How Do You Take an Apple Watch Off Power Reserve Mode?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Apple Watch’s screen, only to see the stark, minimalistic Power Reserve mode, you know how limiting it can feel. While this feature is a lifesaver when your battery is critically low, it also temporarily disables most of the watch’s functions, leaving you eager to return to the full Apple Watch experience. Understanding how to take your Apple Watch off of Power Reserve is essential for regaining access to its smart features and getting the most out of your device.

Power Reserve mode is designed to extend battery life by showing only the time, but it also means your watch won’t respond to taps or gestures as it normally does. This can be confusing or frustrating if you’re unsure how to exit this mode once your watch has enough charge or if you want to quickly switch back to normal operation. Knowing the right steps to exit Power Reserve ensures you can seamlessly transition back to using your Apple Watch without missing a beat.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what Power Reserve mode entails, why and when it activates, and the straightforward process to disable it. Whether you’re new to the Apple Watch or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will help you confidently navigate out of Power Reserve and back into full functionality.

How to Disable Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it temporarily disables most of its functionalities to conserve battery life, showing only the current time. To exit this mode and restore full functionality, follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the side button (the flat, elongated button below the Digital Crown).
  • Keep holding the side button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
  • Release the button and wait for the watch to restart fully.

This process reactivates the watch’s normal operating system and re-enables all features, but it requires sufficient battery charge to complete the restart. If the battery is critically low, you may need to place the watch on its charger before the device can exit Power Reserve mode.

Tips for Managing Power Reserve Mode

Effectively managing Power Reserve mode can extend your Apple Watch’s usability during low battery conditions without completely shutting it down. Consider the following best practices:

  • Enable Power Reserve mode manually when battery drops below 10% if you anticipate needing the watch for timekeeping only.
  • Charge your watch regularly to avoid unintentional automatic activation of Power Reserve.
  • Use Power Reserve mode sparingly, as the watch must reboot to exit this mode, which temporarily disables notifications and other functions.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, users may experience difficulty exiting Power Reserve mode. Common issues include:

  • Watch does not restart after holding the side button: This usually indicates the battery is too low. Place the watch on its charger and wait for at least 10 minutes before trying again.
  • Watch restarts but remains in Power Reserve: This can happen if the watch’s software is unresponsive. Try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Battery drains rapidly after exiting Power Reserve: This may suggest background processes or apps consuming excessive power. Check battery usage in the Watch app on your iPhone and update watchOS if necessary.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution
Cannot exit Power Reserve Battery too low Place watch on charger and wait 10+ minutes
Watch restarts but stays in Power Reserve Software unresponsive Force restart (hold side button + Digital Crown)
Battery drains quickly post-Power Reserve High background activity or outdated software Check battery usage, update watchOS, close unused apps

How to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it disables most functions to conserve battery life, showing only the time. To restore full functionality, you need to exit Power Reserve mode by restarting the device. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the side button below the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch. Press and hold it firmly for several seconds.
  • Wait for the Apple logo: Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates the watch is rebooting and exiting Power Reserve mode.
  • Allow the watch to fully restart: Once the logo appears, release the side button and wait for the watch face and all features to load completely.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode cannot be disabled through the Settings menu or any other shortcut while it is active. The only method to exit this mode is by performing a restart as described above.

Additional Tips for Managing Power Reserve Mode

Understanding how to manage Power Reserve mode can help optimize your Apple Watch usage and prevent unexpected loss of features.

Tip Description
Charge Your Watch Regularly Keep your Apple Watch charged to avoid it automatically entering Power Reserve due to low battery.
Monitor Battery Percentage Use the Control Center or watch face complications to keep track of battery status and plan charging accordingly.
Enable Power Reserve Manually Activate Power Reserve when battery is critically low to extend remaining time before shutdown.
Force Restart If Unresponsive If the watch remains stuck in Power Reserve mode or is unresponsive, perform a force restart by holding both the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Understanding the Impact of Power Reserve Mode

Power Reserve mode is designed to conserve battery life by limiting the watch’s functionality to displaying only the current time. This mode suspends all background processes and disables wireless connectivity, notifications, apps, and sensors.

While in Power Reserve:

  • The watch face shows a simple digital clock.
  • No notifications or app interactions are possible.
  • Fitness tracking and health monitoring pause until the watch exits Power Reserve.
  • Battery consumption is minimized, allowing the watch to remain powered on longer.

Because of these restrictions, exiting Power Reserve mode is necessary to resume normal use. Restarting the Apple Watch as described ensures the system reactivates all functions and services.

Expert Guidance on Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). To exit Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch, you must first ensure the device has sufficient battery charge. Once charged, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling the watch is rebooting and returning to normal operation. This process is essential because Power Reserve disables most functions to conserve energy.

Jason Mitchell (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development). The Apple Watch’s Power Reserve mode is designed to extend battery life by limiting functionality to only the time display. To take the watch off Power Reserve, a forced restart is required by pressing and holding the side button until the screen reactivates. It is important to note that the watch must have enough charge to power on normally; otherwise, it will remain in Power Reserve until charged.

Linda Nguyen (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Tech Review). Users often confuse Power Reserve with a simple sleep mode, but exiting requires a manual reboot. After connecting the Apple Watch to its charger, hold down the side button continuously until the Apple logo appears. This action restarts the watch and restores full functionality, effectively taking it off Power Reserve mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by disabling most functions except for displaying the time. It activates when the battery is critically low.

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

Can I use the Apple Watch normally immediately after exiting Power Reserve?
Yes, once the watch restarts, it will return to normal operation provided it has sufficient battery charge.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve mode?
Ensure the watch has enough charge by connecting it to its charger. If it still does not exit, try a forced restart by holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.

Will exiting Power Reserve mode affect my data or settings?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode does not erase data or change settings; it simply restarts the device to resume full functionality.

Is it possible to prevent the Apple Watch from entering Power Reserve mode?
To avoid entering Power Reserve, keep the watch charged regularly and monitor battery levels through the watch or paired iPhone.
Taking an Apple Watch off Power Reserve mode involves a straightforward process that primarily requires restarting the device. Since Power Reserve disables most functions to conserve battery life, the watch only displays the current time and limits interaction. To exit this mode, you need to press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling that the watch is rebooting and returning to normal operation.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch must have sufficient battery charge to power on normally after exiting Power Reserve. If the battery is critically low, the watch may not exit this mode until it is charged. Therefore, connecting the watch to its charger before attempting to restart can ensure a smoother transition back to full functionality.

Understanding how to manage Power Reserve mode effectively can help users maximize their Apple Watch’s battery life while ensuring they can quickly regain access to its features when needed. This knowledge is particularly valuable in situations where battery conservation is critical, but functionality cannot be compromised for extended periods.

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.