How Do You Turn Off Low Power Mode on Your Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve noticed your Apple Watch running a bit differently—perhaps with limited features or a dimmer display—it might be because Low Power Mode is enabled. Designed to extend your watch’s battery life during critical moments, this feature can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go. However, once you’re ready to enjoy the full range of your device’s capabilities again, turning off Low Power Mode becomes essential.

Understanding how to toggle this setting effectively can enhance your overall Apple Watch experience. Whether you’re a new user or someone who’s recently updated your watchOS, knowing when and how to disable Low Power Mode ensures you get the most out of your smartwatch’s performance. This article will guide you through the essentials, helping you regain full functionality with ease and confidence.

Turning Off Low Power Mode Directly on Your Apple Watch

To disable Low Power Mode directly on your Apple Watch, follow these steps to regain full functionality and performance. This method is particularly useful if you want to quickly restore all features without needing to use your paired iPhone.

Begin by waking your Apple Watch and navigating to the Control Center:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center.
  • Look for the battery percentage icon, which indicates the battery status.
  • Tap the battery percentage icon to access the Battery settings.

Within the Battery settings, you will see the Low Power Mode toggle:

  • If Low Power Mode is enabled, the toggle will appear green.
  • Tap the toggle to turn off Low Power Mode.
  • Your watch will then exit Low Power Mode, restoring standard operation.

Note that turning off Low Power Mode may result in faster battery drain, as background app refresh, heart rate monitoring, and other power-intensive features will resume normal activity.

Disabling Low Power Mode Using the Watch App on iPhone

If you prefer managing your Apple Watch settings from your iPhone, the Watch app provides a convenient alternative to disable Low Power Mode. This can be especially helpful if the watch screen is difficult to navigate or if you want to make changes remotely.

To turn off Low Power Mode via the Watch app:

  • Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  • Tap the “My Watch” tab at the bottom of the screen.
  • Scroll down and select “Battery.”
  • Locate the Low Power Mode option.
  • Toggle Low Power Mode off to disable it.

Using the iPhone app offers the advantage of adjusting multiple battery-related settings in one place, allowing you to monitor battery health and usage patterns alongside Low Power Mode preferences.

Automatic vs. Manual Control of Low Power Mode

Apple Watch offers flexibility in how Low Power Mode is activated and deactivated, with both automatic triggers and manual control. Understanding these options ensures better management of your device’s battery life.

  • Automatic Activation: The watch may automatically enter Low Power Mode when the battery reaches a critically low percentage (typically around 10%). This helps extend remaining battery life by limiting background activity.
  • Manual Activation: Users can manually enable Low Power Mode at any time to conserve battery, even when the battery level is not low.
  • Manual Deactivation: Users must manually turn off Low Power Mode to restore full functionality, either via the watch or the paired iPhone.

The table below summarizes key aspects of Low Power Mode control:

Control Type Trigger Effect How to Disable
Automatic Battery ≤ 10% Limits background tasks, reduces screen brightness Manually via watch or iPhone app
Manual User initiated Same as automatic Toggle off in Battery settings

Considerations When Turning Off Low Power Mode

Disabling Low Power Mode restores all the usual functionalities of your Apple Watch but will increase battery consumption. It is important to consider the current battery level and your usage needs before turning it off.

Keep in mind the following:

  • If your battery percentage is low, turning off Low Power Mode may cause the watch to shut down sooner.
  • Features like heart rate monitoring, background app refresh, and always-on display will resume, increasing power draw.
  • For optimal battery management, consider re-enabling Low Power Mode if you anticipate extended use without charging.

By balancing these factors, you can ensure your Apple Watch provides both functionality and sufficient battery life throughout your day.

Disabling Low Power Mode Directly on Your Apple Watch

Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch is designed to extend battery life by limiting background activity and performance. However, when you need full functionality restored, turning off Low Power Mode is straightforward and can be done directly on the device.

