Troubleshooting Your Apple Watch: Why it Won’t Turn On and How to Fix It

Is your Apple Watch not turning on? You’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, but fortunately, there are several potential solutions to consider before seeking professional help. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide outlining the most common causes for an unresponsive Apple Watch, along with actionable steps to revive your device.

Common Reasons Your Apple Watch Might Not Turn On

1. Battery Problems

It’s no surprise that battery issues could cause your Apple Watch to not function. The problem may stem from the internal battery, the charger, or even the outlet itself. We’ll provide troubleshooting steps to help identify the cause later.

2. Power Reserve Mode

Your Apple Watch features a Power Reserve Mode designed to extend battery life by limiting functionality. Depending on the model, this "low power" setting can significantly restrict usability. If your device is stuck in this mode, we’ll explain how to disable it.

3. Incorrect Settings

Sometimes, minor configuration errors can lead to significant issues. One setting to watch out for is "Screen Curtain," an accessibility feature for visually impaired users that can make it seem like your watch is off when it’s actually running.

4. Hardware Damage

Physical damage or malfunctioning components can complicate repairs. If you recently dropped your watch or exposed it to water, these incidents could be related to its inability to power up.

Steps to Take if Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On

Troubleshoot Battery and Charging Issues

To check the battery status, look for a green lightning bolt on the screen when charging. If your watch is completely unresponsive, it may need a longer charging period—try letting it charge for at least 30 minutes.

Charging Tips:

• Use the original charging cable that came with your watch.
• Ensure the charger is securely plugged into a powered outlet.
• Clear any debris from the charger and watch contact points.
• Try a different charging cable or adapter.
• Confirm that the outlet is functioning correctly.

Restart Your Apple Watch

If your device is still unresponsive, a simple restart might do the trick. Here’s how to reboot:

1. Hold down the side button until the sliders appear. Slide to power off.
2. Press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Note: You cannot reboot your watch while it’s charging. Consider restarting any connected iPhone as well.

To force restart your watch, follow these steps:

1. Simultaneously hold the Digital Crown and side button for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears.

Disable Power Reserve Mode

If your watch is using watchOS 8 or earlier, it could be in Power Reserve Mode, where the watch displays only the time. If you have an Apple Watch with watchOS 9, you’re likely using Low Power Mode, which is less restrictive. Here’s how to deactivate Power Reserve:

1. Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Check for Screen Curtain and VoiceOver

If VoiceOver is enabled, it might be worth checking to make sure your watch isn’t stuck in Screen Curtain mode. This feature turns off the display to aid visually impaired users, potentially making it seem like the watch is off. To turn it off:

1. Use your iPhone to navigate to the Apple Watch app.
2. Go to My Watch > Accessibility > VoiceOver and toggle it off.

Unpair and Re-pair Your Apple Watch

If you’ve exhausted the above options, unpairing and then re-pairing your Apple Watch may resolve any software glitches. This action will factory reset your watch, so be prepared to set it up anew.

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, select All Watches, and tap the "i" next to your watch to Unpair.
2. Re-pair your Apple Watch by following the prompts on your iPhone.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your watch remains unresponsive despite trying all the suggested steps, it might be best to consult with a professional. You can contact Apple Support, visit a nearby Apple Store, or explore tech forums for additional insights.

FAQs

What if my Apple Watch screen is black and won’t turn on?
Your watch might be frozen or could require a charge. Try a force restart or charging it for an extended period.

What if my Apple Watch won’t turn on after attempting a hard reset?
Ensure that it’s charged and check for accessibility settings like Screen Curtain. If issues persist, professional service may be necessary.

Why won’t my Apple Watch charge?
Possible reasons could include a faulty charger or internal battery damage. Try different charging cables, adapters, or outlets to see if they work.

In conclusion, there are various reasons why your Apple Watch might not turn on, and fortunately, many troubleshooting steps can help. If you’re still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

Looking for more great tips? Check out our guide on connecting AirPods to your Apple Watch!