Can’t get your Apple Watch to turn on? Don’t worry – this issue can often be fixed by following a few simple troubleshooting steps. Here are the top reasons an Apple Watch might not be turning on, along with steps to get it working again.
Fixing the Apple Watch Not Turning On Issue – Step-by-Step Guide
You love your Apple Watch and you use it every day. You rely on it to track your fitness, monitor your health, and stay connected with your friends and family. But one day, you notice that your Apple Watch won’t turn on. You try to charge it, but nothing happens. You wonder if your Apple Watch is broken or if you did something wrong. What do you do?
Causes of an Apple Watch Not Turning On
Before you start troubleshooting, it is important to understand what might cause your Apple Watch to not turn on. There are several factors that can affect the performance and functionality of your device, such as:
- Dead Battery: The most common reason an Apple Watch won’t turn on is a depleted battery. Apple Watches have notoriously short battery lives, so it’s not uncommon for them to die after a full day’s use. Try charging your Apple Watch – charging from 0% to 80% only takes 45 minutes.
- Faulty Charger: If your Apple Watch won’t turn on even after charging, the issue could be your charger. Faulty third party chargers or even worn out Apple chargers can prevent an Apple Watch from charging properly and turning on. Try using a different charger before assuming the issue is with the watch itself.
- Frozen Screen: Like other electronics, Apple Watches can freeze up, causing a black or unresponsive screen. This is often caused by buggy apps or outdated software. A force restart should get it working again.
- Power Reserve or Theater Mode: Power Reserve Mode turns off all features except the clock in order to conserve battery life. Theater Mode disables the “raise to wake” gesture and mute notifications. Both settings make an Apple Watch appear to be turned off. Check to see if either mode is enabled.
Troubleshooting Your Apple Watch: Resolving Power-On Problems
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, don’t panic. There are some simple and effective steps that you can try to resolve the issue and get your device working again. Here are some of the most common solutions that you can try:
1. Charge the Battery
Connect your Apple Watch to the magnetic charger that came with it. You’ll know it’s charging when you see the lightning bolt on the screen. If it’s not charging, try a different charging cable and wall adapter. Leaving it charging for 30 minutes should give enough power to turn it on.
2. Force Restart
Press and hold both the Digital Crown and Side Button for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. This will force your watch to restart, which often resolves many issues.
3. Check Power Reserve Mode
Press and hold the Side Button to exit Power Reserve Mode. The Apple logo means it has restarted into normal mode. You may need to charge it first before you can disable this mode.
4. Turn Off Screen Curtain
On your iPhone, open the Watch app > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Turn off the switch next to Screen Curtain. This will re-enable the display on your Apple Watch.
5. Inspect the Charger
Carefully examine your Apple Watch charger for any damage, exposed wires, or debris in the charging port. Try a different cable, charging brick, and USB power source to isolate the issue. Faulty chargers are a common reason an Apple Watch won’t turn on.
6. Contact Apple Support
If none of these basic troubleshooting tips work, it likely indicates a hardware problem. Make an appointment with the Genius Bar at your local Apple store for diagnostics. Some issues like water damage may be covered under warranty.
Preventive Measures
To prevent future occurrences of your Apple Watch not turning on, consider the following preventive measures:
- Regular Charging: Make it a habit to charge your Apple Watch regularly. This ensures that the battery doesn’t drain completely, reducing the chances of encountering this issue.
- Software Updates: Stay up to date with the latest software updates for your Apple Watch. These updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements that can resolve known issues.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures can negatively impact the performance of your Apple Watch. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat or cold, as it can cause damage to the internal components.
- Protective Measures: Consider using a protective case or cover for your Apple Watch to minimize the risk of accidental damage. Additionally, avoid exposing the watch to water or other liquids that can potentially cause hardware issues.
By following these troubleshooting steps and preventive measures, you can increase the chances of your Apple Watch functioning smoothly and avoid the frustration of it not turning on. Remember, if all else fails, reaching out to Apple Support is always a reliable option to receive expert assistance.
Remember, if all else fails, reaching out to Apple Support is always a reliable option to receive expert assistance.