How Do You Turn an Apple Watch On? Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Turning on a new gadget for the first time can be an exciting yet sometimes puzzling experience, especially with devices as sleek and feature-packed as the Apple Watch. Whether you’ve just unboxed your very first Apple Watch or are simply trying to power it up after it’s been off, knowing how to properly turn it on is the essential first step to unlocking its full potential. This wearable technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with your daily life, but it all begins with that simple action of powering it up.

The Apple Watch combines advanced technology with user-friendly design, making it accessible to both tech enthusiasts and beginners alike. However, understanding the basics of operating the device, starting with how to turn it on, ensures you can navigate its features smoothly from the get-go. This process is straightforward, yet it’s important to grasp the correct method to avoid any frustration or delays in setting up your watch.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key steps involved in turning your Apple Watch on, along with helpful tips to get you started. Whether your watch is brand new, has been off for a while, or needs a quick restart, you’ll gain the confidence to power it up and begin your journey with this innovative wearable.

Powering On Your Apple Watch

To turn on an Apple Watch, you need to press and hold the side button located below the Digital Crown. This button is distinct from the circular Digital Crown itself and is used for power functions as well as accessing other features like the Dock and Emergency SOS. Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen, which indicates the watch is booting up. This process may take a few seconds.

If the Apple Watch does not turn on immediately, ensure that the device has sufficient battery charge. If the battery is completely depleted, it may require a few minutes of charging before it can power on.

Charging and Battery Considerations

An Apple Watch that fails to turn on often indicates a drained battery. It is important to use the Apple Watch magnetic charging cable or a compatible wireless charger to restore power. The charging process is straightforward:

  • Connect the charger to a power source.
  • Attach the magnetic charger to the back of the Apple Watch.
  • The watch will display a green lightning bolt icon when charging.

Charging times vary depending on the model, but a full charge typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. During charging, the Apple Watch may remain off if the battery was completely drained or may show the charging screen.

Apple Watch Model Typical Charging Time Estimated Battery Life
Apple Watch Series 3 1.5 hours 18 hours
Apple Watch Series 6 1.5 hours 18 hours
Apple Watch SE 1.5 hours 18 hours
Apple Watch Ultra 2 hours 36 hours

Troubleshooting Power Issues

If pressing and holding the side button does not turn on the Apple Watch, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Force Restart: Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This can resolve temporary system freezes.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Verify that the charging cable and adapter are functioning properly by testing them with another device or using a different charger.
  • Inspect the Watch for Damage: Physical damage or water exposure may impair the power function.
  • Battery Health: Over time, battery performance declines. If the watch powers on but shuts down unexpectedly, the battery may require replacement.

Using Power Off and Power On Features

Powering off the Apple Watch correctly is essential for maintenance or when troubleshooting. To power off the device:

  • Press and hold the side button until the power options appear.
  • Swipe the “Power Off” slider to the right.

To power the watch back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Additionally, the watch offers a “Power Reserve” mode which conserves battery life by disabling most functions except time display. To activate this mode, press and hold the side button until the power options appear, then swipe the “Power Reserve” slider. To exit Power Reserve, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Summary of Button Functions Related to Power

Button Action Result
Side Button (Press & Hold) Turn On / Access Power Options Turns on watch or shows power off, power reserve, and emergency options
Side Button (Short Press) Open Dock Displays recently used apps
Digital Crown (Press & Hold) Force Restart (with Side Button) Reboots watch if frozen

Turning On Your Apple Watch

To power on an Apple Watch, follow these straightforward steps which apply to all models of the device:

  • Locate the Side Button: This is the elongated oval button positioned below the Digital Crown on the right side of the Apple Watch.
  • Press and Hold: Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process usually takes a few seconds.
  • Wait for Startup: Once the Apple logo is displayed, release the button and allow the watch to complete its startup sequence.

If the Apple Watch does not turn on after this procedure, ensure it has sufficient battery charge by connecting it to its charger.

