The Apple Watch, one of the most innovative devices in Apple's product line, has captured the attention of technology enthusiasts and health aficionados since its launch. Combining the functionalities of a traditional watch with the advanced capabilities of a wearable computer, the accessory offers a variety of features, from monitoring physical activity to real-time notifications. 

Apple Watch Won't Turn On: Here's What to Do

It's frustrating when your Apple Watch simply refuses to turn on. Before you panic, it's important to take a few troubleshooting steps to try and resolve the issue.

  • Check the Battery: It may seem obvious, but sometimes the battery can be completely discharged. Connect your Apple Watch to a reliable charger and wait a few minutes. If the battery is completely empty, it may take a while for the charging icon to appear on the screen.
  • Restart your Apple Watch: If the battery isn't the problem, try restarting the device. Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears. Slide it to turn off the watch, then press the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
  • Perform a Forced Restart: If a normal restart doesn't work, you might need to perform a forced restart. Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Apple Watch Won't Turn On: Black Screen

A black screen on your Apple Watch can be worrying, but there are ways to deal with this situation.

  • Check Charging and Connection: Again, make sure your Apple Watch is properly charged. A damaged charging cable or a loose connection can cause startup problems. Try using a different cable or charger to rule out this possibility.
  • Restart your Apple Watch in Recovery Mode: If the screen remains black, try restarting your device in recovery mode. Connect your Apple Watch to the charger and, while holding down the side button, press and hold the Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check for Software Updates: Sometimes, outdated software can cause startup problems. If possible, connect your Apple Watch to the Watch app on your iPhone and check for available software updates.

Apple Watch Won't Turn On: Only the Apple logo is blinking.

If you encounter a situation where the Apple logo flashes on your Apple Watch screen without completing the boot process, try the following solutions:

  • Try a Forced Restart: As mentioned earlier, a forced restart can be an effective tool for resolving startup issues. Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears and the watch restarts.
  • Restoring via iPhone: If restarting doesn't work, try restoring your Apple Watch using the Watch app on your iPhone. This may involve deleting and re-pairing the device, but it can resolve more complex startup issues.
  • Contact Apple Support: If all troubleshooting attempts fail, it is advisable to contact Apple Support. There may be underlying hardware issues that require professional assistance.

The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile and useful device, but like any technology, it can encounter occasional problems. Fortunately, many of these startup issues can be resolved by following a few simple troubleshooting steps. 

From checking the battery to performing forced restarts, these actions can be key to bringing your Apple Watch back to life. However, it's important to remember that more serious problems may require assistance from Apple's support team. Ultimately, being aware of potential solutions can help alleviate frustration and allow you to get the most out of your Apple Watch.

How do I reset an Apple Watch that won't turn on?

Resetting an Apple Watch that won't turn on can be helpful in troubleshooting software or startup issues. Here are the steps you can follow to restart your Apple Watch in this situation:

Restart your Apple Watch

Make sure your Apple Watch is fully charged before attempting to restart it. Connecting the device to a charger for at least 30 minutes is recommended.

Force Restart

If your Apple Watch doesn't respond to touch or won't turn on even after being charged, you can try forcing a restart. Follow these steps:

  • Press and hold simultaneously the side button (located on the edge of the device) and the digital crown (the rotating button).
  • Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This may take a few seconds.
  • After the Apple logo appears, release the buttons and wait for the device to restart.

If your Apple Watch still won't turn on after trying a force restart, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized retailer for a more thorough troubleshooting session. There may be hardware issues requiring specialized technical assistance.

See also: Support and Customer Service, Sales, Marketing and much more at Apple.

Learn more about the features of the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch is much more than just a smartwatch; it's a wearable technology assistant that offers a wide range of features designed to simplify and enhance everyday life. Since its debut, the Apple Watch has constantly evolved, adding new functionalities and improving its capabilities. 

1. Monitoring of Physical Activities

One of the distinctive features of the Apple Watch is its focus on health and physical activity. The device monitors your movements, heart rate, calories burned, and even the quality of your sleep. It motivates users to achieve daily exercise goals, encouraging a more active lifestyle.

2. Real-Time Notifications

The Apple Watch keeps you connected to your world, delivering real-time notifications right on your wrist. You can receive messages, calls, emails, reminders, and app updates without ever having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

3. Apple Pay

With Apple Watch, you can make payments quickly and conveniently using Apple Pay. Simply bring your watch close to a compatible payment terminal and authorize the transaction with a tap of the side button.

September 5, 2023