How Do I Turn Off My Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Turning off your Apple Watch might seem like a simple task, but for many users—especially those new to the device—it can be surprisingly elusive. Whether you’re looking to conserve battery, troubleshoot an issue, or just take a break from notifications, knowing how to properly power down your Apple Watch is essential. Understanding this basic function ensures you get the most out of your wearable technology while maintaining its performance and longevity.

The Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, yet its compact size and multifunctional capabilities sometimes mean that common tasks aren’t always immediately obvious. Powering off the device is one such task that, while straightforward, involves a few specific steps that differ from those on your iPhone or other gadgets. This article will guide you through the essentials of turning your Apple Watch off, helping you feel more confident and in control of your device.

Beyond just powering down, there are scenarios where turning off your Apple Watch can improve your experience—whether it’s to reset the device, save battery life during extended periods without use, or prepare it for storage. By exploring these contexts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this simple yet important function and how it fits into the broader use of your Apple Watch.

Turning Off Your Apple Watch Using the Side Button

To power down your Apple Watch manually, the primary method is through the use of the side button. This button is located just below the Digital Crown on the right side of the watch case. Pressing and holding the side button will bring up the power options screen.

Once the power options menu appears, you will see three main choices:

  • Power Off: Slide this option to the right to fully turn off the watch.
  • Medical ID: Provides access to your medical information in emergencies.
  • Emergency SOS: Allows you to quickly call emergency services.

To turn off the watch, slide the “Power Off” slider to the right. The screen will go dark, indicating the device is completely powered down. This process conserves battery life and can be useful if you need to reset the watch or are not planning to use it for an extended period.

Using Settings to Power Down Your Apple Watch

If you prefer not to use the side button, you can also turn off your Apple Watch through the Settings app:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap on General.
  • Scroll to the bottom and select Shut Down.
  • Slide the Power Off slider to the right.

This alternative method provides the same result without needing to press and hold hardware buttons, which can be helpful if the side button is unresponsive or difficult to press.

Force Restarting Your Apple Watch

In some cases, your Apple Watch may become unresponsive or frozen. A force restart can help resolve these issues by rebooting the device without going through the normal power off process.

To force restart your Apple Watch:

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

Important: Avoid force restarting your Apple Watch if you are in the middle of a software update, as this could cause software corruption.

Power Management Tips for Apple Watch

Managing power effectively can prolong the battery life of your Apple Watch and reduce the frequency of needing to turn it off. Consider these tips:

  • Enable Power Reserve mode to display only the time and extend battery life.
  • Lower screen brightness and reduce wake time duration.
  • Disable unnecessary notifications or background app refresh.
  • Regularly update watchOS to benefit from the latest battery optimizations.
Method How to Use When to Use
Side Button Power Off Press and hold side button, then slide Power Off Normal shutdown for battery saving or troubleshooting
Settings App Shut Down Settings > General > Shut Down > Slide Power Off Alternative to hardware button shutdown
Force Restart Hold side button + Digital Crown for 10+ seconds Device unresponsive or frozen
Power Reserve Mode Swipe up > Battery percentage > Power Reserve Extend battery life while limiting functionality

Turning Off Your Apple Watch

Turning off your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that can be useful for conserving battery life, performing a reset, or troubleshooting issues. The method varies slightly depending on your Apple Watch model, but the core steps remain consistent.

To power off your Apple Watch:

  • Locate the Side Button: The side button is positioned below the Digital Crown on the right side of the watch case.
  • Press and Hold: Press and hold the side button until the power options screen appears.
  • Slide to Power Off: On the screen, you will see a slider labeled “Power Off.” Drag this slider from left to right to turn off your Apple Watch.

The watch screen will go dark, indicating it is powered off. The device will remain off until you manually turn it back on.

Turning the Apple Watch Back On

To turn your Apple Watch back on after it has been powered off, follow these steps:

  • Press and Hold the Side Button: Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for the Boot Process: The watch will take a few moments to boot up and display the watch face or the last used screen.

If your Apple Watch does not power on, ensure it is sufficiently charged by placing it on its charger.

Force Restarting Your Apple Watch

A force restart can be useful if your Apple Watch is unresponsive or frozen. This process will not erase any content or settings.

Step Action Notes
1 Press and hold both the Side Button and Digital Crown Hold simultaneously for at least 10 seconds
2 Release buttons when Apple logo appears This signals the watch is rebooting

Force restarting should be used only when necessary, as it interrupts normal system operations.

Additional Tips for Managing Power

Besides turning off your Apple Watch, consider these tips to optimize battery life and power management:

  • Enable Power Reserve Mode: This mode disables most features except the time display, extending battery life significantly.
  • Adjust Screen Brightness: Reducing brightness can help conserve battery.
  • Disable Always-On Display: On supported models, turning off the always-on display saves power.
  • Close Unnecessary Apps: Exiting apps running in the background can reduce battery drain.

To enable Power Reserve Mode:

  • Press and hold the side button until the power options appear.
  • Tap Power Reserve.
  • Confirm by tapping Proceed.

The watch will display only the time and will require a restart to exit Power Reserve Mode.

Expert Guidance on How to Turn Off Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Turning off an Apple Watch is straightforward but essential for troubleshooting or conserving battery life. To power down, press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then slide the “Power Off” slider to the right. This method ensures the device fully shuts down, preventing background processes from draining the battery.

James Liu (Senior User Experience Designer, Apple Inc.). From a usability perspective, the Apple Watch’s shutdown process is designed to be intuitive. Holding the side button activates the power menu, allowing users to turn off the device safely. It is important not to force shutdown by holding the Digital Crown and side button simultaneously unless the device is unresponsive, as this can interrupt system processes.

Sarah Nguyen (Mobile Device Security Analyst, SecureTech Solutions). Properly turning off your Apple Watch not only conserves battery but also enhances security by closing active sessions and disabling wireless connections. Users should always use the official shutdown procedure via the side button menu rather than abruptly removing power, which can risk data corruption or security vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn off my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right to power off your Apple Watch completely.

Can I turn off my Apple Watch without the screen?
No, turning off the Apple Watch requires interaction with the screen to access the power off slider.

What should I do if my Apple Watch is unresponsive and won’t turn off?
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 turning off my Apple Watch affect its data or settings?
No, powering off your Apple Watch does not erase any data or change settings; it simply turns the device off.

How long does it take for the Apple Watch to turn off?
The Apple Watch powers down almost immediately after sliding the power off slider, typically within a few seconds.

Is it necessary to turn off the Apple Watch regularly?
Turning off the Apple Watch is not required daily but can help resolve issues or conserve battery during extended periods of non-use.
Turning off an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that involves pressing and holding the side button until the power options appear on the screen. From there, you simply slide the Power Off slider to the right to power down the device completely. This method ensures the watch is fully shut down, conserving battery life and allowing for a fresh restart when needed.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch cannot be turned off while it is charging, so ensure it is disconnected from power before attempting to power it down. Additionally, powering off the watch can be useful for troubleshooting purposes or when you want to save battery during extended periods of non-use.

Understanding how to properly turn off your Apple Watch contributes to better device management and longevity. By following the correct steps, users can maintain optimal performance and avoid potential issues related to improper shutdowns or battery drainage.

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.