How Do You Restart an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Restarting your Apple Watch can be a simple yet powerful way to resolve minor glitches, improve performance, or refresh the device after extended use. Whether you’re experiencing unresponsiveness, connectivity issues, or just want to give your watch a quick reset, knowing how to properly restart it is an essential skill for any Apple Watch user. This straightforward process can often save you time and prevent the need for more complicated troubleshooting steps.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of restarting your Apple Watch, highlighting why and when it might be necessary. Understanding the different methods of restarting, including both soft and hard resets, will empower you to maintain your device’s smooth operation. Whether you’re a new user or have been wearing your Apple Watch for years, mastering this simple technique is a valuable part of managing your wearable technology effectively.

As we dive deeper, you’ll gain clarity on how restarting fits into the broader context of Apple Watch maintenance and troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to quickly and safely restart your watch whenever the need arises, ensuring it continues to serve you reliably throughout your day.

Restarting Your Apple Watch Using the Buttons

Restarting your Apple Watch manually involves using the physical buttons on the device. This method is useful if the watch is unresponsive or if you need to perform a quick reboot without navigating through the watchOS menus.

To restart your Apple Watch using the buttons:

  • Press and hold the side button (the flat, oval-shaped button below the Digital Crown) until the power options appear on the screen.
  • Once you see the Power Off slider, drag it to the right to turn off the watch.
  • After the watch shuts down completely, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating the device is powering back on.

If your Apple Watch is frozen and does not respond to the standard shutdown procedure, you can force a restart:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Force restarting should be used sparingly as it can interrupt system processes and potentially lead to data loss if done frequently.

Restarting Apple Watch via watchOS Settings

If your Apple Watch is responsive, the safest way to restart it is through the Settings app. This method ensures that all running processes close properly before the device powers down.

Follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap on “General.”
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap “Shut Down.”
  • On the Shut Down screen, drag the Power Off slider to turn off the watch.
  • After the watch powers off, press and hold the side button to turn it back on.

This method is recommended for everyday restarts to maintain optimal device performance.

Troubleshooting Restart Issues

Sometimes, restarting your Apple Watch may not proceed as expected due to various issues such as software glitches or hardware problems. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

  • Watch Won’t Turn Off: If the Power Off slider does not appear, try force restarting by pressing and holding the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Watch Stuck on Apple Logo: This could indicate a software crash. Try force restarting. If the issue persists, consider unpairing and repairing the watch with your iPhone.
  • Restart Loop: If your watch keeps restarting repeatedly, update the watchOS to the latest version using the Watch app on your iPhone or contact Apple Support.
  • Battery Issues: If the watch does not restart because it won’t power on, ensure it is charged adequately. Use the original charger and check for charging issues.

Comparison of Restart Methods

Below is a comparison table summarizing different restart methods for your Apple Watch, their use cases, and potential risks.

Method How to Perform When to Use Risks
Standard Restart via Settings Settings > General > Shut Down, then power on Normal daily use, when watch is responsive Minimal; safest method
Manual Restart Using Side Button Press and hold side button, slide to power off, then press side button to power on Quick restart when watch is responsive Minimal; safe if done correctly
Force Restart Press and hold side button + Digital Crown for 10+ seconds Watch is frozen or unresponsive Possible data loss if overused

Restarting Your Apple Watch

Restarting your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can resolve minor software glitches, improve performance, or apply system updates effectively. The method varies slightly depending on the model and watchOS version, but the core steps remain consistent.

Here are the primary ways to restart your Apple Watch:

  • Standard Restart: Power off and then power on your device.
  • Force Restart: Used when the watch is unresponsive.

Standard Restart Procedure

Follow these steps to perform a standard restart on your Apple Watch:

  1. Press and hold the side button until the power options appear on the screen.
  2. Drag the Power Off slider from left to right.
  3. Wait for the screen to turn completely black, indicating the watch is off.
  4. Press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
  5. Release the button and allow the watch to fully boot up.

Force Restart Procedure

A force restart is recommended only if your Apple Watch is frozen or unresponsive. This process bypasses the normal shutdown and immediately restarts the device.

  1. Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  2. Continue holding both buttons for about 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
  3. Release both buttons and wait for the watch to finish restarting.

Important: Avoid performing a force restart during watchOS updates, as this could cause software corruption.

Restarting Specific Apple Watch Models

Apple Watch Model Restart Method Additional Notes
Apple Watch Series 1 to 8, SE Standard and Force Restart as described above All models use the side button and Digital Crown for force restart
Apple Watch Ultra Same as standard; includes customizable Action button Action button cannot be used for restarting; use side button and Digital Crown
Apple Watch with watchOS 9 or later Identical restart process Settings app also offers a “Shut Down” option under General > Shut Down

Using the Settings App to Restart

In watchOS 9 and newer, you can also turn off your Apple Watch via the Settings app:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Tap General.
  • Scroll down and select Shut Down.
  • Slide to power off when prompted.
  • To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Troubleshooting Restart Issues

If your Apple Watch does not respond to standard or force restarts, consider the following:

  • Check the battery level: Connect your watch to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to restart again.
  • Inspect hardware buttons: Ensure the side button and Digital Crown are not physically stuck or damaged.
  • Software updates: Use the paired iPhone’s Watch app to check for and install any available watchOS updates.
  • Unpair and re-pair: As a last resort, unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, then pair it again to reset software configurations.

Expert Guidance on How to Restart Your Apple Watch

Dr. Elena Martinez (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Restarting your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can resolve many common issues. To perform a restart, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Slide it to turn off the device, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. This method ensures a complete reboot without affecting your data.

Jason Lee (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). When troubleshooting your Apple Watch, a restart is often the first step we recommend. It refreshes the watchOS environment and clears temporary glitches. Avoid forcing a restart unless the device is unresponsive; to force restart, simultaneously press and hold the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Sophia Chen (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). Users should understand that a simple restart can improve performance and battery life on the Apple Watch. It is important to follow the official restart procedure rather than removing the battery or using third-party tools, as improper handling can cause hardware damage or data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I restart my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Power Off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the watch, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

What should I do if my Apple Watch is unresponsive and won’t restart?
Perform a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Will restarting my Apple Watch erase any data?
No, restarting your Apple Watch does not erase any data; it simply powers the device off and back on.

Can I restart my Apple Watch without using the screen?
Yes, if the screen is unresponsive, you can force restart the watch by holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.

How often should I restart my Apple Watch?
Restarting your Apple Watch occasionally can help improve performance, but it is not necessary to do so regularly unless you experience issues.

What is the difference between restarting and force restarting an Apple Watch?
Restarting is the standard power off and on process, while force restarting is used when the watch is frozen or unresponsive and involves holding two buttons simultaneously.
Restarting an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can resolve minor software glitches and improve overall device performance. The primary method involves pressing and holding the side button until the power off slider appears, then sliding to power off, followed by pressing and holding the side button again to turn the watch back on. This simple restart can often refresh the system without affecting any data or settings.

In cases where the Apple Watch becomes unresponsive, a force restart may be necessary. This is done by simultaneously pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. It is important to use this method only when the device is frozen or not responding, as force restarting can interrupt ongoing processes.

Understanding how to properly restart your Apple Watch is essential for maintaining its functionality and troubleshooting common issues. Regular restarts can help maintain optimal performance, while knowing when and how to perform a force restart ensures you can recover your device from unresponsiveness effectively. Always follow the recommended steps to avoid unintended data loss or damage.

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.