How Do You Turn Off Power Reserve Mode on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the minimalistic Power Reserve screen on your Apple Watch, you know how limiting it can feel. While Power Reserve mode is a lifesaver when your battery is critically low, it also restricts your watch’s functionality to just showing the time. Naturally, once you’re ready to get back to using all the smart features of your Apple Watch, you’ll want to know exactly how to take Power Reserve off and restore full access.

Navigating out of Power Reserve mode might seem tricky at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the watch’s interface or if your device is running low on battery. Understanding the process not only helps you regain control quickly but also ensures you’re making the most out of your Apple Watch’s capabilities. Whether you’ve accidentally activated Power Reserve or used it intentionally to conserve battery, knowing how to exit this mode is essential for a seamless user experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key steps and tips for disabling Power Reserve on your Apple Watch. You’ll gain clarity on what triggers this mode, how to safely exit it, and what to expect once you’re back in full operating mode. Get ready to unlock your watch’s full potential again with ease and confidence.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode, it disables most functions to conserve battery, only displaying the current time. To resume normal operation, you need to exit this mode by restarting the device. The process is straightforward but requires some patience, especially if the battery is critically low.

Begin by pressing and holding the side button (the flat oval button below the Digital Crown) until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This may take several seconds. Once the logo appears, release the button and wait for the watch to fully reboot. After rebooting, your Apple Watch will exit Power Reserve mode and return to normal functionality.

If your watch does not restart immediately, it might require charging. Connect it to its charger and allow it to gain enough power before attempting to exit Power Reserve mode again.

Considerations When Using Power Reserve Mode

Power Reserve mode is designed for emergency scenarios where extending battery life is critical. Understanding its limitations and impacts on the device’s usability is important to manage expectations effectively.

  • Only the current time is displayed; other functions and notifications are disabled.
  • You cannot interact with apps, access the Control Center, or use connectivity features.
  • The Apple Watch must be restarted to regain full functionality.
  • Exiting Power Reserve mode consumes additional battery, so ensure your watch has sufficient charge.

Knowing these points helps you decide when to activate Power Reserve and how to manage the watch afterward.

Alternative Battery Saving Tips for Apple Watch

If your goal is to extend battery life without fully disabling functionality, consider these alternatives before resorting to Power Reserve mode:

  • Reduce screen brightness.
  • Turn off Wake on Wrist Raise.
  • Disable background app refresh.
  • Limit notifications.
  • Use Theater Mode to prevent screen activation.
  • Enable Airplane Mode to turn off wireless connections.

These options allow you to preserve battery while maintaining core watch functions.

Comparison of Power Modes on Apple Watch

Mode Battery Impact Functionality How to Activate How to Exit
Normal Mode Standard consumption Full functionality Default mode on watch N/A
Power Saving Mode (Workout) Reduces sensor usage Limited during workout only Automatically during workouts (optional) End workout
Power Reserve Mode Minimal consumption Displays time only Press and hold side button, then slide Power Reserve Press and hold side button until Apple logo appears

How to Disable Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch is designed to extend battery life by limiting the device’s functionality to displaying only the time. When the watch enters Power Reserve, most features are disabled, and the usual interface is replaced with a simple time display. To regain full functionality, you need to exit Power Reserve mode.

Follow these steps to take Power Reserve off your Apple Watch:

  • Press and hold the side button: Firmly press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. This action restarts the watch and exits Power Reserve mode.
  • Wait for the watch to reboot: After the Apple logo appears, the watch will take a moment to reboot. Once restarted, it will return to its normal operating state with full functionality.
  • Ensure sufficient battery charge: Power Reserve mode activates when the battery is critically low. If your watch does not exit Power Reserve after rebooting, place it on its charger to ensure it has enough power to operate normally.
Step Action Notes
1 Press and hold the side button Continue holding until the Apple logo appears
2 Wait for the watch to reboot Reboot process may take several seconds
3 Charge the watch if needed Power Reserve activates on very low battery levels

It is important to note that you cannot manually toggle Power Reserve mode on or off from the watch interface; it engages automatically when the battery is critically low. Therefore, the only way to exit Power Reserve is to restart the watch with sufficient battery charge.

If your Apple Watch consistently enters Power Reserve mode unexpectedly or fails to exit after charging and restarting, it may indicate a battery health issue or software problem. In such cases, consider updating the watchOS to the latest version or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

Expert Guidance on Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch requires a simple yet precise approach: press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling the device is rebooting into normal operation. This process restores full functionality by exiting the limited Power Reserve state, which conserves battery but restricts features.

Marcus Alvarez (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). To take the Apple Watch out of Power Reserve mode, users must perform a hard reset by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds. This forces the watch to restart, exiting Power Reserve and enabling access to all apps and notifications again.

Lisa Grant (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Tech Review). When the Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode, the device limits functionality to preserve battery life. The only way to disable this mode is to recharge the watch sufficiently and then restart it by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears, which fully reactivates the watch’s operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on Apple Watch?
Power Reserve mode conserves battery life by displaying only the time and disabling all other functions until the watch is charged.

How do I exit Power Reserve mode on my Apple Watch?
To exit Power Reserve mode, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then wait for the watch to restart normally.

Will my Apple Watch data be affected when using Power Reserve?
No, Power Reserve mode does not delete any data; it only limits functionality to save battery.

Can I use any features while in Power Reserve mode?
No, only the current time is visible in Power Reserve mode; all other features are temporarily disabled.

Why does my Apple Watch enter Power Reserve mode automatically?
The watch enters Power Reserve mode automatically when the battery level is critically low to extend remaining battery life.

Is it necessary to charge the Apple Watch before exiting Power Reserve mode?
Yes, the watch requires sufficient charge to restart and exit Power Reserve mode successfully.
Disabling Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch is essential to regain full functionality after the device has been restricted to conserve battery life. To take Power Reserve off, you simply need to press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, signaling that the watch is rebooting and exiting Power Reserve mode. This process restores access to all features, including notifications, apps, and health tracking capabilities.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode is designed as a temporary state to extend battery life when the charge is critically low. Therefore, ensuring your Apple Watch is sufficiently charged before attempting to exit Power Reserve will facilitate a smoother transition back to normal operation. Regular charging habits can help prevent frequent activation of this mode and maintain optimal device performance.

Understanding how to manage Power Reserve effectively allows users to maximize their Apple Watch’s usability and battery longevity. By promptly exiting Power Reserve when appropriate, users can continue to benefit from the watch’s comprehensive features without unnecessary interruptions. This knowledge enhances the overall user experience and ensures the device remains a reliable companion throughout daily activities.

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.