Struggling with an Apple Watch that just won’t turn on can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it daily for fitness tracking, notifications, and more. It’s even more annoying when you’re not sure what the problem is or how to fix it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to bring your Apple Watch back to life. Whether it’s a drained battery or a software glitch, these easy fixes will help you troubleshoot and get your watch working again.
Outline
ToggleWhy Does My Apple Watch Won’t Turn On?
When your Apple Watch won’t turn on, it can be confusing and inconvenient. There are several possible reasons for this issue, ranging from battery problems to software glitches. Knowing the potential causes can help you identify the problem and find a solution.
- Drained Battery: One of the most common reasons is a completely drained battery. If you haven’t charged your Apple Watch in a while, it might take a few moments for the device to show any signs of life once connected to a charger. However, if you’ve already charged it and your Apple Watch won’t charge or turn on, a deeper issue might be at play.
- Software Glitch: Another reason could be a software glitch. Sometimes, the operating system might freeze, leaving you with a blank screen. In such cases, performing a force restart can often resolve the issue. If your Apple Watch screen is not turning on even after trying to charge it, a force restart might be your next best option.
- Hardware Damage: Hardware issues can also be a factor. If your Apple Watch has been exposed to water beyond its resistance level or has suffered a drop, there could be internal damage. Look for signs of hardware damage, including a cracked screen or unresponsive buttons.
- Power Reserve Mode: When Power Reserve Mode is enabled, the watch conserves battery by turning off all features except for the time display. You may need to turn the Apple Watch off Power Reserve to regain full functionality.
- Unresponsive Charging: If your Apple Watch won’t charge or turn on, it could be due to issues with the charging cable or adapter, or even debris blocking the charging connection.
How To Fix An Apple Watch Won’t Turn On?
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, there are several methods you can try to bring it back to life. The causes behind an unresponsive Apple Watch can vary, so it’s important to approach the problem step by step. Whether it’s a simple restart or a more involved solution, there are multiple ways to address the issue. By following the upcoming steps, you’ll have a range of options to get your Apple Watch working again.
Fix – 1: Force Restart Your Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch is unresponsive or won’t power on, a force restart might fix the issue. This technique can resolve problems like a frozen screen or when the watch won’t display anything. A force restart refreshes your Apple Watch without erasing any data.
To force restart your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously. Continue holding them for 10 to 15 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Once you see the logo, release the buttons and allow your Apple watch to complete the restart.
Fix – 2: Charge Your Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, the issue could be as simple as a drained battery. Connecting your watch to its charger might be all it needs to power up. Start by attaching your Apple Watch to the magnetic charging cable and leave it connected for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes, the battery needs some time to gain enough charge to turn on.
When you connect the watch to the charger, you should see a lightning bolt icon on the screen, indicating that the device is charging. If the Apple Watch won’t charge even after 30 minutes or if you see a message that charging isn’t supported with the accessory, there are a few things you can check.
- Use The Original Charging Cable: Make sure you’re using the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable that came with your watch.
- Check The Connections: Ensure the charging cable is fully inserted into the USB Power Adapter and that the adapter is plugged into a working power outlet.
- Avoid Third-Party Stands: If you’re using a third-party charging stand, switch to the original cable provided with your Apple Watch.
- Remove Plastic Wrapping: Completely remove any plastic wrap from both sides of the charger.
- Clean The Surfaces: Make sure the back of your Apple Watch and the magnetic charger are clean and free of debris.
- Reposition The Watch: Adjust the watch on the charger so the magnets align correctly. A green or yellow lightning bolt should appear on the screen.
- Try Different Equipment: If the watch still doesn’t charge, try using a different Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable or USB Power Adapter. If your Apple Watch battery is fully depleted, you might need to wait a few minutes before the lightning bolt appears.
Fix – 3: Check Your Apple Watch Settings
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on or isn’t responding as expected, checking the settings can often help. Some settings might prevent the watch from waking up or displaying correctly, which could make it seem like the watch isn’t working. Adjusting these settings through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone can resolve many issues.
- On your iPhone, find and tap on the Apple Watch app.
- In the app, scroll down and select “Display & Brightness.”
- Here, you can adjust the brightness of your Apple Watch. If the brightness is too low, it might appear as though the screen isn’t turning on. Slide the brightness bar to increase the brightness level.
- Within the same “Display & Brightness” section, look for the “Wake on Wrist Raise” option.
- Ensure that “Wake on Wrist Raise” is enabled. This setting allows your watch to wake up and display the screen whenever you raise your wrist.
- Also, scroll to the “Do Not Disturb” section. Make sure that Do Not Disturb is not enabled, as this could prevent notifications and the screen from waking up.
