If you’re searching for how to turn on Apple Watch because your screen is blank or unresponsive, you’re not alone. This is a common issue many users face — whether it’s a new device straight out of the box or an older watch that suddenly won’t respond.
In this detailed, user-friendly guide, you’ll learn exactly how to turn on Apple Watch using Apple’s recommended methods, what to do if your watch won’t respond at all, and how to prevent this issue from recurring in the future. We’ll also go over Power Reserve mode, hardware checks, factory resets, and tips to protect your Apple Watch from future issues.
Whether you’re a first-time user or a longtime Apple Watch owner, this guide ensures that you know exactly how to turn on Apple Watch, troubleshoot startup problems, and keep your device performing at its best.
Common Reasons Why Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On
Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step to finding a solution. If your Apple Watch isn’t powering on, there are a few likely culprits to consider. Here’s why your Apple Watch might not be turning on:
- The battery may be completely drained and requires charging for an extended time before it powers up.
- You might be using a non-certified or damaged charging cable that isn’t providing enough power to the watch.
- Your watch could be stuck in Power Reserve mode, which disables almost all functions and makes the screen appear unresponsive.
- There could be a minor software glitch that requires a restart or force restart to fix.
- In rare cases, there may be a hardware issue due to accidental damage, exposure to water beyond its rated limits, or manufacturing defects.
Before panicking, go through each possible cause step by step. In many cases, learning how to turn on Apple Watch is as simple as charging it properly or exiting Power Reserve mode.
How to Turn On Apple Watch: Step-by-Step Instructions
If your Apple Watch screen is black or unresponsive, try the following methods. Each one increases in complexity, so go through them in order.
Standard Method to Turn On Apple Watch
To perform a normal startup:
- Press and hold the side button (the flat button below the Digital Crown) until the Apple logo appears.
- Release the button once the logo displays. Your Apple Watch should boot up normally.
This is the most basic method for how to turn on Apple Watch. If this doesn’t work, proceed to the next method.
Charging the Watch If It Won’t Turn On
If your Apple Watch doesn’t show any signs of life:
- Connect your watch to a genuine Apple-certified charging cable and adapter.
- Ensure the back of the watch and the charger are clean and aligned properly.
- Leave the watch on the charger for at least 30 minutes, even if there is no immediate response.
- Look for a green lightning bolt (indicating active charging) or a red lightning bolt (indicating low battery and charging initiated).
Sometimes, if the battery is completely drained, it may take several minutes before the screen shows anything at all.
Force Restart Your Apple Watch
If charging doesn’t help, and your Apple Watch still won’t turn on:
- Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo.
- Once the Apple logo appears, release the buttons.
This method, also known as a hard reset, often fixes glitches and is another reliable way to learn how to turn on Apple Watch when nothing else works.
What Is Power Reserve Mode and How to Exit It
Power Reserve mode can be confusing because it disables most functions and makes your Apple Watch appear as though it’s powered off.
What Is Power Reserve Mode?
- Power Reserve mode is a low-battery state that only shows the time.
- All apps, gestures, and smart features are disabled in this mode.
- Users often mistake it for a completely dead or malfunctioning watch.
How to Exit Power Reserve Mode
To turn off Power Reserve and return to full functionality:
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- This forces a reboot of the Apple Watch into standard mode.
If this doesn’t work, place the watch on the charger for at least 30 minutes before attempting to exit Power Reserve again. This is another example where knowing how to turn on Apple Watch properly can solve the issue immediately.
Preventing Startup Issues in the Future
Knowing how to turn on Apple Watch is only part of the equation — you should also know how to prevent the issue from happening again.
Here are some best practices:
- Always use certified Apple charging cables and power adapters to ensure proper charging.
- Keep your watch’s battery above 10% to avoid triggering Power Reserve mode unexpectedly.
- Regularly update your watchOS to ensure performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Avoid downloading unnecessary apps that consume memory and battery life.
- Enable “Optimized Battery Charging” in your settings to extend battery health.
By following these steps, you’ll reduce the chances of your Apple Watch becoming unresponsive and needing a restart or hard reset again.
Factory Resetting Your Apple Watch (Last Resort)
If all else fails and you still don’t know how to turn on Apple Watch despite trying every method, a factory reset might be the only solution.
Why Use a Factory Reset?
- It erases all settings and data from your watch.
- It removes glitches, corrupt files, or stuck configurations that could be preventing startup.
- It gives your watch a completely clean slate.
How to Factory Reset
Using Your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app.
- Go to General > Reset > Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset and re-pair your watch.
Directly on the Watch (if accessible):
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Remember to back up your data before doing this, especially if you’re unsure what’s saved to iCloud or your iPhone.
Accessibility Features to Help You Turn On and Use Apple Watch
Apple’s accessibility features can help you better manage power and interface problems, especially if you’re visually impaired or require assistive tech.
Key features to enable:
- VoiceOver: Speaks battery status and on-screen content aloud.
- Haptic Feedback: Confirms actions with vibrations so you know if your input is received.
- Taptic Time: Tap the watch to feel the time through silent vibrations.
- Zoom and Bold Text: Useful for users who need larger or clearer visuals.
These tools are especially helpful if you frequently encounter situations where you’re unsure whether your watch is on or in Power Reserve mode.
Community-Based Insights and User Tips
Real users on Apple forums and support pages have asked and answered some of the most common questions around how to turn on Apple Watch. Here are a few useful ones:
- Some users reported seeing a green snake on their watch face while charging. This indicates the battery is completely depleted and is slowly recharging.
- Others noted their watch vibrated but showed no screen — often a sign of a screen failure or hardware issue.
- Many solved their issue by switching to an Apple-certified charger, even after trying multiple restarts.
- A few found that software updates triggered odd behavior that required a full reset to fix.
Listening to the community can often uncover answers faster than waiting on tech support.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to turn on Apple Watch in every possible scenario, you’re well-equipped to handle unresponsive screens, battery issues, and confusing power states. From simple restarts to force resets and factory restores, these methods are designed to get you back on track without wasting time.
Don’t forget to use Apple-approved chargers, monitor your battery health, and update your device regularly to avoid repeat issues. If your watch still won’t respond, it may be time to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support for professional help.
Knowing how to turn on Apple Watch is more than a troubleshooting tip — it’s part of keeping your device ready whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I turn on Apple Watch normally?
Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo, then release.
Q2. What should I do if my Apple Watch won’t turn on at all?
Charge the watch using an Apple-certified charger for at least 30 minutes, then try a force restart.
Q3. How do I force restart my Apple Watch?
Hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Q4. Why does my Apple Watch screen stay black even after charging?
It could be in Power Reserve mode or have a hardware issue. Try a restart or force reset first.
Q5. What does the green snake symbol mean on my Apple Watch?
It means the battery is completely drained and is in deep charge mode. Leave it charging for up to an hour.
Q6. Can a faulty charger stop my Apple Watch from turning on?
Yes, third-party or damaged chargers can prevent proper charging. Always use Apple-certified accessories.
Q7. How do I exit Power Reserve mode on Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears to restart the device.
Q8. Is it safe to factory reset my Apple Watch if it won’t turn on?
Yes, if other methods fail and your data is backed up, a factory reset can resolve deep software issues.
