How Do You Power Off an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Powering off an Apple Watch might seem like a simple task, but for many users—especially those new to the device—it can raise a few questions. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery life, troubleshoot an issue, or simply give your watch a break, knowing how to properly turn it off is an essential skill. Understanding this basic function ensures you can manage your device efficiently and maintain its performance over time.

The Apple Watch, with its sleek design and advanced features, offers a seamless user experience that often makes it easy to overlook some of the fundamental controls. However, powering down the watch isn’t just about pressing a button; it involves a few deliberate steps that protect your data and settings while safely shutting down the device. As you explore the process, you’ll also discover why and when it’s beneficial to power off your watch.

In the sections ahead, you’ll gain clear insights into the methods for turning off your Apple Watch, including variations depending on the model or watchOS version. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just getting started, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently manage your Apple Watch’s power options.

Using the Side Button to Power Off

To power off an Apple Watch using the side button, start by pressing and holding the button located just below the Digital Crown on the right side of the watch. After a few seconds, the screen will change to display several options, including Power Off, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS.

At this stage:

  • Swipe the “Power Off” slider from left to right.
  • The Apple Watch screen will go black, indicating the device is powering down.
  • Wait until the watch is completely off before attempting to power it on again.

This method is the most straightforward and is typically the first step for powering down the device during troubleshooting or when conserving battery life.

Powering Off via Settings App

If pressing the side button is not convenient or the button is unresponsive, the Apple Watch can also be powered down through the Settings app:

  • Tap the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  • Open the Settings app, identifiable by its gear icon.
  • Scroll down and select General.
  • At the bottom of the General menu, tap Shut Down.
  • The Power Off slider will appear; swipe it to turn off the watch.

This method provides an alternative for users who prefer navigating through menus or need to power off the watch without using physical buttons.

Force Restarting the Apple Watch

Force restarting is a different process used primarily when the Apple Watch is frozen or unresponsive. It should be used only when the standard power off methods fail. To force restart:

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

Note that force restarting does not save any unsaved data and should be considered a last resort.

Power Off Options and Button Functions

The following table summarizes the different ways to power off or restart your Apple Watch, along with the associated buttons and expected outcomes:

Method Button(s) Used Action When to Use
Standard Power Off Side Button Press and hold, then swipe Power Off slider Normal shutdown or battery saving
Settings App Shutdown None (Software) Navigate to Settings > General > Shut Down, swipe Power Off slider Button unresponsive or alternative method
Force Restart Side Button + Digital Crown Press and hold both for 10+ seconds until Apple logo appears Device frozen or unresponsive

Additional Considerations When Powering Off

Before powering off your Apple Watch, consider the following:

  • Battery Level: Ensure the watch has sufficient battery if you plan to restart it soon after. Extremely low battery may prevent powering on.
  • Background Processes: Active apps or syncing processes will be interrupted during shutdown.
  • Connectivity: Powering off the watch will disconnect it from your iPhone, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks if applicable.
  • Health Monitoring: Features like heart rate monitoring and fall detection will be disabled while the watch is off.

Being aware of these factors can help avoid unintended disruptions when powering off your device.

Steps to Power Off an Apple Watch

Powering off an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can be completed using the device’s physical buttons or its software interface. This procedure is essential for troubleshooting, conserving battery life, or performing maintenance tasks.

  • Using the Side Button:
    1. Press and hold the side button located below the Digital Crown.
    2. Continue holding until the Power Off slider appears on the screen.
    3. Drag the “Power Off” slider to the right to turn off the watch.
  • Using the Settings App:
    1. Press the Digital Crown to open the app grid or list.
    2. Tap the Settings app icon.
    3. Scroll down and select General.
    4. Scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down.
    5. Slide the “Power Off” slider to the right.

Force Restart When Apple Watch is Unresponsive

If the Apple Watch becomes unresponsive and does not power off using the standard method, a force restart may be necessary. This action forcibly reboots the device without erasing any data.

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Button Location Function in Power Off Process
Side Button Below the Digital Crown Access power options; initiate power off slider
Digital Crown On the right side, circular dial Used in combination for force restart

Considerations When Powering Off Your Apple Watch

Powering off your Apple Watch affects certain functionalities and behaviors that users should be aware of:

  • Loss of Connectivity: When powered off, the watch will not connect to your iPhone or Wi-Fi networks, disabling notifications and other data sync.
  • Battery Preservation: Shutting down the device conserves battery life when the watch will not be in use for an extended period.
  • Emergency Calls: The watch cannot place emergency calls while powered off; ensure it is on if you need this feature.
  • Automatic Updates: Some system updates require the watch to be turned off and on again to complete installation.

Powering On the Apple Watch

To power the Apple Watch back on after it has been turned off, follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the button and allow the device to boot up completely.
  • Enter the passcode if prompted to access the watch face and apps.

Expert Guidance on How To Power Off An Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To power off an Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the power options appear on the screen. Then, slide the ‘Power Off’ slider to the right. This method ensures the device shuts down safely, preserving battery life and preventing any unintended background activity.”

Michael Torres (Senior Product Trainer, Apple Inc.). “Users should remember that powering off the Apple Watch is a straightforward process designed for ease of use. Holding the side button for a few seconds triggers the shutdown menu, which includes options to power off, access medical ID, or initiate emergency SOS. This multi-functionality adds convenience while maintaining user safety.”

Laura Simmons (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartTech Reviews). “Understanding how to properly power off an Apple Watch is essential for troubleshooting and conserving battery. The device’s interface is intuitive: a long press of the side button reveals the shutdown slider. This approach reflects Apple’s commitment to user-friendly design and device longevity.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I power off my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Then, drag the slider to the right to turn off the watch.

Can I power off my Apple Watch without using the screen?
No, powering off requires interacting with the screen to slide the power off option after holding the side button.

What should I do if my Apple Watch is unresponsive and won’t power off normally?
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.

Will powering off my Apple Watch affect its data or settings?
No, powering off the device does not erase any data or settings; it simply turns off the watch temporarily.

Is it necessary to power off the Apple Watch regularly?
It is not required to power off the Apple Watch regularly, but restarting it occasionally can help resolve minor performance issues.

Can I schedule my Apple Watch to power off automatically?
Apple Watch does not support automatic power-off scheduling; it must be powered off manually when needed.
Powering off an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that ensures the device is completely shut down, conserving battery life and allowing for troubleshooting when necessary. The primary method involves pressing and holding the side button until the power options appear, then sliding the Power Off slider to turn the watch off. This simple action effectively disconnects the device from its functions until it is powered back on.

Understanding how to properly power off an Apple Watch is essential for maintaining its performance and addressing issues such as unresponsiveness or software glitches. It is also important to note that powering off the watch will temporarily disable notifications, fitness tracking, and other active features, which will resume only after the device is turned back on.

In summary, knowing how to power off your Apple Watch empowers users to manage their device efficiently and troubleshoot minor problems independently. This fundamental skill contributes to the overall user experience by ensuring that the watch operates smoothly and responds well to user commands.

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.