How to Restart Apple Watch: Step-by-Step Solutions for Every Scenario
If your Apple Watch isn’t functioning correctly, such as apps not operating smoothly or the device freezing, often a simple restart can resolve the issue.
It is important to carry these steps out in the correct order.
How to Restart Apple Watch
- Hold down the Right Side Button until the screen appears.
- In the right corner, press the Power Button.
- Swipe the Power Slider to the right.
- Turn the Apple Watch back on by holding down the Right Side Button until the logo appears (typically 2-3 seconds).
Per Apple’s support document, this is the proper method of restarting, not a force restart, which is covered below. They also state you shouldn’t restart an Apple Watch while it is charging. Make sure to take it off the charger before attempting this.
Restart The Paired iPhone
If the issue persists, you may need to restart your paired iPhone.
- Hold down the Right Power Button and the Up Volume Button until the screen appears.
- Swipe the Power Slider to the right.
- To turn it back on, hold the Right Power Button until the Apple Logo appears.
Force Restart Apple Watch
It’s important to only do this method if the two prior steps didn’t work.
To force restart an Apple Watch, hold down the Digital Crown and the Right Side Button until the logo appears. This can take anywhere from 5-10 seconds.
If this still didn’t fix your problem, contact Apple Support.
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by Ken Lynch
Ken is a Healthcare Data Analyst, owner, sole contributor to The Wearable Guy, and overall tech nerd.