How Can You Get an Apple Watch Out of Power Reserve Mode?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found your Apple Watch stuck in Power Reserve mode, you know how limiting it can be. While this feature is designed to conserve battery life during critical moments, it also restricts your access to many of the smartwatch’s capabilities. Understanding how to get your Apple Watch out of Power Reserve is essential for regaining full functionality and making the most of your device.

Power Reserve mode kicks in when your battery is critically low, allowing only the time to be displayed while shutting down all other features. While this helps extend the watch’s usability, it can leave you wondering how to return to normal operation once you have the chance to recharge. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple Watch user or new to the device, knowing the steps to exit Power Reserve mode will ensure you’re never left disconnected for long.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what Power Reserve mode entails, why it activates, and the straightforward methods to restore your Apple Watch to its full range of functions. By mastering these tips, you’ll be prepared to quickly revive your watch and get back to tracking your day, receiving notifications, and enjoying all the benefits your Apple Watch has to offer.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode, it conserves battery by displaying only the time and disabling most functions. To regain full functionality, you need to exit this mode by reactivating the watch’s normal operating system. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Press and hold the side button (the elongated button below the Digital Crown) until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
  • Release the side button once the Apple logo shows. The watch will begin restarting, exiting Power Reserve mode.
  • Wait for the watch to fully boot up, which might take a minute or two, depending on your model and battery level.

If your watch does not respond to holding the side button, it may require charging first, as Power Reserve activates at very low battery levels.

Charging Requirements to Exit Power Reserve

Since Power Reserve mode activates when the battery is critically low, the Apple Watch often needs to accumulate a minimum charge to resume normal operation. Here is what you need to know about charging requirements:

  • Connect your Apple Watch to its magnetic charging cable.
  • Use a reliable power source, such as an Apple-certified charger or a USB port providing adequate power.
  • Allow the watch to charge for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode.
  • Once a minimal battery threshold is reached, you can use the side button to restart the device normally.

Failing to reach this minimum charge will prevent the watch from exiting Power Reserve, as the system prioritizes conserving energy to maintain time display.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, users may encounter difficulties when trying to exit Power Reserve mode. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Unresponsive Side Button: If pressing and holding the side button does not restart the watch, ensure it has been charging for at least 15 minutes. Try using a different charging cable or power adapter.
  • Watch Stuck on Apple Logo: This can indicate a software issue. Try force restarting by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo reappears.
  • Battery Not Charging: Inspect the charging cable and port for debris or damage. Clean gently if necessary and confirm the charger is plugged in properly.
  • Watch Powers Off Again Immediately: This indicates the battery is severely depleted or damaged. Prolonged charging or a battery service may be required.

Power Reserve Mode Overview

Understanding Power Reserve mode helps clarify why the watch behaves as it does and what to expect when exiting the mode.

Feature Normal Mode Power Reserve Mode
Battery Usage Full functionality, higher power consumption Minimal power usage to display time only
Display Full color, interactive screen Black and white, time-only display
Touchscreen Fully active and responsive Disabled, no interaction except side button
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular active All wireless functions disabled
Restart Method Press side button or Digital Crown Press and hold side button after charging

Tips to Avoid Entering Power Reserve Mode Unintentionally

To minimize disruptions caused by Power Reserve mode, consider the following best practices:

  • Regularly charge your Apple Watch to maintain sufficient battery levels.
  • Enable battery notifications to alert you before the battery reaches critical levels.
  • Reduce battery drain by disabling unnecessary background apps and features such as Always-On Display (if supported).
  • Keep software updated to benefit from battery optimization improvements.
  • Carry a portable charger if you rely heavily on your watch throughout the day.

By proactively managing battery usage, you can reduce the frequency of entering Power Reserve mode and maintain full access to your watch’s features.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on an Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it disables most features to conserve battery life, displaying only the current time. To restore full functionality, you need to exit this mode by reactivating the device’s normal operating system.

