An Apple Watch that won’t turn on can be a cause for concern, especially if you rely on it for daily tasks like tracking fitness or receiving notifications. There could be a variety of reasons why your Apple Watch isn’t turning on, and in most cases, the problem can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps. Here’s a guide to help you diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Check the Battery
The most common reason why an Apple Watch won’t turn on is that the battery has completely drained.
- Connect to Charger: Place the Apple Watch on its charger and wait for up to an hour.
- Look for Charging Symbol: If you see a red lightning bolt on the screen, the watch is charging. Wait a bit longer, and then try turning it on.
2. Force Restart
If the battery isn’t the issue, you might want to try a force restart.
- Hold Down Buttons: Press and hold both the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously.
- Wait for Apple Logo: Continue holding until you see the Apple logo, then release both buttons.
3. Inspect the Charger
If the watch is not charging, there might be an issue with the charger or cable.
- Check Connections: Make sure the charger is properly plugged into the wall adapter and the magnetic back of the charger is clean and correctly aligned with the watch.
- Try a Different Charger: If available, use another Apple Watch charger to see if the issue lies with the charging cable or adapter.
4. Update Your Watch
Sometimes, a pending software update could cause issues. If you can turn the watch on after charging or force restarting, check for updates:
- Open the Watch App on iPhone: Go to My Watch > General > Software Update.
- Follow the Prompts: If an update is available, follow the instructions to complete the update process.
5. Unpair and Re-pair
If all else fails, you may need to unpair and then re-pair the watch with your iPhone.
- Open the Watch App on iPhone: Go to My Watch > All Watches.
- Tap the Info Button: Tap the “i” next to the watch you want to unpair, then tap “Unpair Apple Watch.”
- Set Up Again: Follow the standard pairing process to reconnect your watch.
6. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, it might be time to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
- Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
- Prepare for Support: Have your watch’s serial number and Apple ID handy.
Conclusion
When your Apple Watch won’t turn on, it’s usually due to a minor problem that can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. By checking the battery, trying a force restart, inspecting the charger, and considering a software update or re-pairing, you can often get the watch working again. If all else fails, professional support from Apple might be necessary. Always remember to handle the watch and any connected devices with care and refer to Apple’s official guidelines for the most accurate information.
