Have you ever gone to check your Apple Watch only to find that it won’t turn on? It can be a bit of a panic-inducing moment, but don’t worry, there are steps you can take to try and get it working again. In this article, we’ll go through what to do if your Apple Watch won’t turn on, so you can get back to tracking your fitness, receiving notifications, and using all the other features you love.
Step by Step Tutorial: What to Do if Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On
If your Apple Watch isn’t turning on, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a drained battery, software glitch, or hardware issue. The following steps will help you troubleshoot and, hopefully, fix the problem.
Step 1: Charge Your Apple Watch
Place your Apple Watch on its charger and wait for a few minutes.
It might seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest solution is the correct one. If your Apple Watch battery is completely drained, it won’t turn on until it has a little bit of charge. Make sure you’re using the original charging cable and adapter that came with your watch, and that they’re in good working condition. If you see the charging icon on your watch’s screen, that’s a good sign! If not, you may need to try another charging cable or outlet.
Step 2: Force Restart Your Apple Watch
Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds.
If charging doesn’t do the trick, a force restart might help. This is like a reboot for your watch and can fix various software issues. You’ll know it worked when the Apple logo appears on the screen. Don’t worry, this won’t erase any of your data.
Step 3: Check for Physical Damage
Inspect your Apple Watch for any visible signs of damage.
If your watch has been dropped or hit against something, it might have physical damage that is preventing it from turning on. Look for cracks on the screen or the body, dents, or any other abnormalities. If you find damage, it’s probably time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Step 4: Unpair and Re-pair with iPhone
Use the Watch app on your iPhone to unpair and then re-pair your Apple Watch.
Sometimes the issue might be with the connection between your watch and iPhone. Unpairing and re-pairing can refresh this connection. To unpair, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to ‘My Watch’ tab, tap ‘All Watches,’ then the info button next to your watch, and select ‘Unpair Apple Watch.’ To re-pair, simply bring your watch and phone close together and follow the onscreen instructions.
Step 5: Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your Apple Watch still won’t turn on, it’s time to contact the experts. There could be a deeper hardware issue that needs professional attention. Apple Support can guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair or replacement.
After completing these steps, your Apple Watch should hopefully be up and running again. If not, you’ll be on the right path to getting it repaired with the help of Apple Support.
Tips for When Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On
- Always use the original charger and adapter that came with your Apple Watch.
- Avoid exposing your Apple Watch to extreme temperatures as they can affect battery performance.
- Keep your Apple Watch and its software updated to avoid glitches and bugs.
- If you’re not using your Apple Watch for an extended period, turn it off to preserve battery life.
- Consider setting up your medical ID and emergency contacts on your watch, so if it does turn on unexpectedly, you have that information readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Apple Watch still won’t turn on after charging?
Try a different charger and wall outlet, as the issue could be with the power source. If that doesn’t work, move on to the force restart step.
Can a force restart erase my Apple Watch’s data?
No, a force restart will not erase any data from your Apple Watch. It’s simply a way to reboot the device.
How can I tell if my Apple Watch is charging?
When your Apple Watch is connected to the charger, you should see a green lightning bolt or a red lightning bolt if the battery is low. If you don’t see any charging icon, check your charging cable and power source.
How long does it take to charge an Apple Watch?
It typically takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge an Apple Watch from 0% to 100%. However, just a few minutes of charging should be enough to turn it on if the battery was completely dead.
Can third-party chargers cause issues with my Apple Watch?
It’s possible. Using non-Apple chargers can sometimes lead to compatibility issues or even damage your device. Always try to use the charger that came with your watch or an Apple-certified replacement.
Summary
- Charge your Apple Watch.
- Force restart your Apple Watch.
- Check for physical damage.
- Unpair and re-pair with iPhone.
- Contact Apple Support.
Conclusion
There you have it—a few straightforward steps to follow if your Apple Watch won’t turn on. From charging to contacting Apple Support, these steps encompass the most common fixes that can help bring your watch back to life. Remember, regular updates and proper care can prevent many issues, but if you ever find yourself with a non-responsive watch, now you’re equipped with the knowledge to tackle the problem head-on. So, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or just someone who loves their tech, don’t let a black screen on your wrist ruin your day—try these tips and get back to enjoying your Apple Watch to the fullest.