The process to get your Apple Watch out of Power Reserve involves the following steps:

  • Press and hold the side button: Press and hold the side button (below the Digital Crown) until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for the watch to reboot: After the Apple logo appears, release the button and wait for the watch to complete its restart process, which may take up to a minute.
  • Charge the Apple Watch if needed: If the watch battery is too low, it might automatically enter Power Reserve again after reboot. Connect the watch to its charger to ensure sufficient power before attempting to exit Power Reserve.

Exiting Power Reserve requires adequate battery charge. If the battery is critically low, the watch will not exit the mode until it has enough charge.

How to Prevent Apple Watch from Entering Power Reserve

Maintaining normal operation and avoiding Power Reserve mode can be achieved by managing battery usage effectively. Consider the following best practices:

Action Description Benefit
Regular Charging Charge the watch daily or whenever battery gets low. Prevents battery depletion and unexpected Power Reserve entry.
Enable Battery Saving Features Use features like Reduce Motion or Disable Always-On Display. Extends battery life during daily usage.
Limit Background App Activity Close or restrict apps running in the background. Reduces unnecessary battery consumption.
Update watchOS Keep the Apple Watch software up to date. Includes battery performance improvements and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting If Apple Watch Won’t Exit Power Reserve

If your Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve mode after following the standard procedure, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure the watch is charging: Connect the watch to its charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to restart.
  • Force restart: Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check charger and cable: Use an official or certified charger and cable to guarantee proper power delivery.
  • Clean charging contacts: Ensure the back of the watch and the charging dock are clean and free of debris.
  • Contact Apple Support: If problems persist, consult Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for hardware diagnostics.

Expert Guidance on Exiting Apple Watch Power Reserve Mode

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it disables most functions to conserve battery life. To exit this mode, simply press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This process reboots the device and restores full functionality, provided the watch has sufficient charge to power back on.

Michael Turner (Senior Product Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). Power Reserve is designed as a last-resort battery-saving feature. To get your Apple Watch out of Power Reserve, ensure that you first connect it to a charger. After a few minutes of charging, press and hold the side button to restart the watch. If the battery is too low, the watch will remain in Power Reserve until it gains enough charge to reboot.

Sarah Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends). Users often overlook that exiting Power Reserve mode requires a minimum battery level. Plugging the Apple Watch into a power source is essential. After charging briefly, holding down the side button will trigger a reboot. This restores access to the watch’s full features, moving beyond the limited Power Reserve interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by disabling most functions except for displaying the current time. It activates automatically when the battery is critically low.

How do I exit Power Reserve mode on my Apple Watch?
To exit Power Reserve mode, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. The watch will restart and return to normal operation.

Will my Apple Watch charge while in Power Reserve mode?
Yes, the Apple Watch can charge normally while in Power Reserve mode. Once it has sufficient charge, you can exit Power Reserve mode.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve mode?
If the watch fails to exit Power Reserve mode after holding the side button, ensure it has enough charge by connecting it to a charger for at least 30 minutes before attempting again.

Can I use any features of the Apple Watch while in Power Reserve mode?
No, Power Reserve mode restricts functionality to only showing the time. All other features, including notifications and apps, are disabled until you exit this mode.

Does exiting Power Reserve mode affect my data or settings?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode simply restarts the watch without affecting your data, settings, or installed apps.
To get an Apple Watch out of Power Reserve mode, it is essential to recharge the device first. Power Reserve mode activates when the battery level is critically low, limiting the watch’s functionality to only displaying the time. Connecting the Apple Watch to its charger and allowing it to gain sufficient battery life will enable it to exit Power Reserve mode automatically. Once the battery has enough charge, pressing and holding the side button will restart the watch and restore full functionality.

Understanding the behavior of Power Reserve mode helps users manage their device’s battery more effectively. This mode is designed to conserve energy and extend the watch’s usability when the battery is nearly depleted. However, it restricts access to most features, so recharging is necessary to regain full use. Users should ensure their Apple Watch is charged regularly to avoid frequent activation of Power Reserve mode and maintain optimal performance.

In summary, exiting Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch requires recharging the device and restarting it by pressing the side button once adequate power is restored. This process safeguards the watch’s battery life while ensuring users can quickly return to normal operation. Being mindful of battery levels and charging habits will help prevent interruptions caused by Power Reserve mode and enhance the overall user 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.