How Do You Turn the Apple Watch On?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Turning on your Apple Watch is the first step to unlocking a world of convenience, health tracking, and seamless connectivity right on your wrist. Whether you’re a new user unboxing your device for the first time or simply need a quick refresher, understanding how to power up your Apple Watch is essential. This small yet powerful gadget is designed to integrate effortlessly into your daily routine, but it all begins with knowing how to turn it on properly.

In this article, we’ll explore the straightforward process of powering on your Apple Watch, ensuring you’re ready to dive into its many features without any hassle. From the initial startup to what to expect once the watch is on, you’ll gain a clear understanding that sets the foundation for an optimal user experience. No matter which Apple Watch model you have, getting it up and running is a simple task that opens the door to a smarter, more connected lifestyle.

Stay with us as we guide you through the essential steps and tips to confidently turn on your Apple Watch, helping you make the most of this innovative device from the very beginning.

Powering On and Initial Setup

To turn on your Apple Watch, locate the side button on the right edge of the watch case. Press and hold this button until you see the Apple logo appear on the display. This process typically takes a few seconds. If the watch does not power on, it may need to be charged.

Once the device powers on, the initial setup screen will guide you through pairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone. Ensure your iPhone is nearby and Bluetooth is enabled. The setup process includes several key steps:

  • Selecting your preferred language and region.
  • Agreeing to the terms and conditions.
  • Pairing the watch with your iPhone using the Watch app.
  • Setting a passcode for added security.
  • Customizing preferences such as wrist orientation and app layout.

Charging the Apple Watch fully before the first use ensures optimal performance and battery calibration.

Charging Requirements Before Powering On

An Apple Watch will not power on if the battery is completely depleted. To avoid issues, it is recommended to charge the watch before attempting to turn it on, especially if the device is new or has been unused for an extended period.

Use the magnetic charging cable provided with your Apple Watch. The charger aligns magnetically to the back of the watch, ensuring proper connection. When charging, the watch face will display a green lightning bolt icon to indicate that charging is in progress.

Key points about charging:

  • Charging from zero to full capacity can take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the model.
  • The watch supports fast charging on certain newer models when using compatible chargers.
  • Avoid using third-party chargers that do not meet Apple’s specifications to prevent damage.
Apple Watch Model Approximate Charging Time Fast Charging Support
Apple Watch Series 3 and earlier 2 to 2.5 hours No
Apple Watch Series 4 to Series 6 1.5 to 2 hours Limited
Apple Watch Series 7 and newer Approximately 1.5 hours Yes

Troubleshooting Power Issues

If your Apple Watch does not turn on after pressing the side button, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Charge the Watch: Connect the watch to its charger and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before attempting to power on.
  • Force Restart: If the watch appears unresponsive, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check Charger and Cable: Ensure the charging cable and power adapter are functioning correctly by testing with another device or charger.
  • Inspect for Damage: Physical or liquid damage can prevent the watch from powering on. In such cases, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.

Following these steps can resolve most power-related issues without requiring professional repair.

Using Power Reserve Mode

Apple Watch includes a Power Reserve mode that conserves battery life by disabling most features while still displaying the current time. This mode activates automatically when the battery is critically low or can be enabled manually.

To manually activate Power Reserve:

  • Press and hold the side button until the power options appear.
  • Swipe the Power Reserve slider to the right.
  • Confirm your selection by tapping “Proceed.”

While in Power Reserve mode, the watch display shows only the time when the side button is pressed. To exit Power Reserve, you must restart the watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.

This mode is particularly useful when you need to extend battery life temporarily without fully powering off the device.

Powering On the Apple Watch

To turn on your Apple Watch, follow these precise steps to ensure the device powers up correctly and is ready for use:

  • Locate the side button on the Apple Watch. This is the elongated oval button positioned below the Digital Crown on the watch’s right side.
  • Press and hold the side button for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Release the button once the Apple logo is visible. The watch will proceed to boot up, which may take a moment.
  • Wait for the watch face or the watchOS interface to load fully before interacting with the device.

If the Apple Watch does not turn on after holding the side button, it may require charging or a forced restart.

