How Do You Get Out of Power Reserve Mode on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found your Apple Watch stuck in Power Reserve mode, you know how limiting it can be. While this feature is designed to conserve battery life by restricting most functions, it can leave you wondering how to regain full access to your device. Understanding how to get out of Power Reserve on your Apple Watch is essential for making the most of its capabilities once your battery has been recharged.

Power Reserve mode activates automatically when your watch’s battery runs critically low, allowing only the time to be displayed while shutting down other features. While this helps extend battery life in emergencies, it also means your smartwatch’s smart functionality is temporarily disabled. Knowing the right steps to exit this mode ensures you can quickly return to tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and using apps without unnecessary delays.

Navigating out of Power Reserve might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the watch’s settings or charging behavior. However, with a clear understanding of how this mode works and what actions to take, you can effortlessly restore your Apple Watch to its full, vibrant state. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore practical tips and easy methods to help you get out of Power Reserve and back to enjoying your device’s full potential.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it disables all functions except the current time display to conserve battery life. To exit this mode and return your watch to normal operation, follow these steps carefully:

  • Press and hold the side button (the flat button below the Digital Crown) until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take several seconds.
  • Once the Apple logo is visible, release the side button and wait for the watch to reboot.
  • After rebooting, your watch should return to the standard watch face and all features will be active again.

If the watch does not exit Power Reserve mode after rebooting, it may require charging or troubleshooting.

Charging Requirements to Exit Power Reserve

Power Reserve mode activates when the Apple Watch battery is critically low. To restore full functionality, the watch must have sufficient charge. Here are key points to consider:

  • Connect your Apple Watch to its charger using the original magnetic charging cable.
  • Allow the watch to charge for at least 10 minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode.
  • If the battery level remains too low, the watch will stay in Power Reserve mode even after rebooting.
  • Ensure the charger and cable are functioning correctly and the power source is reliable.

Charging your Apple Watch properly is essential to exit Power Reserve mode and regain full access to features.

Troubleshooting Power Reserve Exit Issues

If your Apple Watch fails to exit Power Reserve mode despite following the standard procedure, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Force Restart: Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Use an alternative charger or cable to rule out hardware faults.
  • Clean Charging Contacts: Ensure the back of the watch and the charger’s magnetic surface are free of dirt or debris.
  • Update WatchOS: Once the watch is operational, check for software updates, as outdated software can cause battery management issues.
  • Battery Health: If problems persist, the battery may have degraded and require replacement.

Comparison of Apple Watch Battery Modes

Understanding the differences between Power Reserve mode and other battery-related modes can help you manage your device more effectively.

Mode Functionality Battery Usage How to Exit
Normal Mode Full access to apps, notifications, and sensors. Standard battery consumption. Not applicable.
Low Power Mode Reduces background activity and some visual effects. Conserves battery while maintaining most functions. Turn off Low Power Mode in settings.
Power Reserve Mode Displays only the time; all other functions disabled. Minimal battery use to extend time until recharge. Press and hold the side button until Apple logo appears.

Exiting Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it suspends all functions except displaying the current time to conserve battery life. To resume normal operation, follow these steps carefully:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the flat, oval-shaped button below the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch. Press and hold it firmly.
  • Wait for the Apple logo: Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take several seconds.
  • Allow the watch to reboot: After the Apple logo appears, release the button and wait as the watch restarts into normal mode.
  • Ensure sufficient battery charge: If the watch does not exit Power Reserve mode, it likely has insufficient battery. Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode again.
Step Action Notes
1 Press and hold side button Button below the Digital Crown
2 Wait for Apple logo May take several seconds
3 Release button and wait Watch boots to normal mode
4 Charge if necessary Minimum 10-15 minutes charging recommended

Additional Tips for Managing Power Reserve on Apple Watch

Power Reserve is designed to extend your Apple Watch’s battery life when critically low. To better manage and avoid frequent activation of Power Reserve mode, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Monitor battery level regularly: Use the Battery complication or swipe up to access Control Center and check the battery percentage.
  • Enable Low Power Mode: Introduced in watchOS 9, Low Power Mode reduces background activity and conserves battery without disabling most features, unlike Power Reserve.
  • Optimize settings: Reduce screen brightness, disable unnecessary notifications, and turn off features like Always-On display if applicable.
  • Close unused apps: Double-click the side button to access the app switcher and swipe away apps you are not using.
  • Keep software updated: Install the latest watchOS updates, which often include battery optimization improvements.
  • Charge regularly: Make it a habit to charge your Apple Watch overnight or during periods of inactivity to maintain sufficient battery levels.

Expert Guidance on Exiting Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). To exit Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch, the user must press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This action restarts the device and restores normal functionality. It is important to ensure the watch has sufficient charge before attempting this, as insufficient battery power may prevent a full reboot.

Mark Thompson (Senior Software Engineer, WatchOS Development Team). Power Reserve mode limits the Apple Watch to only display the time to conserve battery life. To get out of this mode, a simple restart is necessary by pressing and holding the side button. Users should avoid force shutting down the device during this process to prevent any software corruption.

Linda Garcia (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartTech Reviews). When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve, it’s an indicator that the battery is critically low. To exit, connect the watch to its charger and allow it to gain enough power before holding down the side button to reboot. This ensures the watch can fully wake from Power Reserve and resume all features safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by limiting the watch’s functionality to displaying only the current time.

How do I exit Power Reserve mode on my Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then release. The watch will restart and exit Power Reserve mode.

Will my Apple Watch data be affected when exiting Power Reserve?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode does not erase any data; it simply restores full watch functionality.

Can I use any features while in Power Reserve mode?
No, Power Reserve mode restricts the watch to showing only the time, disabling all other features and notifications.

What should I do if my Apple Watch won’t exit Power Reserve mode?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge, then perform a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.

How can I prevent my Apple Watch from entering Power Reserve mode?
Regularly charge your Apple Watch and monitor battery levels to avoid depletion that triggers Power Reserve mode.
Exiting Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch is essential to regain full functionality and access to all features. To do so, the watch must be sufficiently charged by connecting it to its charger. Once the battery level reaches a minimum threshold, typically above 10%, the watch will automatically prompt you to restart and exit Power Reserve mode. This process restores the device to its normal operating state, allowing you to use apps, receive notifications, and track health metrics again.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode is designed to conserve battery life by disabling most functions except for displaying the time. Therefore, the only way to exit this mode is by recharging the device. Users should ensure that their Apple Watch is properly connected to a compatible charger and allow adequate time for the battery to replenish. Attempting to force the watch out of Power Reserve without sufficient charge is not possible and may lead to confusion or frustration.

In summary, managing Power Reserve mode effectively involves understanding its purpose and the necessary steps to exit it. Keeping the Apple Watch charged and monitoring battery levels can prevent unexpected activation of Power Reserve. When the watch does enter this mode, patience and proper charging are key to restoring full functionality promptly and efficiently.

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.