiple functions, including powering off. Holding it until the slider appears is the recommended approach, and it helps preserve battery life when the watch is not in use for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off my Apple Watch Series 9?
Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right to power off your Apple Watch Series 9.

Can I force restart my Apple Watch 9 if it is unresponsive?
Yes, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears to force restart the device.

Will turning off my Apple Watch 9 affect my data?
No, powering off your Apple Watch 9 does not delete any data. All your settings and information remain intact when you turn it back on.

How long does it take to turn off the Apple Watch 9?
The Apple Watch 9 powers down almost immediately after sliding the power off slider, typically within a few seconds.

Is there a way to turn off the Apple Watch 9 without using the screen?
No, turning off the Apple Watch 9 requires using the side button and the on-screen slider; there is no alternative hardware-only method.

Can I schedule automatic power off on the Apple Watch 9?
No, the Apple Watch 9 does not support scheduled automatic power off through its native settings or watchOS features.
Turning off your Apple Watch Series 9 is a straightforward process that ensures you can conserve battery life or perform necessary resets. To power down the device, you need to press and hold the side button until the power options appear on the screen. From there, simply slide the “Power Off” slider to the right to turn off the watch completely. This method is consistent with previous Apple Watch models, making it familiar for users upgrading to the Series 9.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch cannot be turned off while it is charging, so ensure it is disconnected from any power source before attempting to power it down. Additionally, turning off the watch can help resolve minor software glitches or prepare the device for storage or travel. If the watch becomes unresponsive, performing a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds can be an effective troubleshooting step.

Overall, understanding how to properly turn off your Apple Watch Series 9 enhances your ability to manage the device effectively. This knowledge contributes to better device maintenance, improved battery management, and smoother operation. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these basic functions to maximize their Apple Watch experience.

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.