How Do You Turn Off the Galaxy Watch 5?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’ve recently started using the Galaxy Watch 5, you might find yourself wondering how to power it down when needed. Whether you want to conserve battery life, perform a restart, or simply switch off your device temporarily, knowing how to turn off your smartwatch is an essential skill. While the Galaxy Watch 5 offers a sleek and intuitive design, its controls can sometimes feel a bit different from other devices you’re used to.

Turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 isn’t just about pressing a button; it involves understanding the watch’s interface and the functions tied to its physical keys. This ensures you can manage your device efficiently without accidentally triggering other features. Additionally, learning the proper way to power down your watch can help avoid potential software glitches and prolong the overall lifespan of your device.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the various methods to turn off your Galaxy Watch 5, including quick shortcuts and alternative options. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to control your smartwatch with confidence and ease.

Using Physical Buttons to Power Off the Galaxy Watch 5

The Galaxy Watch 5 features physical buttons that allow you to power off the device conveniently without navigating through software menus. This method is especially useful when the touchscreen is unresponsive or if you prefer a quicker, tactile approach.

To turn off the watch using the buttons:

  • Press and hold the Power/Home button (usually the lower button on the right side) for about 2 to 3 seconds.
  • A power menu will appear on the screen, offering options such as Power off, Restart, and Emergency mode.
  • Tap on Power off to initiate shutdown.
  • Confirm your choice if prompted by tapping Power off again.

If holding the Power/Home button alone does not bring up the power menu, try holding both the Power/Home and Back buttons simultaneously for several seconds. This may force the watch to restart or power off, depending on the system state.

This physical button method ensures the device can be turned off even when software controls are inaccessible.

Turning Off the Galaxy Watch 5 via the Settings Menu

The most common and user-friendly way to power down the Galaxy Watch 5 is through the on-screen settings. This method provides a straightforward interface to shut down or restart the watch.

To power off using the Settings menu:

  • Swipe up on the watch face to access the apps screen.
  • Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
  • Scroll down and select General.
  • Tap Power off at the bottom of the General settings screen.
  • Confirm by tapping Power off again on the confirmation prompt.

This process ensures that the watch shuts down safely, closing all apps and services gracefully before powering off.

Power Off Options and Their Functions

The Galaxy Watch 5 offers multiple options when accessing the power menu, each designed to handle different user needs:

Option Description When to Use
Power off Completely turns off the device. When you want to conserve battery or will not use the watch for an extended period.
Restart Turns the watch off and then powers it back on automatically. Useful for troubleshooting minor software issues or applying updates.
Emergency mode Limits device functionality to essential features and extends battery life. When you need to conserve battery during emergencies but still want access to vital functions.

Understanding these options helps users select the appropriate action based on their situation.

Additional Tips for Managing Power on the Galaxy Watch 5

Efficient power management extends the battery life and usability of your Galaxy Watch 5. Here are some expert tips to consider:

  • Enable Power Saving Mode: This reduces background activity and dims the screen to conserve battery.
  • Schedule Power Off/On: Some users prefer to schedule automatic power off/on times to save battery during sleep hours.
  • Force Restart: If the watch is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold both the Power/Home and Back buttons for about 10 seconds to force a reboot.
  • Update Software Regularly: Keeping the watch’s software up to date ensures optimal power management features are in place.

These practices help maintain the watch’s performance and ensure it is powered off or restarted correctly when necessary.

Steps to Power Off Your Galaxy Watch 5

Turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 is a straightforward process that ensures the device is fully powered down, which can be useful for conserving battery life or performing a system reset.

Follow these precise steps to power off the device:

  • Locate the Side Buttons: The Galaxy Watch 5 has two physical buttons on the right side—the Home/Power button (bottom) and the Back button (top).
  • Press and Hold the Home/Power Button: Press and hold the bottom button for approximately 2-3 seconds until the power menu appears on the screen.
  • Select the Power Off Option: On the displayed menu, tap the Power off icon.
  • Confirm the Action: A confirmation prompt may appear; tap Power off again to confirm and shut down the watch.

The screen will go dark, indicating the watch has successfully powered down.

