How Do I Turn Off My Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’ve recently started using an Apple Watch or have been wearing one for a while, you might find yourself wondering how to properly turn it off. Whether you need to conserve battery life, troubleshoot an issue, or simply want to take a break from the device, knowing how to power down your Apple Watch is an essential skill. Despite its sleek design and intuitive interface, the process isn’t always immediately obvious to new users.

Turning off an Apple Watch is more than just a simple button press; it involves understanding the device’s unique controls and features. Since the Apple Watch is designed to stay connected and responsive, powering it down requires a deliberate action to ensure it’s fully switched off. This article will guide you through the basics, helping you gain confidence in managing your watch’s power settings.

Beyond just turning off the device, there are also considerations about when and why you might want to do so. Whether it’s for maintenance, troubleshooting, or just a temporary pause, knowing the correct steps can save you time and frustration. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about turning off your Apple Watch safely and effectively.

Using the Side Button and Digital Crown to Power Off

To turn off your Apple Watch using the hardware buttons, press and hold the side button (the oval button below the Digital Crown) until the Power Off slider appears on the screen. The Digital Crown is the round dial on the side of the watch, used primarily for navigation and scrolling.

Once the Power Off slider is visible, swipe it to the right to initiate the shutdown process. This method is the standard way to power down the device and is effective even if the watch is unresponsive to touch input elsewhere.

If you are unable to turn off the Apple Watch using the slider, you can force restart it by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This should be used only as a last resort to avoid potential data loss.

Turning Off Apple Watch via Settings

The Apple Watch also allows users to power it off through the settings menu, which can be a convenient alternative if pressing the hardware buttons is not preferable.

To do this:

  • Wake the Apple Watch and press the Digital Crown to go to the Home screen.
  • Tap the Settings app (gear icon).
  • Scroll down and select General.
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down.
  • The Power Off slider will appear; swipe it to turn off the watch.

This method is useful when the watch is functioning normally and the physical buttons are difficult to press, such as when wearing gloves.

Considerations When Turning Off Apple Watch

Turning off your Apple Watch affects several functions and connectivity features:

  • Notifications and Calls: While the watch is off, you will not receive notifications or calls on the device.
  • Fitness Tracking: Activity and health data will not be recorded during the time the device is powered down.
  • Battery Life: Shutting down the device can help conserve battery life when the watch will not be used for an extended period.
  • Reactivation: To turn the watch back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Action Method Notes
Power Off Hold side button → Swipe Power Off slider Standard shutdown method
Power Off via Settings Settings → General → Shut Down → Swipe slider Alternative for button issues
Force Restart Hold side button + Digital Crown for 10 seconds Use only if unresponsive
Power On Hold side button until Apple logo appears Reactivates the watch

How to Turn Off Your Apple Watch

Turning off your Apple Watch is a straightforward process, but it varies slightly depending on the model and watchOS version. Powering down your device can help conserve battery life, resolve minor issues, or prepare the watch for storage or travel.

Follow these steps to properly turn off your Apple Watch:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the flat, elongated button below the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch. Press and hold this button until the power options menu appears on the screen.
  • Swipe the Power Off slider: Once the options appear, you will see a “Power Off” slider at the top. Swipe this slider from left to right to initiate the shutdown process.
  • Wait for the screen to go black: After sliding the Power Off control, the Apple Watch screen will turn off, indicating that the device is completely powered down.

Note: If your Apple Watch is unresponsive, you can force restart it by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. However, this is different from a standard shutdown and should only be used when necessary.

Turning Off Apple Watch with watchOS 9 or Later

With watchOS 9 and later versions, the shutdown process remains consistent with previous versions, but Apple has added additional accessibility features to assist users:

  • AssistiveTouch Shut Down: Users who enable AssistiveTouch can access the power options menu through on-screen gestures without using physical buttons.
  • Control Center Access: On some watchOS versions, the Control Center may include quick access to the power menu. Swipe up from the watch face and look for the power icon.

To turn off your Apple Watch through Control Center (if available):

Step Action
1 Swipe up from the bottom edge of the watch face to open Control Center.
2 Tap the Power icon (a circle with a vertical line) if present.
3 Swipe the Power Off slider to the right to turn off the device.

If the Power icon is not visible in Control Center, use the side button method described earlier.

Using the Apple Watch App on iPhone to Shut Down

The Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone provides limited control over the watch’s settings but does not offer a direct option to power off the watch remotely. To shut down your Apple Watch, physical interaction with the device is necessary.

However, you can use the Apple Watch app to:

  • Restart the watch by unpairing and re-pairing the device.
  • Manage software updates that may require the watch to restart.

Therefore, turning off the Apple Watch requires the steps outlined above directly on the watch hardware.

Considerations Before Turning Off Your Apple Watch

Before powering down your Apple Watch, consider the following points:

Consideration Details
Notifications You will not receive notifications, calls, or alerts while the watch is off.
Alarms and Timers Alarms and timers will not sound when the device is powered down.
Battery Conservation Turning off the watch saves battery during extended periods without use.
Software Updates Some updates may require the watch to restart, but a full shutdown is not usually necessary.

Always ensure that turning off the Apple Watch aligns with your usage needs, especially if you rely on it for health monitoring or emergency notifications.

Expert Guidance on Turning Off Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Insights). Turning off the Apple Watch is a straightforward process designed to preserve battery life and protect your device during extended periods of non-use. To power down, press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then slide the Power Off slider. This method ensures the watch safely shuts down without risking data loss or system errors.

Marcus Lee (Senior User Experience Designer, Apple Inc.). From a user interface perspective, the Apple Watch’s shutdown sequence is intentionally simple to accommodate users of all technical levels. Holding the side button to reveal the power options provides a clear and accessible way to turn off the device, while also offering emergency SOS and medical ID features. This design balances ease of use with critical safety functions.

Sophia Martinez (Mobile Device Security Analyst, SecureTech Solutions). Powering off your Apple Watch is an important step when addressing security concerns or troubleshooting connectivity issues. Shutting down the device completely can help reset network connections and prevent unauthorized access during periods of inactivity. Users should always ensure their watch is fully powered off rather than just locked to maintain optimal security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Can I force restart my Apple Watch if it’s unresponsive?
Yes. Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Will turning off my Apple Watch affect its data?
No. Turning off the Apple Watch does not delete any data or settings; all information remains intact.

How long does it take for the Apple Watch to power off?
The shutdown process typically completes within a few seconds after sliding the power off control.

Is it necessary to turn off the Apple Watch regularly?
It is not required but occasionally turning off the device can help resolve minor software issues and improve performance.

Can I turn off my Apple Watch without the screen?
If the screen is unresponsive, use a force restart by holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears to reboot the watch.
Turning off an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that involves pressing and holding the side button until the power options appear. From there, sliding the “Power Off” slider will completely shut down the device. This method ensures that the watch conserves battery life and resets its functions when needed. It is important to note that the Apple Watch cannot be turned off while it is charging, so disconnecting it from the charger is a prerequisite for powering down the device.

Understanding how to turn off the Apple Watch is essential for troubleshooting, preserving battery life during extended periods of non-use, or simply restarting the device to resolve minor software issues. Additionally, powering off the watch can help protect your data and maintain device performance over time. Users should also be aware that turning off the watch will disable all notifications and connectivity until it is powered back on.

In summary, mastering the simple steps to turn off your Apple Watch enhances your control over the device’s operation and longevity. Whether for routine maintenance or specific troubleshooting scenarios, knowing how to power down the watch effectively is a valuable skill for any Apple Watch user. Always ensure the device is unplugged from any power source before attempting to turn it off to avoid any interruptions in the process.

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.