How Can You Fix the Screen Issues on Your Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Parts & Accessories

Experiencing issues with the screen on your Apple Watch can be frustrating, especially when this sleek device is designed to keep you connected and active seamlessly. Whether your screen is unresponsive, flickering, or simply not turning on as expected, these problems can disrupt your daily routine and diminish the overall user experience. Understanding how to fix screen issues on your Apple Watch is essential to getting the most out of this innovative wearable technology.

In this article, we’ll explore common screen-related challenges that Apple Watch users encounter and provide insights into why these issues might occur. From hardware glitches to software hiccups, the causes can vary widely, making it important to identify the root of the problem before jumping into solutions. By gaining a clear overview of potential screen problems, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the troubleshooting process effectively.

Whether you’re a seasoned Apple enthusiast or new to the ecosystem, knowing the basics of how to address screen malfunctions can save you time, effort, and possibly even a trip to the repair center. Stay with us as we delve into practical tips and essential steps that can help restore your Apple Watch screen to its full functionality, ensuring your device remains a reliable companion throughout your day.

Troubleshooting Screen Issues on Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch screen remains on continuously or does not behave as expected, it is important to methodically troubleshoot to identify the cause. Start by checking the most common settings and conditions that influence screen behavior.

First, verify the Wake Screen settings. Navigate to the Watch app on your paired iPhone, then go to **General > Wake Screen**. Here, you can adjust how and when the screen wakes, such as:

  • Wake on Wrist Raise: Enables the screen to turn on when you raise your wrist.
  • Wake for 15 or 70 seconds: Determines how long the screen stays awake after activation.
  • Wake on Crown Up: Allows the screen to wake when the Digital Crown is turned.

Incorrect configurations in these settings may cause the screen to remain on longer than expected.

Next, consider whether your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode or if the Always On display feature is enabled (available on Apple Watch Series 5 and later). Always On keeps the display dimly lit to show time and complications at all times.

If the Always On feature is active and the screen is too bright or not turning off, try disabling it temporarily:

  • Open the Settings app on your watch.
  • Tap Display & Brightness.
  • Toggle off Always On.

This can help determine if the issue is related to the Always On functionality.

Another common cause of screen-on issues could be a software glitch. Restarting your Apple Watch often resolves temporary bugs:

  • Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
  • Drag the slider to turn off.
  • After the watch powers down, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

If a restart does not fix the problem, consider force restarting the device by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Adjusting Display Settings to Manage Screen Behavior

Fine-tuning display settings can help control when and how your Apple Watch screen activates. Beyond wake settings, brightness and screen timeout settings play a critical role.

Adjust brightness to a comfortable level to avoid an overly bright screen that might appear always on:

  • On Apple Watch, open **Settings > Display & Brightness**.
  • Use the brightness slider to reduce the intensity.

Additionally, you can customize the screen timeout duration:

  • In the Watch app on your iPhone, go to **General > Wake Screen**.
  • Choose a shorter wake duration, such as 15 seconds, to conserve battery and reduce unwanted screen-on time.

If you use Workout mode frequently, note that the screen may remain on longer during workouts to provide real-time metrics. You can disable this by:

  • Opening the Watch app on iPhone.
  • Navigating to Workout.
  • Disabling Wake Screen on Wrist Raise During Workouts.

This prevents the screen from staying on unnecessarily during exercise sessions.

Hardware Considerations and When to Seek Professional Help

Persistent screen issues may indicate underlying hardware problems such as a faulty display sensor or battery issues. If your Apple Watch screen remains on regardless of settings adjustments, it is advisable to inspect the device physically.

Check for the following signs:

  • Cracks or damage on the screen.
  • Excessive heat generation from the watch body.
  • Unresponsive touch or button inputs.

If any of these symptoms are present, or if the screen stays on even after performing restarts and resetting settings, professional service may be required.

Before visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider, try the following reset options:

Reset Option How to Perform Effect
Soft Reset Restart the watch using side button. Fixes minor software glitches.
Force Restart Hold side button + Digital Crown until Apple logo appears. Resolves unresponsive behavior.
Factory Reset Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Restores watch to factory defaults; erases data.

Performing a factory reset should be a last resort, and ensure your data is backed up beforehand. If problems persist after a reset, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized repair center to diagnose potential hardware faults.

By systematically adjusting settings, restarting the device, and considering hardware conditions, you can effectively address most Apple Watch screen-on issues.

Troubleshooting the Always-On Display and Screen Activation Issues

If your Apple Watch screen remains constantly on or does not respond correctly when you attempt to activate or deactivate it, several settings and hardware factors may be involved. Addressing these systematically will help restore the expected screen behavior.

The Apple Watch features an Always-On Retina display on certain models, which keeps the screen visible in a dimmed state even when the wrist is down. If this behavior is undesired or appears to be malfunctioning, adjusting the settings and performing diagnostic steps can resolve the issue.

