How Can I Reset My Apple Watch When It Has a Black Screen?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Parts & Accessories

Experiencing a black screen on your Apple Watch can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for daily tasks, fitness tracking, and staying connected. Whether your device is unresponsive or simply won’t power on, knowing how to reset your Apple Watch in such situations is essential. A black screen doesn’t always mean your watch is broken; often, it’s a sign that a reset or troubleshooting step can bring it back to life.

In this article, we’ll explore the key methods to reset your Apple Watch when faced with a black screen, helping you regain control without unnecessary stress. Understanding these steps not only saves time but also ensures you handle your device safely and effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the ecosystem, this guide will prepare you to tackle one of the most common Apple Watch issues with confidence.

Performing a Force Restart on Your Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch screen is black and unresponsive, a force restart can often restore normal function without affecting your data. This process essentially forces the device to reboot, clearing temporary glitches that may have caused the black screen issue.

To perform a force restart on your Apple Watch:

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Continue holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons once the Apple logo appears on the screen.

It is important to only use this method when the watch is completely unresponsive, as a force restart interrupts active processes abruptly. If the Apple logo does not appear after holding the buttons, ensure that your watch is charged or connected to power before attempting again.

Resetting Apple Watch via Paired iPhone

If the black screen persists and a force restart does not resolve the issue, you can reset your Apple Watch using the paired iPhone. This method requires your iPhone to be in close proximity and connected via Bluetooth.

Follow these steps to reset your Apple Watch through the iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Navigate to the “My Watch” tab.
  • Tap on “General,” then scroll down and select “Reset.”
  • Choose “Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.”
  • Confirm your selection by entering your Apple ID password if prompted.

This process will erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch, effectively restoring it to factory defaults. After the reset, you will need to set up the watch again as if it were new, including pairing it with your iPhone.

Using Watch’s Built-in Reset Option When Screen is Responsive

If your Apple Watch screen is responsive but experiencing software issues leading to a black screen intermittently, you may reset it directly on the watch. However, this requires the screen to be functional enough to navigate the settings.

To reset your Apple Watch:

  • Open the Settings app on your watch.
  • Tap “General,” then scroll to the bottom and select “Reset.”
  • Tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
  • If you have a passcode set, you will be prompted to enter it.
  • Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.

This option also erases all data and settings, so ensure you have a backup or are ready to reconfigure your watch after the reset.

Charging and Battery Considerations Before Reset

A black screen may sometimes be caused by a depleted or malfunctioning battery rather than a software fault. Before proceeding with resets, confirm that your Apple Watch has sufficient charge.

Consider the following:

  • Connect your watch to its original charger and power source.
  • Allow the watch to charge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Observe if the charging symbol appears on the screen.
  • If no response occurs, try a different charger or cable to rule out charging accessories issues.

Charging status and battery health can impact the reset process. Resetting a watch with critically low battery can interrupt the operation and potentially cause further issues.

Comparison of Reset Methods for Apple Watch

Reset Method When to Use Data Impact Requirements
Force Restart (Side Button + Digital Crown) Watch unresponsive, black screen No data loss Watch powered on (any battery level)
Reset via Paired iPhone Force restart ineffective, watch still black All data erased Paired iPhone nearby, Bluetooth connection
Reset Directly on Watch Screen responsive but experiencing issues All data erased Functional touch screen and watch unlocked

Steps to Reset Apple Watch When Facing a Black Screen

When your Apple Watch screen remains black and unresponsive, performing a reset can often restore functionality. Here are the professional, step-by-step methods to reset your device safely:

Force Restart Your Apple Watch

A force restart is the most common troubleshooting step for an unresponsive Apple Watch screen. This process does not erase any data on the watch and can resolve temporary software glitches.

  • Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
  • Continue holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.
  • Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

If the Apple logo does not appear after 10-15 seconds, repeat the process once more before proceeding to further steps.

Use the Magnetic Charger to Assist Power Restoration

Sometimes, a completely drained battery causes the black screen. Connecting the Apple Watch to its charger can help revive the screen during or after the force restart.

  • Place the Apple Watch on its magnetic charging dock.
  • Allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes uninterrupted.
  • While charging, attempt the force restart procedure again.

Charging ensures the device has enough power to reboot properly.