- Theater Mode silences your watch and keeps the screen dark. To ensure Theater Mode isn’t causing the issue, open the Control Center on your Apple Watch and make sure the theater masks icon isn’t highlighted.
Fix – 4: Turn Off Power Reserve Mode
Power Reserve Mode is a feature on the Apple Watch that conserves battery life by turning off most of the watch’s functions, leaving only the time visible. If your Apple Watch won’t turn on beyond showing the time, it might be in Power Reserve Mode. Exiting this mode can restore full functionality to your watch. To disable this feature:
- Locate the side button on your Apple Watch, which is the elongated button below the Digital Crown.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- After releasing the button, give your Apple Watch a moment to reboot fully.
- Once the restart is complete, the watch should return to its normal operating mode, with all functions available.
If the display still doesn’t respond, you might need to explore other solutions.
Fix – 5: Disable Screen Curtain
Screen Curtain is an accessibility feature on the Apple Watch designed for users with visual impairments. When enabled, it turns off the display while keeping the watch active, which can make it seem like your Apple Watch won’t turn on. If this feature is accidentally enabled, your screen will remain dark even though the watch is functioning. Disabling this feature can restore the display.
- Find the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap to open it.
- Within the app, navigate to the “My Watch” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and select “Accessibility.”
- In the Accessibility menu, tap on “VoiceOver.”
- Look for the “Screen Curtain” option. If it’s turned on, slide the toggle to turn it off.
- If you’re not using VoiceOver, it’s a good idea to disable this feature entirely to avoid accidental activation.
Fix – 6: Look For Signs Of Any Hardware Damage
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on despite trying various software solutions, it’s important to check for any hardware damage. Physical damage can often be the root cause of issues like an unresponsive screen or the watch not charging properly. Look for visible signs such as cracks on the screen, dents, or any other external damage that might have occurred from a drop or impact.
Additionally, water exposure beyond the watch’s resistance level can lead to internal damage, affecting its functionality. If you suspect hardware damage, it might be necessary to visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a thorough inspection and potential repair.
Fix – 7: Reset Apple Watch
If physical damage isn’t the cause and you’ve tried all other troubleshooting methods without success, resetting your Apple Watch might be the next step. Resetting the watch will erase all content and settings, returning it to its original state. This can often resolve persistent issues that other fixes couldn’t address.
- On your Apple Watch app, Navigate to the “My Watch” tab which is located at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and select “General.”
- In the General menu, scroll down to find the “Reset” option and tap on it.
- Choose “Erase All Content and Settings.” Confirm your selection when prompted.
- The reset process will begin, which might take a few minutes. Once completed, your Apple Watch will restart and be ready for setup as a new device.
- Resetting your Apple Watch can be an effective way to resolve issues if other solutions haven’t worked. After the reset, you can set up your watch again, either as new or by restoring it from a backup.
Also Read: How to Reset An Apple Watch Without Paired Phone
FAQs:
First, check if the charging cable and adapter are properly connected. Ensure the back of the watch and the charger are clean and free of debris. If it still won’t charge, try using a different cable, adapter, or power source. If the problem persists, you might need to contact Apple Support.
If your Apple Watch is stuck on the Apple logo, it could be due to a software crash or update issue. A force restart may help resolve this problem. If not, consider unpairing and then re-pairing the watch with your iPhone.
Although Apple Watches are water-resistant, exposure to water can still cause issues if it penetrates the device. If you suspect water damage, place your watch in a dry, uncooked rice container or use silica gel packets to absorb the moisture. If it still doesn’t turn on, you may need professional repair.
A red lightning bolt icon indicates that your Apple Watch’s battery is critically low. Place your watch on its charger and wait a few minutes before attempting to turn it on again. If the icon persists after charging, there could be an issue with the battery or charging equipment.
Yes, a faulty charger can prevent your Apple Watch from charging properly, which could result in it not turning on. Try using a different charger and cable, preferably Apple-certified, to see if that resolves the issue.
To check your Apple Watch’s warranty status, visit Apple’s warranty coverage page and enter your device’s serial number. You can find the serial number on the watch’s settings or in the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone.
Conclusion
Encountering an unresponsive Apple Watch can be frustrating, but with proper troubleshooting, it’s often possible to restore functionality. By carefully checking the battery, charging setup, and software status, you can identify and address the underlying issue. If these steps prove unsuccessful, seeking assistance from Apple Support is advisable. Taking preventative measures, such as regular charging and software updates, can help prevent future occurrences and ensure a seamless Apple Watch experience.