How Do You Take an Apple Watch Off Power Reserve Mode?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Apple Watch’s screen displaying only the time and nothing else, you’ve likely encountered Power Reserve mode. This feature is designed to extend your watch’s battery life by limiting its functions to just showing the time. While it’s a handy tool when your battery is critically low, many users wonder how to exit this mode and regain full access to their watch’s capabilities.

Understanding how to take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve is essential for making the most out of your device once it’s been conserved for emergencies. Whether you’re eager to check notifications, track your activity, or use apps, knowing the right steps to restore normal functionality can save you time and frustration. This article will guide you through the basics of Power Reserve and prepare you to seamlessly transition back to full use.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to appreciate why Power Reserve exists and how it impacts your watch’s operation. By grasping the purpose behind this mode, you’ll better understand the importance of managing your watch’s battery and the process of reactivating its features when you’re ready. Let’s explore what it means to take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve and get it back to full power.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it conserves battery life by disabling most features except displaying the current time. To regain full functionality, you need to exit this mode carefully. The process involves restarting your device and ensuring it has sufficient charge.

To take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve mode, follow these steps:

  • Press and Hold the Side Button: Locate the side button (below the Digital Crown) and press it firmly. This initiates the restart process.
  • Wait for the Apple Logo: Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates the watch is rebooting.
  • Charge the Watch if Necessary: If the battery is critically low, connect your watch to its charger before or during this process to ensure it has enough power to restart.
  • Verify Normal Operation: Once rebooted, the watch should exit Power Reserve mode, restoring access to all features and apps.

If the watch fails to restart or remains stuck in Power Reserve, it may require additional charging time or troubleshooting.

Charging Considerations for Exiting Power Reserve

Since Power Reserve mode activates when the battery is extremely low, ensuring adequate charge is crucial before exiting this mode. Without sufficient battery life, the watch cannot return to normal operation.

Keep in mind the following charging tips:

  • Use the original or certified Apple Watch charger for optimal performance.
  • Allow the watch to charge for at least 10-15 minutes if the battery is critically depleted.
  • Avoid interrupting the charging process during reboot attempts.
Charging Scenario Recommended Action Expected Outcome
Battery critically low (<1%) Place on charger for 15+ minutes before reboot Watch gains enough charge to restart properly
Battery low but above critical level Press and hold side button to reboot immediately Watch exits Power Reserve and resumes normal use
Watch not charging Check charger and cable, clean charging surface Restore charging functionality to exit Power Reserve

Troubleshooting Persistent Power Reserve Issues

If your Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve mode despite following the proper steps, consider these troubleshooting approaches:

  • Force Restart: Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Ensure the charger is working correctly, and the watch’s charging contacts are clean and unobstructed.
  • Update watchOS: After regaining normal operation, check for software updates that may resolve bugs related to battery management.
  • Reset Settings: If problems persist, you can reset your watch settings via the paired iPhone, but this should be a last resort.
  • Contact Apple Support: Persistent issues with Power Reserve may indicate hardware faults requiring professional assistance.

Understanding the nuances of Power Reserve mode and its exit procedures helps maintain the usability and longevity of your Apple Watch’s battery life.

How to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it conserves battery life by disabling most functions except the display of the current time. To return to normal operation, you need to exit Power Reserve mode. This process is straightforward but requires your watch to have enough battery charge to restart.

Steps to Take Apple Watch Off Power Reserve Mode

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the flat side button below the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch.
  • Keep holding until the Apple logo appears: Continue pressing the side button for about 5 to 10 seconds. The screen will transition from the Power Reserve display (which shows only the time) to the Apple logo, indicating the watch is rebooting.
  • Wait for the watch to restart: Once the Apple logo appears, release the side button and allow the watch to fully reboot. This may take several seconds.
  • Confirm normal operation: After rebooting, your Apple Watch should return to its usual interface and functionality, including access to apps, notifications, and settings.

Important Considerations

Aspect Details
Battery Level The watch must have sufficient battery to restart. If the battery is critically low, it may need to be charged first.
Charging Recommendation If the watch does not exit Power Reserve mode after holding the side button, connect it to its charger and try again.
Data Retention Entering or exiting Power Reserve mode does not erase any data or settings from the watch.
Power Reserve Display While in Power Reserve, the watch only shows the time in a minimalistic format and disables notifications and apps.

Troubleshooting If Apple Watch Does Not Exit Power Reserve

  • Ensure the watch has charge: Place the watch on its charger and wait 10-15 minutes to accumulate sufficient power.
  • Force restart: If a simple side button press does not work, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Software updates: Occasionally, software issues can prevent normal operation. Once out of Power Reserve mode, check for any available watchOS updates in the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  • Contact Apple Support: Persistent problems may indicate hardware issues requiring professional assistance.

By following these steps, you can reliably exit Power Reserve mode and regain full use of your Apple Watch without risking data loss or damage.

Expert Insights on Exiting Apple Watch Power Reserve Mode

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Exiting Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch requires a full restart of the device. Since Power Reserve disables most functions to conserve battery, you must press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This process reboots the watch and restores its full functionality, allowing you to access the watchOS interface again.

Jason Lee (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). When the Apple Watch enters Power Reserve, it essentially shuts down all features except the current time display. To take it off Power Reserve, a forced restart is necessary by holding the side button until the Apple logo is visible. This action reactivates the system software and reconnects the watch to paired devices, ensuring normal operation resumes.

Maria Gonzalez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Tech Review). Users often confuse Power Reserve with low battery shutdown. To exit Power Reserve on the Apple Watch, the device must be charged sufficiently, then restarted by pressing and holding the side button. This sequence wakes the watch from its minimal power state and restores access to all apps and features, confirming the watch is ready for regular use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Will my Apple Watch automatically exit Power Reserve when charged?
No, the Apple Watch does not automatically exit Power Reserve mode upon charging. You must manually restart the watch by pressing and holding the side button.

Can I use any features of the Apple Watch while in Power Reserve mode?
No, Power Reserve mode disables all features except the ability to view the time by pressing the side button. Full functionality resumes only after exiting Power Reserve.

What causes an Apple Watch to enter Power Reserve mode?
The Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode when the battery level is critically low to conserve power and extend the time you can check the time.

Is it safe to keep the Apple Watch in Power Reserve mode for extended periods?
Yes, it is safe to keep the watch in Power Reserve mode for extended periods, but you should charge and restart it regularly to maintain optimal battery health.

Does exiting Power Reserve mode erase any data or settings?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode by restarting the watch does not erase any data or settings stored on the Apple Watch.
To take an Apple Watch off Power Reserve mode, it is essential to perform a restart by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Power Reserve is a feature designed to conserve battery life by limiting the watch’s functionality to displaying only the time, which means normal operations are temporarily disabled. Therefore, exiting this mode requires the watch to reboot fully, restoring access to all features and apps.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch cannot be exited from Power Reserve mode through the touchscreen or any other buttons except the side button restart. Users should ensure the watch has sufficient charge before attempting to restart, as a very low battery may prevent the device from powering back on immediately. Charging the watch for a short period can facilitate a smoother transition out of Power Reserve.

In summary, understanding the process to disable Power Reserve mode is crucial for maintaining the Apple Watch’s usability. Restarting the device by holding the side button is the only method to exit this mode, and adequate battery charge supports successful reactivation. This knowledge helps users manage their device efficiently, especially in situations where battery conservation is necessary but normal functionality is desired again.

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.