How Do I Turn On My Apple Watch? A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’ve just unboxed your new Apple Watch or recently reset it, one of the first questions you might have is, “How do I turn on my Apple Watch?” This sleek, powerful device offers a blend of style and functionality, designed to keep you connected, active, and informed throughout your day. Before diving into its many features, it’s essential to know how to power it up properly to ensure a smooth start.

Turning on your Apple Watch is the gateway to unlocking its full potential—from tracking your fitness goals to receiving important notifications right on your wrist. While it might seem straightforward, understanding the correct way to power on your watch can help avoid common pitfalls and get you up and running quickly. Whether you’re a first-time user or returning after a pause, this guide will set the foundation for a seamless Apple Watch experience.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the simple steps to turn on your Apple Watch, what to do if it doesn’t respond, and tips to keep it charged and ready to go. By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating your device from the very first moment it powers up.

Powering On Your Apple Watch

To turn on your Apple Watch, locate the side button on the right side of the watch’s case. Press and hold this button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process usually takes a few seconds, so continue holding the button without releasing prematurely. Once the logo is displayed, release the button and allow the watch to complete the startup sequence.

If your Apple Watch does not turn on after holding the side button, it may be out of battery. Connect it to its charger and wait a few minutes before attempting to power it on again. The watch will automatically turn on once it has enough charge.

Understanding Apple Watch Buttons and Their Functions

The Apple Watch includes two main physical buttons that serve specific functions beyond powering the device on and off:

  • Side Button: Located below the Digital Crown, it is used to access the Dock, turn the watch on or off, and activate Emergency SOS.
  • Digital Crown: The round button on the side that can be pressed or rotated to scroll, zoom, or return to the Home screen.
Button Primary Functions Usage Tips
Side Button
  • Turn on/off device (press and hold)
  • Access Dock (single press)
  • Emergency SOS (press and hold)
 Press and hold for powering on or off; quick press to access apps
Digital Crown
  • Scroll or zoom (rotate)
  • Return to Home screen (press once)
  • Activate Siri (press and hold)
 Use gentle rotation for precise navigation; press firmly for Siri

What to Do If Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On

If your Apple Watch does not power on after holding the side button, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Charge the Watch: Attach the watch to its magnetic charger and connect the charger to a power source. Wait at least 30 minutes to ensure the battery has enough power.
  • Force Restart: If the watch screen remains black, perform a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Inspect the charger and charging cable for damage or debris that may prevent proper charging.
  • Software Updates: If the watch turns on but behaves abnormally, connect it to your iPhone and check for watchOS updates through the Watch app.

Battery Considerations When Turning On Your Apple Watch

Apple Watch battery performance can affect the startup process. The device is designed to enter a low-power mode when the battery is critically low, which may delay powering on even after pressing the side button. Here are important considerations:

  • Power Reserve Mode: When the battery is very low, the watch may display only the time without other features until charged.
  • Battery Health: Over time, battery capacity diminishes. If you experience frequent startup issues, battery health might need assessment or replacement.
  • Charging Habits: Regularly charging your Apple Watch and avoiding deep discharges helps maintain battery longevity and reliable startup.

Using Assistive Features to Power On Your Apple Watch

For users who have difficulty pressing physical buttons, Apple offers accessibility options that can assist with powering on and operating the watch:

  • AssistiveTouch: This feature lets users control the watch using gestures and on-screen menus, reducing reliance on physical buttons.
  • Voice Control and Siri: After the watch is powered on, you can use Siri to open apps or perform actions hands-free.

Note that AssistiveTouch and voice features require the watch to be already powered on; initial power must be applied via the side button or by connecting to a charger.

Summary of Steps to Turn On Your Apple Watch

Step Action Notes
Press Side Button Press and hold until Apple logo appears May take a few seconds; release after logo shows
Charge Device Place on charger if no response Wait 30 minutes if battery is depleted
Force Restart Hold side button and Digital Crown for 10 seconds Use if watch is unresponsive
Check Hardware Inspect charger and cable Ensure proper charging connection

Turning On Your Apple Watch

To power on your Apple Watch, follow these steps carefully to ensure the device starts correctly and is ready for use:

  • Locate the side button on your Apple Watch; it is positioned below the Digital Crown on the right side of the watch casing.
  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process may take a few seconds, so maintain the hold without releasing prematurely.
  • Once the Apple logo is displayed, release the side button. The watch will continue booting up and eventually show the watch face or the setup screen if it is the first time powering on.