Alternative Method Using Quick Settings Panel

The Galaxy Watch 5 also allows powering off via the Quick Settings panel, providing a convenient shortcut:

  • Swipe Down on the Watch Face: From the main watch face, swipe downwards to access the Quick Settings panel.
  • Locate the Power Icon: Look for the power icon, usually represented by a circle with a vertical line at the top.
  • Tap the Power Icon: Tapping it will bring up the power menu options.
  • Choose Power Off: Select the Power off option and confirm to turn off the watch.

What to Do If the Galaxy Watch 5 Is Unresponsive

In cases where the Galaxy Watch 5 does not respond to standard shutdown commands, a forced restart might be necessary:

Action Steps Notes
Force Restart
  1. Press and hold both the Home/Power button and Back button simultaneously.
  2. Continue holding for about 10 seconds until the watch vibrates and restarts.
  3. Release the buttons once the Samsung logo appears.
 This method does not erase data but forcibly reboots the device to resolve unresponsiveness.

Additional Tips for Managing Power Settings

To optimize battery life and manage power effectively on your Galaxy Watch 5, consider these recommendations:

  • Enable Power Saving Mode: This mode reduces background activity and dims the screen to extend battery life.
  • Adjust Screen Timeout: Shortening the screen timeout interval can prevent unnecessary battery drain.
  • Turn Off Always-On Display: Disabling this feature reduces continuous power consumption.
  • Regularly Update Software: Keeping the watch’s software up to date ensures efficient power management and bug fixes.

Access these settings via the Galaxy Wearable app on your connected smartphone or directly through the watch’s settings menu under Battery or Power Management.

Expert Guidance on How To Turn Off Galaxy Watch 5

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, Tech Innovations Lab). Turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 is straightforward yet essential for preserving battery life during extended periods of non-use. To power down the device, press and hold the side button until the power menu appears, then select the “Power off” option. This method ensures the watch completely shuts down, preventing any background processes from draining the battery.

Marcus Lee (Senior Mobile UX Designer, NextGen Devices). From a user experience perspective, Samsung’s design for powering off the Galaxy Watch 5 balances ease of access with preventing accidental shutdowns. The requirement to hold the side button for a few seconds before the power menu appears is intentional, reducing unintended interruptions while still allowing users to quickly turn off the device when needed.

Alisha Patel (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Insights). It is important to note that turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 completely differs from simply putting it into power-saving mode. Users who want to conserve battery without fully shutting down can activate the power-saving mode via settings. However, for troubleshooting or long-term storage, fully powering off the watch by holding the side button and selecting “Power off” remains the recommended approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off my Galaxy Watch 5?
Press and hold the Power/Home button until the Power menu appears, then tap “Power off” to shut down the device.

Can I turn off the Galaxy Watch 5 without using the touchscreen?
Yes, press and hold the Power/Home button for about 10 seconds until the watch powers off.

What should I do if my Galaxy Watch 5 is unresponsive and won’t turn off?
Perform a forced restart by pressing and holding both the Power/Home button and the Back button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.

Will turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 disconnect it from my phone?
Yes, powering off the watch will disconnect all active Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections until it is turned back on.

Is there an option to schedule automatic power off on the Galaxy Watch 5?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 does not currently support scheduled automatic power off through its settings.

Does turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 affect any alarms or notifications?
Yes, all alarms and notifications will be paused and will not sound while the watch is powered off.
Turning off the Galaxy Watch 5 is a straightforward process that ensures users can conserve battery life or perform necessary resets. The primary method involves pressing and holding the side buttons until the power menu appears, allowing you to select the power-off option. This approach is consistent with Samsung’s design for its wearable devices, providing an intuitive and accessible way to manage device power settings.

Understanding how to properly power down the Galaxy Watch 5 is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Users should be aware that the watch can also be restarted or placed into power-saving modes as alternatives to completely turning it off. These options offer flexibility depending on the user’s needs, whether it’s extending battery life or troubleshooting minor issues.

In summary, mastering the power management of the Galaxy Watch 5 enhances the overall user experience by providing control over the device’s operational state. Familiarity with the shutdown process and related power options helps users optimize their smartwatch usage effectively and efficiently.

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.