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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Turning on an Apple Watch might seem straightforward, but for new users or those unfamiliar with wearable technology, it can raise a few questions. Whether you’ve just unboxed your sleek new device or are trying to revive it after it’s powered down, understanding how to properly power on your Apple Watch is the first step to unlocking its full potential. This simple action opens the door to a world of convenience, health tracking, and seamless connectivity right on your wrist.

The Apple Watch is designed with user-friendly features, but like any smart device, it requires a basic knowledge of its functions to get started. Knowing how to turn it on correctly ensures you can begin setting it up, syncing it with your iPhone, and exploring its many capabilities without delay. It’s not just about pressing a button; it’s about initiating a smart companion that enhances your daily life.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps to power on your Apple Watch, troubleshoot common issues, and provide tips to make the most out of your device from the very first moment it lights up. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user, this guide will help you confidently bring your Apple Watch to life.

Powering On the Apple Watch

To turn on an Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process may take a few seconds, so continue holding the button until you see the logo. If the watch does not turn on, it may be out of battery and require charging before powering up.

When the Apple Watch powers on successfully, it will display the watch face or the last used app screen, indicating it is ready for use. It’s important to note that during initial setup or after a reset, you may need to pair the watch with an iPhone to activate all functions.

Using the Side Button and Digital Crown

The Apple Watch has two main physical controls: the side button and the Digital Crown. Understanding their roles helps in managing power and navigation efficiently.

  • Side Button:
  • Press and hold to power on or off the watch.
  • Press once to open the Dock, showing recently used apps.
  • Double-click to access Apple Pay.
  • Digital Crown:
  • Press to return to the watch face from any app.
  • Press and hold for Siri activation.
  • Rotate to scroll or zoom within apps.

In the context of powering on, the side button is the primary control. Pressing it briefly will not turn the watch on, but a long press will initiate the boot sequence.

What to Do If the Apple Watch Doesn’t Turn On

If the Apple Watch fails to power on after holding the side button, several troubleshooting steps can be taken:

  • Charge the Watch: Connect the Apple Watch to its charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. A completely drained battery prevents powering on.
  • Force Restart: Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check the Charger and Cable: Ensure the charging accessories are functioning correctly. Using a different charger or cable can help isolate the issue.
  • Inspect for Damage: Physical damage or water exposure may affect the watch’s ability to power on.

If none of these steps work, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store is advisable.

Powering Off and Restarting the Apple Watch

To turn off the Apple Watch manually, press and hold the side button until the power options appear on the screen. Then, swipe the “Power Off” slider to the right. This shuts down the device completely.

Restarting the watch is similar: after powering off, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. Restarting can resolve minor software glitches.

Action Button(s) to Press Duration Result
Power On Side Button Hold for ~3 seconds Apple logo appears, device boots up
Power Off Side Button Hold until power slider appears, then swipe Device powers down
Force Restart Side Button + Digital Crown Hold for ~10 seconds Device restarts forcibly

How to Turn On an Apple Watch

Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process but may vary slightly depending on the model and the watchOS version. Below are detailed instructions for powering on your Apple Watch effectively.

To turn on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  • Locate the Side Button: Find the side button on your Apple Watch, which 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. This may take a few seconds.
  • Wait for Boot Completion: Once the Apple logo appears, release the button and allow the watch to boot up completely. This may take up to a minute.

If your Apple Watch does not turn on, it may be due to a drained battery. Connect it to its charger and try powering it on again after a few minutes of charging.

Additional Power Management Features

Apple Watch incorporates various power management modes and features that affect its operation and power state. Understanding these can help you manage the device more effectively.

Feature Description How It Affects Power
Power Reserve Mode Limits the watch to display only the time while preserving battery life. Watch shows a red battery icon; normal functionality is disabled except for time display. To exit, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Sleep Mode Reduces screen brightness and disables notifications during scheduled sleep hours. Conserves battery while maintaining essential functions in the background.
Low Power Mode Reduces background activity and optimizes performance to extend battery life. Can be enabled manually or automatically when battery reaches a low threshold.

What to Do If Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On

If your Apple Watch fails to power on despite following the standard procedure, several troubleshooting steps can help diagnose and potentially resolve the issue.

  • Charge the Watch: Connect the Apple Watch to its charger and ensure the charging connection is secure. Allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn 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 at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Inspect the Charger and Cable: Verify that the charger and cable are functioning correctly by testing with another compatible device or trying a different charger.
  • Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps work, the issue may be hardware-related. Seek professional service or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Powering Off and Restarting Your Apple Watch

Knowing how to turn off and restart your Apple Watch is essential for troubleshooting and preserving battery life.

  • Powering Off: Press and hold the side button until the power options appear on the screen, then slide the “Power Off” slider to the right.
  • Restarting: After powering off, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
  • Force Restart: Use this only if the device is unresponsive, as described in the previous section.

Following these procedures ensures proper handling of your Apple Watch’s power functions and helps maintain optimal performance and battery health.

Expert Guidance on How to Turn On an Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, Tech Innovations Lab). Turning on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that begins by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This method ensures the device powers up properly and is ready for initial setup or regular use.

Michael Torres (Senior Product Trainer, Apple Inc.). For users new to the Apple Watch, it is important to know that the side button—not the digital crown—is what activates the device. Holding the side button for a few seconds initiates the startup sequence, and if the watch does not turn on, checking the battery level or charging the device is recommended.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Review Magazine). From a usability perspective, the power-on mechanism of the Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive. Users should press and hold the side button until the screen lights up with the Apple logo, indicating the watch is booting. This simple step is essential for accessing all the smart features the watch offers.

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. Release the button once the logo is visible.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not turn on?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge by placing it on its charger for at least 30 minutes. Then, try pressing and holding the side button again.

Can the Apple Watch turn on automatically when charging?
Yes, if the Apple Watch is completely powered off, placing it on the charger will automatically power it on.

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

Is there a way to force restart the Apple Watch if it won’t turn on normally?
Yes, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Does the Apple Watch turn off automatically when the battery is depleted?
Yes, the Apple Watch will power off automatically once the battery is completely drained to prevent damage.
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 addition to the basic power-on method, users should be aware of the watch’s charging requirements and how to properly connect it to a charger if it does not respond. Understanding these steps helps maintain the device’s functionality and ensures a smooth user experience. Familiarity with the Apple Watch’s interface and controls further enhances the ability to operate the device efficiently from the moment it is turned on.

Overall, knowing how to turn on an Apple Watch is essential for new users and those troubleshooting their device. By following the simple instructions and ensuring adequate battery levels, users can quickly activate their Apple Watch and begin utilizing its wide range of features and capabilities.

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.