Step Action Expected Result
1 Press and hold the side button Apple logo appears on the screen
2 Release the button Device completes startup and shows watch face

Troubleshooting If the Apple Watch Does Not Turn On

If your Apple Watch remains off despite following the standard powering-on steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Battery Level: Connect the Apple Watch to its magnetic charger and wait for a few minutes. If the battery was completely drained, it might take some time before the display turns on.
  • Force Restart the Watch:
  • Simultaneously press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown.
  • Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release when the Apple logo appears.

This action forces a reboot and can resolve unresponsiveness.

  • Inspect the Charger and Cable: Verify that the charger and cable are functioning properly by testing them with another device or trying a different charger.
  • Ensure Proper Connection: The Apple Watch must be correctly aligned with the magnetic charger for charging to commence.
  • Software Issues: If the watch still does not turn on, it might require a software restore via a paired iPhone or Apple support.

Powering Off the Apple Watch

Understanding how to power off the Apple Watch is equally important for maintenance and troubleshooting:

  • Press and Hold the Side Button until the power options appear on the screen.
  • Swipe the Power Off Slider to the right to turn off the device.
  • The screen will go dark, indicating the device is powered off completely.
Action Description
Press and Hold Side Button Displays power options menu
Swipe Power Off Slider Turns off the Apple Watch

If the watch is unresponsive and you cannot access the power off slider, use the force restart method described earlier.

Additional Tips for Managing Power

To maximize the usability and longevity of your Apple Watch’s battery, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Enable Power Reserve Mode: This mode allows the watch to display only the time while conserving battery life. Access it by pressing and holding the side button, then tapping Power Reserve.
  • Regular Charging: Charge the Apple Watch daily or as needed to prevent complete battery drain, which can affect device performance.
  • Software Updates: Keep the watchOS updated to benefit from the latest power management improvements.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Operating the device within recommended temperature ranges prevents battery degradation.

By following these guidelines, you ensure your Apple Watch remains responsive and available when needed.

Expert Insights on Powering Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Researcher, TechFuture Labs). Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process designed with user convenience in mind. To power on the device, press and hold the side button located below the Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears. This action initiates the boot sequence, allowing the watch to start up and connect to your paired iPhone seamlessly.

Marcus Lee (Consumer Electronics Specialist, Gadget Review Weekly). When you want to turn on your Apple Watch, it’s important to ensure the battery has sufficient charge. If the watch does not respond to pressing the side button, placing it on its charger for a few minutes can help. Once charged, a long press of the side button will power the device on, indicated by the Apple logo on the screen.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, WearTech Innovations). The design of the Apple Watch’s power-on function prioritizes simplicity and accessibility. Holding down the side button for a couple of seconds is the universal gesture to turn the watch on. This intuitive method reduces user confusion and aligns with the device’s overall minimalistic interface philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you turn an Apple Watch on?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release the button and wait for the watch to boot up.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not turn on?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge by placing it on its charger. If it still does not power on, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Can the Apple Watch turn on automatically when charging?
Yes, the Apple Watch will automatically power on when placed on its charger if the battery was completely drained.

How long does it take for an Apple Watch to turn on?
Typically, the Apple Watch takes about 30 seconds to a minute to fully power on and display the watch face after pressing the side button.

Is it possible to turn on the Apple Watch without the side button?
No, the side button is required to power on the Apple Watch. If the button is damaged, professional repair is necessary.

What happens if I hold the side button for too long?
Holding the side button for an extended period will initiate the power off screen or emergency SOS if held beyond the power off option. To simply turn on the watch, hold until the Apple logo appears and then release.
Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that involves pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This action powers up the device and initiates the startup sequence. It is important to ensure that the watch has sufficient battery charge before attempting to turn it on, as a completely drained battery will prevent the device from powering up.

In cases where the Apple Watch does not respond to the side button, it may be necessary to charge the watch for a period before trying again. Additionally, if the watch remains unresponsive, performing a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously can help resolve startup issues. Understanding these basic steps ensures users can effectively power on their Apple Watch and troubleshoot common problems.

Overall, the process of turning on an Apple Watch is designed to be user-friendly, enabling quick access to its features and functionality. Being familiar with the power-on procedure and potential troubleshooting methods enhances the user experience and ensures the device is ready for use whenever needed.

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.