If the Apple Watch does not turn on, verify the following:

Condition Action to Take
Battery is completely drained Connect the watch to its charger and wait for a few minutes.
Charger connection issues Ensure the charger is properly connected to a power source and the watch.
Physical damage or unresponsiveness Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.

The Apple Watch requires sufficient charge to power on. If the device does not respond immediately after pressing the side button, it may need to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on again.

Using Power Off and Restart Functions

In addition to turning the Apple Watch on, understanding how to power it off and restart it correctly is essential for troubleshooting and maintenance:

  • To power off the Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the Power Off slider appears on the screen.
  • Swipe the Power Off slider to the right to turn off the watch completely.
  • To restart the watch, after powering it off, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

In cases where the watch is unresponsive, a forced restart may be necessary:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release both buttons and allow the watch to restart normally.

Use the forced restart only when the device is frozen or not responding to standard inputs, as it interrupts ongoing processes. This method does not erase any data.

Ensuring Proper Setup After Powering On

Once the Apple Watch is powered on, especially if it is new or has been reset, it will require setup before regular use:

  • Bring your paired iPhone close to the Apple Watch to initiate the pairing process automatically.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone and Apple Watch to complete setup, including language selection, Apple ID sign-in, and customization options.
  • If automatic pairing does not begin, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and select “Start Pairing.”
  • Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone to facilitate a seamless connection.
Setup Step Description
Language and Region Choose preferred language and region settings.
Apple ID Authentication Sign in with your Apple ID to enable iCloud and services.
Passcode Setup Create a passcode for security and Apple Pay functionality.
App Installation Decide whether to install all available apps or select specific ones.

Completing the setup process allows your Apple Watch to synchronize data, receive notifications, and function fully with your iPhone.

Expert Guidance on Powering Up Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Institute). To turn on your Apple Watch, simply press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process initiates the watch’s startup sequence, which typically takes a few seconds. Ensuring the watch has sufficient battery charge is essential before powering it on to avoid startup interruptions.

Marcus Lee (Senior Product Trainer, Apple Inc.). When powering on the Apple Watch, users should locate the side button below the Digital Crown and press it firmly. Holding the button for about two seconds activates the device. If the watch does not turn on, connecting it to its charger can help determine whether the battery is depleted or if there is a hardware issue.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). The Apple Watch’s power-on method is designed for simplicity and user convenience. Pressing and holding the side button triggers the boot-up process, which is visually confirmed by the Apple logo. For first-time users, it is advisable to charge the watch fully before attempting to power it on to ensure optimal performance and setup experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn on my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release the button and wait for the watch to boot up.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not turn on?
Ensure the watch is charged by connecting it to its charger. If it still does not turn on, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Can I turn on my Apple Watch without pressing the side button?
No, the side button is required to power on the Apple Watch. There is no alternative method to turn it on without using the button.

How long does it take for an Apple Watch to turn on?
Typically, the Apple Watch takes about 30 seconds to a minute to fully power on and display the watch face after pressing the side button.

Will my Apple Watch turn on automatically when I put it on?
No, the Apple Watch does not turn on automatically when worn. You must manually press the side button to power it on if it is off.

Is it safe to force restart my Apple Watch to turn it on?
Yes, force restarting is safe and recommended only when the watch is unresponsive or will not turn on through normal methods. Avoid force restarting during software updates.
Turning on your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that involves pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This action powers up the device, allowing you to access its features and functionalities. It is important to ensure that the watch has sufficient battery charge before attempting to turn it on, as a completely drained battery will prevent the device from powering up.

In cases where the Apple Watch does not respond to the side button, it may require charging or a force restart. To force restart, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. This method can resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing the watch from turning on normally.

Understanding these basic steps ensures that users can efficiently power on their Apple Watch and troubleshoot common issues related to startup. Maintaining the device’s battery health and familiarizing oneself with the restart procedures enhances the overall user experience and ensures reliable performance.

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.