How Do I Take My 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 in a simple, monochrome format, you’re likely in Power Reserve mode. This feature is designed to extend your watch’s battery life when it’s running critically low, but it also limits the device’s functionality, leaving many users wondering how to return to full use. Understanding how to take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve is essential for getting the most out of your device once you’re ready to reconnect with its smart features.

Power Reserve mode can be a lifesaver in situations where charging isn’t immediately possible, but it also means your watch temporarily disables most of its capabilities. Navigating out of this mode isn’t always intuitive, especially for new users or those unfamiliar with the watch’s settings. Knowing what steps to take can save you time and frustration, helping you quickly regain access to notifications, apps, and other functionalities.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of Power Reserve mode, why it activates, and the straightforward process to exit it. Whether you’re dealing with a drained battery or simply want to switch back to normal operation, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make your Apple Watch fully functional again.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

To take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve mode, follow these steps carefully. Power Reserve disables most features to extend battery life, so exiting this mode requires a deliberate action to fully power the device back on.

First, press and hold the side button (located below the Digital Crown) until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process can take several seconds, so ensure you keep the button pressed without interruption. The watch will then reboot and exit Power Reserve mode, restoring full functionality.

If the watch does not respond immediately, it may require charging. Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and allow it to gain sufficient battery power before trying again. Power Reserve activates when the battery is critically low, so without adequate charge, the watch cannot power on normally.

Troubleshooting When Unable to Exit Power Reserve

Sometimes the Apple Watch may not exit Power Reserve mode as expected. Consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Charge the Watch Fully: Make sure the battery has enough power. Leave it connected to the charger for at least 30 minutes.
  • Force Restart: If holding the side button doesn’t work, try pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check for Software Issues: If the watch powers on but remains unresponsive or stuck, it may require a software update or reset through the paired iPhone.
  • Contact Apple Support: Persistent issues might indicate hardware faults that need professional diagnosis.

Power Reserve Mode Features and Limitations

Power Reserve mode is designed to conserve battery by limiting the Apple Watch’s functions. Understanding what remains available can clarify why exiting this mode requires a reboot.

Feature Availability in Power Reserve Description
Time Display Available The watch shows the current time when the side button is pressed.
Notifications Unavailable No notifications or alerts are accessible.
Apps and Connectivity Unavailable All apps and wireless connections are disabled to save power.
Heart Rate and Sensors Unavailable Health monitoring features do not function.
Charging Required The watch must be charged to exit Power Reserve mode.

Best Practices for Managing Power Reserve Mode

To optimize your experience with Power Reserve mode and prevent unexpected lockouts, consider the following best practices:

  • Monitor Battery Levels: Regularly check battery status to avoid unintentional activation of Power Reserve.
  • Charge Regularly: Keep your Apple Watch charged overnight or during periods of inactivity.
  • Update Software: Ensure your watchOS is up to date to benefit from power management improvements.
  • Use Power Reserve Strategically: Activate Power Reserve manually only when necessary to conserve battery for emergencies.
  • Restart Periodically: A reboot can help maintain optimal performance and prevent glitches that may affect Power Reserve behavior.

Implementing these habits will help maintain your Apple Watch’s functionality and ensure you can easily exit Power Reserve mode when needed.

Exiting Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it conserves battery by disabling all functions except the current time display. To restore full functionality, you must exit this mode by restarting the device.

Follow these steps to take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve:

  • Press and hold the Side button: Locate the Side button below the Digital Crown. Press and hold it firmly.
  • Wait for the Apple logo: Continue holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process may take several seconds.
  • Release the Side button: Once the logo appears, release the button. The watch will reboot and exit Power Reserve mode.

Note that your Apple Watch needs sufficient battery charge to restart. If the battery is critically low, connect it to its charger and allow it to charge for a few minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve.

Conditions and Considerations for Power Reserve

Understanding when and why your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve can help you manage your device effectively:

Condition Description Impact
Battery Depletion The watch battery reaches a very low level (around 10%). Power Reserve activates automatically to preserve remaining power.
Manual Activation User manually enables Power Reserve from the Control Center. Disables all features except time display, extending battery life.
Reboot Requirement Exiting Power Reserve requires rebooting the watch. All functionalities are restored after restarting with sufficient battery.

Troubleshooting if Your Apple Watch Does Not Exit Power Reserve

If your Apple Watch fails to exit Power Reserve mode after following the standard procedure, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Charge the Watch: Place the watch on its charger and ensure it is charging. Leave it connected for at least 30 minutes.
  • Force Restart: If a normal reboot does not work, try force restarting your watch by pressing and holding both the Side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Verify that your charging accessories are functioning correctly to rule out power delivery issues.
  • Update WatchOS: After exiting Power Reserve, update to the latest WatchOS version to fix any potential bugs affecting power management.
  • Contact Apple Support: If problems persist, seek assistance from Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.

Expert Guidance on Exiting Apple Watch Power Reserve Mode

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). To take your Apple Watch off Power Reserve mode, you need to perform a full restart. This involves pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Power Reserve disables most functions to conserve battery, so a restart reactivates the watchOS and restores full functionality.

Marcus Lee (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). When your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve, it only shows the time and disables the touchscreen and other features. To exit this mode, simply press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This reboot exits Power Reserve and reloads the operating system, allowing normal use.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Insights). Users often confuse Power Reserve with a shutdown, but exiting it requires a forced restart. Holding the side button until the Apple logo is visible signals the watch to leave Power Reserve mode. It’s important to ensure your watch has enough charge to complete this process successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 then restart and return to normal operation.

Will my Apple Watch lose data when exiting Power Reserve mode?
No, your Apple Watch retains all data and settings when entering Power Reserve mode. Exiting Power Reserve will restore full functionality without data loss.

Can I use any features while the Apple Watch is in Power Reserve?
No, Power Reserve mode disables all features except the ability to view the time by pressing the side button.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve mode?
If the watch does not exit Power Reserve mode after holding the side button, charge the device for at least 30 minutes and then try again.

Does exiting Power Reserve mode require a minimum battery level?
Yes, the Apple Watch needs sufficient battery charge to restart normally. If the battery is critically low, charge the watch before attempting to exit Power Reserve.

Can I customize the Power Reserve mode settings on my Apple Watch?
No, Power Reserve mode is a fixed feature designed to conserve battery life and cannot be customized.
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 mode limits the watch’s functionality to conserve battery life, and exiting this mode restores full access to the device’s features. Simply charging the watch alone will not automatically disable Power Reserve; a manual restart is required to resume normal operation.

Understanding how Power Reserve works is crucial for effectively managing your Apple Watch’s battery life. This mode activates when the battery is critically low, allowing only the time to be displayed. Once the watch has sufficient charge, users must restart the device to exit Power Reserve and regain access to apps, notifications, and other functionalities.

In summary, exiting Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch involves a deliberate action of restarting the watch after charging it sufficiently. This process ensures that users can quickly return to full device functionality while maintaining optimal battery management. Being familiar with this procedure enhances the overall user experience and helps prevent confusion during low battery situations.

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.