Follow these steps to disable Low Power Mode from the Apple Watch:

  • Wake your Apple Watch: Raise your wrist or press the Digital Crown to activate the display.
  • Access Control Center: Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center.
  • Locate the Battery Percentage: Tap the battery percentage icon to open the Battery settings.
  • Turn Off Low Power Mode: Within the Battery settings, find the Low Power Mode toggle and tap it to disable the mode.
  • Confirm Deactivation: If prompted, confirm that you want to exit Low Power Mode to restore normal operation.

After disabling Low Power Mode, the Apple Watch will resume normal background activity, app refreshes, and other features that were previously limited.

Using the Watch App on iPhone to Manage Low Power Mode

Alternatively, you can control Low Power Mode settings through the paired iPhone using the Watch app. This method provides a convenient way to manage power settings without interacting directly with the watch.

To turn off Low Power Mode via the iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select General from the list of settings.
  • Tap Low Power Mode.
  • Toggle Low Power Mode off.

This action will synchronize with your Apple Watch and disable Low Power Mode remotely. It is particularly useful if your watch is not immediately accessible.

Important Considerations When Disabling Low Power Mode

Understanding the implications of turning off Low Power Mode is critical to managing your Apple Watch’s battery life effectively.

Aspect Effect of Disabling Low Power Mode
Battery Consumption Increases due to reactivation of background app refresh, animations, and sensor usage.
Performance Returns to full capacity, allowing apps and features to operate without restrictions.
Notifications Delivered in real time as background processes resume.
Health and Fitness Tracking More frequent sensor readings and data collection resume, enhancing accuracy.

Disabling Low Power Mode is recommended when battery life is sufficient, and you require full functionality of your Apple Watch.

Expert Insights on Disabling Low Power Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch is straightforward through the device’s Settings app. Users should navigate to Settings > Battery, then toggle off Low Power Mode. This restores full functionality and performance, ensuring the watch operates without the imposed energy-saving restrictions.

Michael Torres (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). From a software perspective, Low Power Mode is designed to extend battery life by limiting background activity and sensor use. To turn it off, users can also press and hold the side button to access the power menu and then tap the Low Power Mode icon to disable it quickly without going through the Settings menu.

Sara Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Review Journal). For users unfamiliar with the Apple Watch interface, it’s important to note that Low Power Mode can also deactivate automatically when the watch is charged above a certain battery threshold. Manually turning it off via Settings or the Control Center ensures immediate return to normal operation, which is essential for users relying on full smartwatch capabilities throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Low Power Mode on Apple Watch?
Low Power Mode reduces background activity and disables certain features to extend battery life when the charge is low.

How do I turn off Low Power Mode on my Apple Watch?
Open the Control Center by swiping up on the watch face, then tap the battery percentage icon and toggle off Low Power Mode.

Can Low Power Mode turn off automatically on Apple Watch?
Yes, Low Power Mode automatically disables once the battery charge reaches a sufficient level after charging.

Will turning off Low Power Mode affect my Apple Watch’s performance?
Disabling Low Power Mode restores full functionality and background processes, which may increase battery consumption.

Is Low Power Mode available on all Apple Watch models?
Low Power Mode is available on Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, and later models running watchOS 9 or newer.

Why can’t I turn off Low Power Mode on my Apple Watch?
If the battery is critically low, the watch may prevent disabling Low Power Mode until it has charged sufficiently.
Turning off Low Power Mode on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that helps restore the device’s full functionality and performance. Users can disable Low Power Mode directly from the Control Center by tapping the battery percentage and toggling off the Low Power Mode option. Alternatively, this setting can be managed through the Watch app on the paired iPhone under the Battery section, providing flexibility in how users choose to manage their device’s power settings.

It is important to understand that Low Power Mode is designed to extend battery life by limiting background activity and reducing performance. While this mode is beneficial during critical battery levels, disabling it allows the Apple Watch to operate at its optimal capacity, ensuring all features and notifications function without restriction. Users should consider their current battery status and usage needs before turning off Low Power Mode to balance performance and battery longevity effectively.

Overall, knowing how to turn off Low Power Mode empowers Apple Watch users to customize their experience according to their immediate requirements. By managing this setting wisely, users can enjoy the full capabilities of their device when needed, while also preserving battery life during extended use. This knowledge enhances the overall usability and satisfaction with the Apple Watch, making it a valuable skill for all users.

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.