Reset Apple Watch via Paired iPhone (If Accessible)

If your Apple Watch is still paired with an iPhone and the iPhone is accessible, a reset can be initiated remotely through the Watch app, even if the watch screen is black.

Step Action
1 Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
2 Tap on My Watch tab.
3 Select General > Reset.
4 Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
5 Confirm your action and enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

This method will reset your Apple Watch to factory settings, erasing all content and settings.

Use Recovery Mode with Apple Watch Series 7 or Later

Apple Watch Series 7 and later models support recovery mode via a connection to a Mac or PC, which can be used if the screen remains black and other resets fail.

  • Connect your Apple Watch to a power source using the magnetic charger.
  • Connect the Apple Watch to your computer using a USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable (depending on your computer’s ports).
  • Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) on your computer.
  • Put the watch into recovery mode by pressing and releasing the side button, then press and hold the side button until the recovery mode screen appears (follow specific Apple instructions for your model).
  • Once detected by Finder or iTunes, choose Restore or Update to reinstall watchOS.

This method can resolve deeper system issues but requires the appropriate cables and software.

Contact Apple Support if Reset Attempts Fail

If none of the above solutions restore your Apple Watch from the black screen state, professional hardware diagnostics may be necessary. Apple Support or an authorized service provider can assist with:

  • Hardware repair or replacement options.
  • Data recovery possibilities, if applicable.
  • Further advanced troubleshooting.

Ensure you have your Apple Watch serial number and proof of purchase ready when contacting support.

Expert Guidance on Resetting an Apple Watch with a Black Screen

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Wearable Technology Analyst, TechInsights Group). When faced with a black screen on your Apple Watch, the first step is to perform a force restart. This is done by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This method effectively resets the device without erasing any data and often resolves unresponsive screen issues.

Marcus Alvarez (Certified Apple Technician and Repair Specialist). In cases where the Apple Watch remains black after a force restart, connecting it to its charger and allowing it to charge for at least 30 minutes is crucial. Sometimes the battery is fully depleted, which prevents the screen from turning on. If the watch still does not respond, using the Apple Watch app on a paired iPhone to initiate a reset or restore may be necessary.

Sophia Patel (Mobile Device Security Expert, SecureTech Solutions). It is important to note that a factory reset on an Apple Watch with a black screen requires access through the paired iPhone or Apple Watch settings. If the screen is unresponsive, performing a hard reset is the safest initial troubleshooting step. Users should avoid attempting disassembly or third-party software resets, as this could void warranties or cause further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I force restart my Apple Watch if the screen is black?
Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This force restart often resolves a black screen issue.

Will resetting my Apple Watch erase all my data?
Yes, performing a factory reset will erase all content and settings on your Apple Watch. Ensure you have a backup before proceeding.

Can I reset my Apple Watch using my iPhone if the screen is black?
Yes, you can reset your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your paired iPhone by navigating to General > Reset > Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.

What should I do if my Apple Watch remains unresponsive after a reset?
If the watch stays unresponsive, connect it to its charger and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes. If the problem persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Is it possible to reset an Apple Watch without the Digital Crown or side button?
No, a force restart requires both buttons. If either button is damaged, seek professional repair services before attempting a reset.

How long does it take to reset an Apple Watch with a black screen?
The reset process typically takes a few minutes, but the total time depends on the amount of data and settings being erased and restored.
Resetting an Apple Watch with a black screen can be a straightforward process when following the correct steps. Typically, the issue arises from the device being unresponsive or powered off, which necessitates a force restart. The primary method involves pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. This action effectively reboots the device and often resolves the black screen problem without data loss.

In cases where a force restart does not remedy the issue, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. However, this requires the Apple Watch to be connected to its paired iPhone or to use recovery options via the Watch app. It is important to note that a factory reset will erase all data and settings, so it should be considered a last resort. Additionally, ensuring the watch is charged and checking for any hardware malfunctions can help determine if professional repair services are needed.

Overall, understanding the distinction between a force restart and a factory reset is crucial for effectively addressing a black screen on an Apple Watch. Users should attempt simple troubleshooting steps first and seek expert assistance if the problem persists. Maintaining regular backups and keeping the watch’s software updated can also minimize the risk of encountering similar issues in the

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.