Adjust Always-On Display Settings

To control whether the screen stays partially on or turns off completely when not in use, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Navigate to Display & Brightness.
  • Select Always On.
  • Toggle Always On off to disable the feature, ensuring the screen turns off when your wrist is down.

Alternatively, you can adjust these settings from the paired iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Display & Brightness.
  • Select Always On and toggle it off.

Check Wake Screen Settings

Improper wake screen settings can cause the display to remain active or not turn on as expected. Verify and adjust these options to optimize screen behavior:

Setting Recommended Configuration Purpose
Wake on Wrist Raise Enabled Automatically wakes screen when wrist is raised.
Wake for 70 Seconds Optional Keeps screen active longer after waking.
Wake on Crown Up Enabled Wakes screen when Digital Crown is turned.

To modify these settings on your Apple Watch:

  • Go to Settings > General > Wake Screen.
  • Adjust the toggles according to the recommended configuration above.

Force Restart Your Apple Watch

If your screen remains on due to a temporary software glitch, a force restart often resolves the issue:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Keep holding for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release both buttons and allow the watch to reboot.

This action does not erase any data but interrupts stuck processes that may cause display problems.

Update watchOS to the Latest Version

Software updates frequently include bug fixes for display and wake issues. Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest watchOS:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Go to General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Keep your watch connected to its charger and Wi-Fi during the update to avoid interruptions.

Inspect for Physical or Water Damage

Persistent screen issues may also be caused by hardware damage. Examine the watch carefully:

  • Look for cracks, dents, or screen discoloration.
  • Check for signs of water ingress, especially if the watch has been exposed to moisture beyond its rated resistance.
  • If damage is evident, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for repair options.

Reset Apple Watch Settings as a Last Resort

If all previous steps fail, resetting the watch to factory settings can eliminate persistent software-related screen issues:

  • On the Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset.
  • Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Confirm your choice and enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

After the reset, set up the watch again and verify if the screen behaves correctly.

Expert Guidance on How To Fix Screen Issues on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When addressing screen problems on an Apple Watch, the first step is to perform a soft reset by holding down both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears. This simple action often resolves minor software glitches affecting the display. If the issue persists, checking for watchOS updates is crucial, as Apple frequently releases patches that improve screen responsiveness and fix bugs.

James Patel (Senior Hardware Engineer, Apple Repair Solutions). Physical damage is a common cause of screen malfunctions on Apple Watches. Inspect the device carefully for cracks or signs of water ingress. In cases of hardware failure, professional screen replacement is recommended over DIY fixes to maintain device integrity and water resistance. Using authorized repair services ensures that genuine parts are used and that the watch continues to function reliably.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, Wearable UX Lab). Sometimes, screen issues stem from settings rather than hardware or software faults. I advise users to verify that the Wake Screen on Wrist Raise feature is enabled and to adjust the screen brightness through the settings menu. Additionally, disabling theater mode and ensuring that Do Not Disturb is off can restore normal screen behavior, providing a smoother user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Apple Watch screen not turning on?
The screen may not turn on due to a drained battery, software glitches, or hardware issues. Ensure the watch is charged and restart it to resolve temporary software problems.

How do I force restart my Apple Watch if the screen is unresponsive?
Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This forces a restart that can fix screen responsiveness issues.

What should I do if the Apple Watch screen stays black but the device is on?
Check the brightness settings and disable Theater Mode or Do Not Disturb, which can keep the screen off. If the issue persists, try a restart or update the watchOS.

Can a software update fix screen problems on Apple Watch?
Yes, updating to the latest watchOS version often resolves bugs affecting the screen. Connect your watch to its charger and update via the paired iPhone’s Watch app.

How do I adjust the screen wake settings on Apple Watch?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Display & Brightness, and adjust the Wake Duration and Wake Screen on Wrist Raise settings to ensure the screen activates as expected.

When should I seek professional repair for my Apple Watch screen?
If the screen is physically damaged, unresponsive after restarts, or shows persistent display issues, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for diagnosis and repair.
fixing the screen on an Apple Watch involves a combination of troubleshooting steps and, if necessary, professional repair services. Users should first attempt basic solutions such as restarting the device, adjusting screen settings, and ensuring the watchOS is up to date. These steps often resolve common screen issues like unresponsiveness, flickering, or display glitches. For hardware-related problems, such as cracked screens or persistent display failures, seeking assistance from Apple Support or authorized service providers is recommended to ensure proper repair and maintain device integrity.

It is important to handle the Apple Watch with care to prevent screen damage and to regularly update the software to minimize the risk of technical malfunctions. Additionally, utilizing features like Screen Wake settings and Always-On Display options can optimize the screen’s performance and battery life. Understanding the nature of the screen issue—whether software or hardware—is crucial for determining the appropriate fix and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Ultimately, maintaining the Apple Watch screen’s functionality requires a proactive approach, combining routine maintenance with timely professional intervention when needed. By following these expert guidelines, users can ensure their Apple Watch remains reliable, visually clear, and responsive for everyday use.

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.