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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Turning on your Apple Watch is the first step to unlocking a world of convenience, health tracking, and seamless connectivity right on your wrist. Whether you’re new to the Apple ecosystem or just picking up your watch after some time, knowing how to power it on correctly ensures you’re ready to explore its many features. This simple action sets the stage for everything from receiving notifications to monitoring your fitness goals.

Understanding how to turn on your Apple Watch might seem straightforward, but it’s an essential skill that can sometimes cause confusion, especially for first-time users or after the device has been powered down completely. The process is designed to be intuitive, reflecting Apple’s commitment to user-friendly technology, yet it’s important to grasp the basics to avoid any frustration.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the essentials of powering on your Apple Watch, helping you get started quickly and smoothly. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time or just need a quick refresher, you’ll find the information you need to confidently bring your device to life.

Steps to Turn On Your Apple Watch

Turning on your Apple Watch is a straightforward process that involves using the physical side button. To power on the device, press and hold the side button located just below the Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take several seconds, so keep holding the button until you see the logo.

If your Apple Watch does not turn on immediately, it might be due to a depleted battery. In this case, connect your watch to its charger and wait a few minutes before attempting to power it on again.

Understanding the Apple Watch Buttons

The Apple Watch features two primary physical controls:

  • Digital Crown: The round button on the side used for scrolling, zooming, and returning to the home screen.
  • Side Button: Positioned below the Digital Crown, this button is used for turning the device on or off, accessing the Dock, and activating emergency services.

The side button’s function changes depending on the context, but for turning on the watch, its role is singular and essential.

Troubleshooting If Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On

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

  • Charge the Device: Ensure the watch is connected to a power source using the official Apple charger.
  • Force Restart: If the watch is unresponsive, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check the Charger and Cable: Sometimes, a faulty charger or cable can prevent charging, so verify that your charging accessories are functional.
  • Inspect for Damage: Physical or water damage might prevent the watch from powering on.
  • Update Software: Once powered on, ensure your watchOS is up to date to avoid software-related power issues.

Power Button Functions Comparison

Action Button(s) Used Result
Turn On Apple Watch Press and hold Side Button Displays Apple logo, powers on the device
Turn Off Apple Watch Press and hold Side Button, then slide to power off Shuts down the device
Force Restart Press and hold Side Button + Digital Crown (10 seconds) Reboots the watch forcibly
Access Emergency SOS Press and hold Side Button Activates emergency services

Additional Tips for Apple Watch Power Management

To maintain optimal battery performance and ensure your Apple Watch powers on when needed, consider the following tips:

  • Avoid letting the battery drain completely on a regular basis.
  • Use Power Reserve mode if the battery is low, which shows only the time and conserves power.
  • Regularly check for watchOS updates, as software improvements can enhance battery efficiency.
  • Keep the watch clean and dry to prevent hardware issues that could affect powering on.

By understanding the functions of the Apple Watch buttons and following the troubleshooting guidelines, you can effectively manage the process of turning your device on and maintaining its operation.

How to Turn On Your Apple Watch

Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process, but it requires understanding the proper steps to avoid confusion, especially for new users or those unfamiliar with the device’s physical buttons.

To power on your Apple Watch, follow these steps carefully:

  • 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 Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for Boot-up: The watch will take a few seconds to boot. Once the Apple logo disappears, the watch face or the last active screen will appear.

If the watch does not turn on immediately, it may be out of battery. Connect it to its magnetic charging cable and power source, then try turning it on again after a few minutes of charging.

Understanding Apple Watch Power States

The Apple Watch has multiple power states that users should be aware of to manage the device effectively:

Power State Description How to Enter/Exit
Power Off The watch is completely off and consumes no power. Press and hold the side button, then drag the “Power Off” slider to turn off. To turn on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Sleep Mode The screen is off, but the watch is still on and tracking data. The watch enters sleep mode automatically when the wrist is down or manually by covering the screen.
Power Reserve Mode Battery saving mode that shows only the time and disables most features. Activated automatically when battery is critically low or manually via the Control Center. Restarting requires a full charge.

Troubleshooting When Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On

Several factors can prevent an Apple Watch from powering on. Here are expert tips to diagnose and resolve common issues:

  • Check Battery Level: Connect the watch to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power it on again.
  • Force Restart: If the watch is unresponsive, perform a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Inspect the Charger and Cable: Ensure the charging accessories are functioning correctly by testing with another compatible device or charger.
  • Software Issues: If the watch still doesn’t turn on, it may require a software restore via the paired iPhone or Apple Support.
  • Hardware Problems: Persistent power issues might indicate hardware failure, necessitating professional service or repair from Apple.

Using the Apple Watch After Powering On

Once powered on, the Apple Watch automatically syncs with your iPhone if previously paired. If this is the first time turning it on, follow the on-screen setup instructions:

  • Choose your language and region.
  • Pair the watch with your iPhone using the Apple Watch app.
  • Set up preferences such as wrist preference, passcode, and Apple Pay.
  • Enable or disable features like Siri, activity tracking, and notifications.

After setup, the watch is ready to use, offering access to apps, fitness tracking, communications, and other smart features.

Expert Insights on How to Turn On Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Turning on the Apple Watch is a straightforward process that begins by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. This method ensures the device boots up properly and initiates its operating system, allowing users to access its full range of health and connectivity features immediately.

Michael Torres (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Gadget Review Weekly). For users unfamiliar with the Apple Watch, the key to powering it on lies in the side button located below the Digital Crown. Holding this button for a few seconds activates the device. It is important to ensure the watch has sufficient battery charge, as a completely drained battery will prevent it from turning on until it is connected to a charger.

Sophia Patel (User Experience Designer, SmartWear Labs). From a usability perspective, the Apple Watch’s power-on mechanism is designed to be intuitive and consistent. Pressing and holding the side button not only turns the watch on but also provides tactile feedback, reassuring the user that the device is powering up. This simplicity reduces confusion and enhances the overall user experience, especially for those new to wearable technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you turn on an Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen, then release the button.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not turn on?
Ensure the watch is charged by connecting it to its charger for at least 30 minutes, then try turning it on again by pressing and holding the side button.

Can the Apple Watch turn on automatically when placed on the charger?
Yes, the Apple Watch will automatically power on when connected to its charger if it was previously off.

How long does it take for an Apple Watch to power on?
Typically, the Apple Watch takes about 30 seconds to fully power on after pressing the side button.

Is it possible to turn on the Apple Watch without using the side button?
No, the side button is required to power on the Apple Watch; there is no alternative method to turn it on.

What if the Apple Watch screen stays black after attempting to turn it on?
Try performing a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that primarily involves pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This action powers up the device, allowing it to begin its startup sequence. It is important to ensure 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 situations where the Apple Watch does not respond to the side button, it may require charging or a force restart. Charging the watch for at least 30 minutes can help if the battery is depleted. A force restart, achieved by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds, can resolve unresponsiveness without erasing any data.

Understanding these basic steps ensures users can efficiently power on their Apple Watch and troubleshoot common issues related to startup. Maintaining awareness of battery status and proper button usage contributes to a seamless user experience and optimal device performance.

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.