Restarting your Apple Watch is one of the quickest and most effective ways to resolve minor software glitches, improve performance, or refresh the system after an update. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or simply want to give your device a clean refresh, knowing the right way to restart your Apple Watch can save you time and frustration.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to restart your Apple Watch, when a force restart is necessary, and what to do if it becomes unresponsive.
Why Restarting Your Apple Watch Is Important
Even though the Apple Watch is known for its stability and efficiency, it’s still a smart device that can occasionally experience software bugs or performance lag. Restarting the device offers several benefits:
- Fixes minor glitches
A simple reboot can solve touch responsiveness, syncing issues, or unexpected slowdowns. - Refreshes the operating system
Restarting clears the device’s temporary memory and refreshes background processes. - Prepares the device for updates
Sometimes a restart is needed to complete watchOS updates or apply app changes. - Troubleshoots Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues
If your Apple Watch isn’t connecting to your iPhone or wireless network, a restart can often resolve the issue.
Precautions Before Restarting Apple Watch
Before you restart your Apple Watch, make sure of the following:
- Do not restart during a software update
If your Apple Watch is displaying the Apple logo with a progress circle, wait for the update to finish. Interrupting it could result in system corruption. - Remove it from the charger
Restarting the device while charging is not recommended. Unplug it first to ensure a proper reboot.
How to Restart Apple Watch Normally
This method works if your Apple Watch is responsive and functioning correctly.
- Press and hold the side button
This button is located just below the Digital Crown. - Wait for the power options to appear
Depending on your watchOS version, you may see the power icon, Medical ID, and Emergency SOS options. - Tap the power icon (if necessary)
On watchOS 9 and later, tap the small power button in the upper-right corner to reveal the Power Off slider. - Drag the Power Off slider to the right
This turns off your Apple Watch. - Wait a few seconds
Allow the device to completely power down before proceeding. - Turn the watch back on
Press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. Release the button and wait for the device to reboot.
How to Force Restart Apple Watch
Sometimes the Apple Watch becomes unresponsive or freezes. In these cases, a force restart is needed.
Important Note: Never force restart your Apple Watch while it’s updating watchOS.
- Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown
Do this simultaneously. - Keep holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds
Don’t release until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. - Release the buttons once the logo appears
The watch will reboot and begin working normally if the freeze was temporary.
What to Do if Apple Watch Won’t Restart
If your Apple Watch doesn’t respond to regular or forced restart methods, try these steps:
- Charge the battery
Ensure your watch has sufficient battery life. Connect it to the charger for at least 15–30 minutes and try restarting again. - Try a different charging cable or adapter
A faulty charger could be the reason your watch isn’t powering on. - Check for hardware damage
Physical damage or water exposure could affect the watch’s ability to restart. In this case, it’s best to consult Apple Support. - Use the Watch app on iPhone
Though you can’t restart your Apple Watch from your iPhone directly, you can check for issues like software updates or reset options via the Watch app. - Contact Apple Support
If none of the above work, it may be time to get your Apple Watch serviced professionally.
Difference Between Restart, Force Restart, and Reset
Understanding these three terms can prevent accidental data loss.
- Restart
A soft reboot that turns your device off and back on. This does not affect your data or settings. - Force Restart
Used when the screen is frozen. It abruptly reboots the watch but still preserves data. - Reset (Erase All Content and Settings)
A full factory reset. This deletes everything on the device and should only be used as a last resort.
Tips to Keep Your Apple Watch Running Smoothly
While restarting is helpful, it’s best to avoid issues altogether. Here are some preventive tips:
- Update watchOS regularly
Apple frequently releases updates that fix bugs and improve stability. - Close unused apps
Too many open apps can slow down performance. Close apps you’re not using by pressing the side button and swiping up on the app card. - Restart weekly
Rebooting your Apple Watch once a week can help prevent sluggish performance. - Avoid third-party apps with poor reviews
Some apps may not be optimized for Apple Watch and could cause performance issues. - Free up storage space
Delete unused apps or media to ensure your Apple Watch has enough memory to function properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I restart my Apple Watch while it’s charging?
No. Apple recommends removing your Apple Watch from the charger before restarting it.
What should I do if my Apple Watch is stuck on the Apple logo?
Try a force restart by holding both the side button and the Digital Crown until the logo disappears and reappears.
Does restarting my Apple Watch delete my data?
No. Restarting or force restarting your Apple Watch does not delete any data or personal settings.
Can I restart my Apple Watch from my iPhone?
There’s no direct way to restart the Apple Watch from your iPhone. However, you can unpair and re-pair the watch using the Watch app if necessary.
How often should I restart my Apple Watch?
Once a week is a good habit. Restarting regularly can help clear temporary files and maintain smooth operation.
Learning how to restart your Apple Watch is a simple yet essential skill for every user. Whether you’re dealing with a minor bug, a frozen screen, or just want to refresh your device, restarting can resolve most issues quickly. By following the correct steps and understanding when to use each type of restart, you can keep your Apple Watch running smoothly for years to come.
Don’t forget to perform regular updates, manage storage wisely, and restart periodically to avoid frequent glitches. If problems persist even after multiple restart attempts, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.