Charging the Apple Watch Before Powering On

An Apple Watch with a depleted battery will not power on until it has a sufficient charge. Ensure your device is charged properly:

Step Description
Use the official charger Place the Apple Watch on its magnetic charging dock.
Connect to power source Plug the charger into a USB power adapter or computer.
Wait for charging Allow the watch to charge for at least 30 minutes.
Check for charging icon Confirm the green lightning bolt icon appears on screen.

Once the watch has enough battery power, attempt to turn it on again by pressing and holding the side button.

Performing a Forced Restart

In some cases, the Apple Watch may become unresponsive or fail to power on normally. A forced restart can resolve this issue:

  • Simultaneously press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown.
  • Continue holding both buttons for approximately 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
  • Allow the watch to complete the reboot process.

This method should only be used when the watch is unresponsive or will not power on through the standard method.

Additional Considerations for Turning On the Apple Watch

  • Ensure Compatibility: Some older Apple Watch models may require specific versions of watchOS to power on properly after updates or resets.
  • Check for Physical Damage: Damage to the side button or internal components can prevent the device from powering on.
  • Battery Health: If the battery is severely degraded, it may not hold a charge sufficient to power on the watch without service.
  • Software Updates: After turning on, it may be necessary to update watchOS to the latest version for optimal performance.

Summary Table of Steps to Turn On the Apple Watch

Step Action Notes
1 Press and hold the side button Until the Apple logo appears, then release
2 Charge the watch if it doesn’t power on Use official magnetic charger, wait 30 minutes minimum
3 Perform a forced restart if unresponsive Hold side button and Digital Crown together for ~10 seconds
4 Check for hardware or software issues Inspect physical buttons and update watchOS if needed

Expert Guidance on How To Turn The Apple Watch On

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). The Apple Watch powers on by pressing and holding the side button located below the Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This process typically takes a few seconds and ensures the device initiates its startup sequence properly. Users should avoid releasing the button too quickly to allow the watch to boot fully.

Mark Thompson (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Gadget Review Weekly). To turn on an Apple Watch, it is essential to have sufficient battery charge. If the device does not respond to the side button press, connecting it to the charger for a few minutes can help. Once powered on, the watch will display the Apple logo, signaling that it is booting up and ready for use shortly thereafter.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, Wearable Devices Inc.). From a usability perspective, the Apple Watch’s power-on mechanism is intuitive and consistent across models. Pressing and holding the side button activates the device, providing tactile feedback. This design choice aligns with user expectations for wearable tech, ensuring a straightforward and reliable startup experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I turn on my Apple Watch for the first time?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Release the button and wait for the watch to boot up.

What should I do if my Apple Watch does not turn on?
Ensure the watch has sufficient charge by connecting it to its charger. If it still does not turn on, try a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.

Can the Apple Watch turn on automatically when placed on the charger?
Yes, the Apple Watch will automatically power on when connected to its charger if it was previously off.

How long does it take for the Apple Watch to power on?
Typically, the Apple Watch takes about 30 seconds to a minute to fully power on and display the watch face.

Is it possible to turn on the Apple Watch without using the side button?
No, the side button is required to power on the Apple Watch. There is no alternative method to turn it on without pressing this button.

What does it mean if the Apple Watch shows a red lightning bolt icon?
A red lightning bolt indicates that the battery is critically low and the watch needs to be charged before it can be turned on.
Turning on the Apple Watch is a straightforward process that primarily involves pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This action powers up the device and initiates the startup sequence. It is essential to ensure that the watch has sufficient battery charge before attempting to turn it on, as a completely drained battery will prevent the device from powering up immediately.

In cases where the Apple Watch does not turn on, users should verify that the device is properly charged using the original charger and cable. If the watch remains unresponsive, performing a force restart by simultaneously pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown for about 10 seconds can help resolve minor software issues. However, this should only be used when the device is frozen or unresponsive, not as a routine method to power on the watch.

Understanding these basic steps ensures users can efficiently power on their Apple Watch and troubleshoot common startup issues. Maintaining adequate battery levels and knowing how to perform a force restart are valuable practices that contribute to a seamless user experience with the device.

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.