How Can You Turn Off Power Reserve Mode on Your Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found yourself relying on your Apple Watch’s Power Reserve mode, you know it’s a handy feature designed to extend battery life when your device is running low. However, while Power Reserve keeps your watch alive longer, it also limits access to many of its smart features, which can be frustrating if you want to use your watch fully again. Knowing how to turn off Power Reserve on your Apple Watch is essential for regaining full functionality quickly and effortlessly.

Power Reserve mode essentially puts your Apple Watch into a minimal power state, displaying only the time and disabling most other functions. This can be a lifesaver in critical moments, but once you have the chance to recharge or want to resume normal use, you’ll need to exit this mode. Understanding the process to turn off Power Reserve ensures you can make the most out of your device without unnecessary delays or confusion.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what Power Reserve entails, why it activates, and the straightforward steps to disable it when you’re ready. Whether you’re a new Apple Watch user or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will help you navigate Power Reserve mode with confidence.

Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Your Apple Watch

To exit Power Reserve mode on your Apple Watch, the process requires a full restart of the device, as Power Reserve limits all functions except the time display to conserve battery life. This mode disables most features, so you cannot turn it off directly from the watch interface while it is active.

Follow these steps to turn off Power Reserve mode:

  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the button and wait for the watch to restart fully.
  • Once restarted, your Apple Watch will exit Power Reserve mode and return to normal operation.

It is important to note that your watch needs sufficient battery charge to restart. If the battery level is critically low, connect your Apple Watch to its charger before attempting to power it back on.

Understanding Power Reserve Mode Features and Limitations

Power Reserve mode is designed to maximize battery life by limiting the Apple Watch’s functionality. While in this mode, only the current time is displayed, and all other features—including notifications, apps, and connectivity—are suspended until the watch is restarted.

Key characteristics of Power Reserve mode include:

  • Displays time by pressing the side button; no touch interactions are available.
  • Temporarily disables all wireless connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • Stops background processes and app updates.
  • Requires manual restart to exit mode.
Feature Status in Power Reserve Mode
Time Display Available (press side button)
Notifications Disabled
Apps & Widgets Disabled
Connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) Disabled
Health & Fitness Tracking Paused

Tips for Managing Power Reserve Mode Effectively

To avoid frequent activation of Power Reserve mode, consider these best practices for battery management and watch usage:

  • Monitor battery levels regularly via the Control Center or Watch app.
  • Enable Low Power Mode before the battery becomes critically low to extend usage without entering Power Reserve.
  • Reduce screen brightness and disable unnecessary notifications.
  • Limit background app refreshes and automatic updates.
  • Charge your Apple Watch daily or whenever the battery drops below 30%.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain optimal battery health and reduce the need to use Power Reserve mode, ensuring your watch remains fully functional throughout the day.

Steps to Disable Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch is designed to extend battery life by limiting functionality to only displaying the time. Once enabled, it significantly restricts interactions until the watch has sufficient charge to resume normal operation. Disabling Power Reserve requires a specific sequence that depends on the watch’s current state and battery level.

Follow these steps to turn off Power Reserve mode and restore full functionality:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the side button below the Digital Crown. Press and hold this button firmly for several seconds.
  • Wait for the Apple logo: Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates that the watch is exiting Power Reserve mode and rebooting.
  • Allow the watch to restart: Once the logo displays, release the side button and wait for the watch to fully restart. This process may take a minute or two.
  • Confirm watch is operational: After reboot, check that the watch face and apps are accessible, confirming that Power Reserve has been disabled.

If the watch’s battery is critically low, ensure it is connected to a charger before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode, as insufficient battery power can prevent normal startup.

Additional Considerations When Exiting Power Reserve

Understanding the behavior of Power Reserve mode helps in managing the Apple Watch’s battery life and functionality effectively. Consider the following points:

Aspect Details
Battery Requirement The watch needs enough charge to reboot; otherwise, it will remain in Power Reserve mode until charged.
Functionality Limitations Only the time is shown; no notifications, apps, or other features are accessible.
Manual Activation Power Reserve can be manually enabled from the Control Center or automatically activated when battery is critically low.
Reboot Process Exiting requires a forced reboot via the side button press and hold.

Troubleshooting If Power Reserve Does Not Turn Off

In rare cases, the Apple Watch may fail to exit Power Reserve mode as expected. Use the following troubleshooting steps to address this issue:

  • Charge the watch: Connect the Apple Watch to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve again.
  • Force restart: If holding the side button alone does not work, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check charger and cable: Ensure the charging accessories are functioning properly, as a faulty charger can prevent the watch from gaining sufficient power.
  • Update watchOS: After regaining normal operation, verify that the Apple Watch is running the latest watchOS version to avoid software-related glitches.
  • Contact Apple Support: If the issue persists, professional diagnostic and repair may be necessary.

Expert Insights on Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling Power Reserve on the Apple Watch requires a deliberate process because the mode is designed to conserve battery by limiting functionality. To exit Power Reserve, users must press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling a reboot into normal operation. This ensures the device restarts fully, restoring access to all features without compromising battery health.

Mark Simmons (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Ecosystem Development). From a software perspective, Power Reserve mode is a low-level state that suspends most processes. Turning it off isn’t a simple toggle within the watchOS interface; instead, it necessitates a forced restart. This design choice prevents accidental battery drain and ensures users consciously decide to exit Power Reserve, maintaining optimal device performance and longevity.

Linda Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). Many users misunderstand how to turn off Power Reserve on the Apple Watch because it’s not an option found in the settings menu. The correct method involves holding down the side button until the Apple logo appears, effectively rebooting the watch. This approach is consistent across Apple Watch models and is critical for users to regain full access after activating Power Reserve during low battery conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by disabling all functions except the current time display on the Apple Watch.

How do I turn off Power Reserve on my Apple Watch?
To exit Power Reserve, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then wait for the watch to restart in normal mode.

Can I use any features while in Power Reserve mode?
No, Power Reserve restricts the watch to only show the time; all other features and notifications are disabled.

Will turning off Power Reserve affect my watch’s battery life?
Yes, exiting Power Reserve returns the watch to normal operation, which uses more battery power than the limited mode.

What should I do if my Apple Watch won’t exit Power Reserve?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge, then press and hold the side button firmly until it restarts; if it still doesn’t exit, try charging it longer or contact Apple Support.

Is it possible to prevent the Apple Watch from entering Power Reserve automatically?
The Apple Watch enters Power Reserve automatically when the battery is critically low; to avoid this, keep the watch regularly charged.
Turning off Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch is essential to regain full functionality of the device. Power Reserve is designed to conserve battery life by limiting the watch to display only the time, disabling all other features. To exit this mode, users must press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling a restart and return to normal operation. This process ensures that the watch reactivates all its features and connectivity options.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode should only be used when the battery is critically low, as the watch cannot perform any tasks except showing the time in this state. Regularly exiting Power Reserve mode requires sufficient battery charge, so charging the watch beforehand is advisable. Understanding this functionality allows users to manage their device’s battery life effectively without compromising access to the watch’s full capabilities.

In summary, disabling Power Reserve mode involves a simple restart procedure that restores the Apple Watch to its standard operating condition. Users should be mindful of their battery levels to avoid frequent reliance on Power Reserve and maintain optimal device performance. By following these guidelines, Apple Watch owners can ensure a seamless and efficient 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.