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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Apple Watch’s screen displaying only the time in a minimalist format, you’ve likely encountered Power Reserve mode. Designed to extend your watch’s battery life when it’s running low, this feature limits functionality to just the essentials. While it’s a lifesaver in critical moments, many users wonder how to return their Apple Watch to full operation once they’ve activated Power Reserve.

Navigating out of Power Reserve mode isn’t always intuitive, especially if you’re eager to regain access to all the smart features your watch offers. Understanding how to turn off this mode can help you seamlessly transition back to the full Apple Watch experience without unnecessary frustration. Whether you activated Power Reserve accidentally or used it intentionally, knowing the steps to exit this state is essential for maximizing your device’s usability.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what Power Reserve mode entails and guide you through the process of turning it off. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to effortlessly switch your Apple Watch back to its normal mode, ensuring you stay connected and in control at all times.

Steps to Exit Power Reserve Mode on Apple Watch

When your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode, it limits functionality to conserve battery life by displaying only the current time. Exiting this mode requires a deliberate process to restart the watch and return to normal operation.

To turn off Power Reserve mode:

  • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for the device to reboot completely; this may take up to a minute.
  • Once restarted, the watch will exit Power Reserve mode and resume full functionality.

It is important to note that while in Power Reserve mode, the watch’s touchscreen and most features are disabled, so you cannot exit this mode by tapping or swiping on the screen. The only way to restore normal operation is through the restart process described above.

Battery Considerations When Using Power Reserve

Power Reserve mode is designed to extend the remaining battery life by disabling all features except for displaying the time. Understanding the impact of Power Reserve mode on battery consumption can help you manage your Apple Watch’s usage effectively.

Mode Functionality Battery Consumption Rate Typical Battery Life Extension
Normal Mode Full watch capabilities including apps, notifications, and sensors Standard consumption, varies with usage Up to 18 hours on a full charge
Power Reserve Mode Time display only, all other features disabled Minimal consumption Can extend battery life by several hours depending on remaining charge

Using Power Reserve mode is an effective way to keep your watch operational for a limited time when the battery is critically low. However, since the watch disables connectivity and health tracking features, it should be used primarily as a last resort to maintain timekeeping.

Troubleshooting Power Reserve Mode Issues

If your Apple Watch remains stuck in Power Reserve mode or does not restart properly, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure the watch is sufficiently charged by connecting it to its charger for at least 30 minutes before attempting to restart.
  • Perform a force restart by simultaneously pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check for software updates via the paired iPhone’s Watch app to resolve any bugs that might affect Power Reserve functionality.
  • If issues persist, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for diagnostic assistance.

These steps typically resolve common problems related to exiting Power Reserve mode and restoring full device functionality.

Disabling Power Reserve Mode on Your Apple Watch

Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch is designed to extend battery life by limiting the device to only display the time. While this mode is helpful when your battery is critically low, it also restricts other functionalities until it is disabled. To turn off Power Reserve mode and regain full access to your Apple Watch features, follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the side button: Locate the side button below the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch. Press and hold this button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Wait for the device to reboot: After the Apple logo appears, the watch will restart and exit Power Reserve mode. This process might take a few moments.
  • Charge your watch if necessary: If the battery level is too low, the watch may immediately return to Power Reserve mode after rebooting. Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and allow it to gain sufficient charge before attempting to exit Power Reserve again.
Step Action Notes
1 Press and hold side button Hold until Apple logo appears
2 Wait for reboot Device restarts, exits Power Reserve
3 Charge watch if needed Essential if battery is very low

Important Considerations When Exiting Power Reserve Mode

Power Reserve mode is inherently restrictive to conserve energy. Understanding the following points will help ensure a smooth transition back to normal operation:

  • Battery Level Requirement: The Apple Watch requires a minimum battery charge to operate in normal mode. If the battery is critically low, the device will not exit Power Reserve until recharged.
  • Data and Connectivity: While in Power Reserve mode, no data syncing or notifications occur. Exiting this mode restores all connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • WatchOS Version Impact: Some watchOS versions may have slight variations in the restart process. Ensure your watch is updated to the latest version to benefit from the newest features and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Disabling Power Reserve

If you encounter difficulties turning off Power Reserve mode, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Watch Not Responding to Side Button: Ensure that you are pressing and holding the side button firmly for several seconds. If unresponsive, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
  • Watch Immediately Returns to Power Reserve: Connect your watch to the charger and allow at least 30 minutes of charging before attempting to exit Power Reserve again.
  • WatchOS Update Required: If your watch frequently enters Power Reserve or exhibits unexpected behavior, check for software updates via the Watch app on your paired iPhone and install any available updates.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Unresponsive side button Button press too brief or hardware issue Press and hold longer; perform force restart if needed
Returns to Power Reserve immediately Battery level too low Charge watch for minimum 30 minutes
Unexpected behavior Outdated watchOS Update watchOS via iPhone Watch app

Expert Insights on Disabling Apple Watch Power Reserve Mode

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Disabling the Apple Watch Power Reserve mode requires a full recharge of the device. Once the watch has sufficient battery life, you can exit Power Reserve by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. This process effectively restarts the watch and restores full functionality, ensuring users can access all features without delay.

Marcus Lee (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). Power Reserve mode is designed to conserve battery by limiting the watch to only show the time. To turn it off, the watch must be charged above a minimal battery threshold. After charging, a simple press and hold of the side button triggers a reboot, which exits Power Reserve. This design prioritizes battery preservation while allowing users to quickly regain full access.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Gadget Review Pro). From a user experience perspective, turning off Power Reserve on the Apple Watch is straightforward but requires patience during charging. The watch disables most functions in this mode, so recharging to a usable level is essential. Once charged, holding the side button restarts the watch, seamlessly transitioning it back to normal operation without any complex steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Power Reserve mode on the 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 turn off Power Reserve on my Apple Watch?
To exit Power Reserve, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then wait for the watch to restart fully.

Can I use any features while the Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode?
No, Power Reserve limits the watch to show only the current time; all other features and notifications are disabled.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not exit Power Reserve after restarting?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge by connecting it to the charger, then try restarting again; if the issue persists, contact Apple Support.

Does turning off Power Reserve mode affect my saved data or settings?
No, exiting Power Reserve mode does not impact your data or settings; it simply restores full watch functionality.

Is it possible to prevent the Apple Watch from entering Power Reserve automatically?
The watch enters Power Reserve automatically when the battery is critically low; to avoid this, keep the device regularly charged.
Turning off Power Reserve mode on an Apple Watch requires a specific process since the mode limits the device’s functionality to conserve battery life. To exit Power Reserve, you need to restart your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. This action will reboot the watch and restore full functionality, allowing you to access all features and apps once again.

It is important to note that Power Reserve mode disables most watch functions except for displaying the current time, which means you cannot interact with the watch in the usual manner while it is active. Therefore, turning off Power Reserve involves a deliberate restart rather than a simple toggle. Ensuring your watch has sufficient battery charge before exiting Power Reserve can help avoid unexpected shutdowns during the reboot process.

In summary, understanding how to turn off Power Reserve on your Apple Watch is essential for maintaining seamless use of the device. Restarting the watch is the only way to exit this mode, and being aware of this process ensures you can quickly regain full access to your watch’s features after conserving battery life. This knowledge enhances your overall experience and management of your Apple Watch’s power settings.

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.