Is your Apple Watch not turning on? Don’t panic! It could be a simple issue that’s easily fixed. You might just need to charge it or give it a hard reset. If that doesn’t work, there could be other steps to try before contacting Apple support or visiting an Apple Store.
Step by Step Tutorial: Troubleshooting an Apple Watch That Won’t Turn On
Sometimes technology can be finicky, but with a few troubleshooting steps, you can often get your Apple Watch up and running again.
Step 1: Check the Battery Level
Make sure your Apple Watch is charged.
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, it could be because the battery is completely drained. Place it on the charger and wait a few minutes before trying to turn it on again. If you see the charging screen with a red lightning bolt, it means your Apple Watch battery is low.
Step 2: Force Restart the Watch
Hold down both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo.
If charging doesn’t do the trick, it’s time for a hard reset. This won’t erase any of your data but can fix minor software glitches that might prevent the watch from turning on.
Step 3: Check for Physical Damage
Inspect your Apple Watch for any signs of damage.
If your watch has been dropped or exposed to water beyond its resistance rating, it might not turn on due to physical damage. In this case, you’ll likely need to seek professional repair.
Step 4: Unpair and Re-pair with iPhone
Use the Watch app on your iPhone to unpair and then re-pair the Apple Watch.
Sometimes, there can be a communication issue between your iPhone and Apple Watch that prevents it from turning on. Unpairing and re-pairing can resolve this issue.
Step 5: Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, reach out to Apple Support.
If you’ve tried everything and your Apple Watch still won’t turn on, it might be a more serious issue that requires professional support.
After completing these steps, your Apple Watch should hopefully turn back on. If it doesn’t, it’s an indicator that there might be a deeper issue that requires professional help.
Tips: Ensuring Your Apple Watch Turns On Every Time
- Always keep your Apple Watch updated to the latest version of watchOS.
- Avoid exposing your Apple Watch to extreme temperatures which can affect battery performance.
- If you’re not planning on using your Apple Watch for an extended period, turn it off to save battery life.
- Regularly restart your Apple Watch to keep it running smoothly.
- If you consistently have trouble with your Apple Watch turning on, consider resetting it to factory settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I charge my Apple Watch before trying to turn it on?
Charge your Apple Watch for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on.
Can a forced restart erase any data on my Apple Watch?
No, a forced restart won’t delete any of your data or settings.
What should I do if my Apple Watch has physical damage?
If there’s visible damage, such as a cracked screen or dents, you’ll likely need to contact Apple or an authorized service provider for repairs.
Can I still receive notifications if my Apple Watch won’t turn on?
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, it won’t be able to communicate with your iPhone, so you won’t receive notifications on it.
Is there a way to prevent my Apple Watch from not turning on in the future?
Keeping your device updated and avoiding physical damage are the best ways to ensure your Apple Watch turns on when you need it.
Summary
- Check the Battery Level
- Force Restart the Watch
- Check for Physical Damage
- Unpair and Re-pair with iPhone
- Contact Apple Support
Conclusion
Having an Apple Watch that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can often solve the issue on your own. Start with ensuring your watch is charged, then attempt a forced restart. Look out for any signs of damage and consider unpairing and re-pairing with your iPhone. If none of these steps work, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Remember to keep your device updated and handle it with care to prevent future issues. An Apple Watch is a smart and sophisticated piece of technology, and like all tech, it requires a bit of TLC to function at its best. If you take care of your Apple Watch, it will take care of you, providing you with notifications, fitness tracking, and so much more right on your wrist. If you ever find yourself in a bind with a watch that won’t turn on, refer back to this guide and get that Apple Watch back to ticking in no time!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.