With a large variety of options available out there, one of the most prominent and successful smartwatches on the market is the Apple Watches. Its tight integration with the larger Apple ecosystem sets the Apple Watch apart from its competitors. The seamless connectivity between the Apple Watch and iPhones, iPads, and Macs ensures a consistent user experience across devices. The synchronization of data and seamless handoff between devices make the Apple Watch a natural choice for Apple enthusiasts who already own other Apple products.
However, Apple watches are also prone to damage, like any other electronic device. Accidents can happen despite their durability and high-quality build, leading to potential issues. Some common problems in Apple watches include screen damage, where the display is susceptible to cracks, scratches, or shattering upon impact. A shattered or malfunctioning screen can hinder the user experience and may require costly repairs or replacement.
Some users have also focused on problems caused by software issues, such as blank screens. You have come to the right place if you also face such a problem. In this guide, we will talk in detail about this issue and offer various solutions you can implement to try and fix the issue yourself.
Why Won’t the Apple Watch Won’t Turn On?
There could be several reasons why an Apple Watch may not turn on. And if you are willing to try and fix the problem by yourself, you need first to understand the reason behind the issue to apply the perfect solution. Here are some common reasons that can cause an Apple watch to not turn ON.
- Battery Depletion: A completely drained battery is the most common reason for an Apple Watch not turning on. If the battery is fully depleted, the watch will not respond when you press the power button. To check if this is the issue, try charging the watch for at least 30 minutes using the included magnetic charging cable. If the battery was the problem, the watch should display a charging icon on the screen after a few minutes of charging.
- Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter: The Apple Watch may sometimes not charge properly due to a faulty charging cable or adapter. Ensure that both the charging cable and the power adapter are working correctly. Try using a different charging cable and adapter to rule out any charger-related issues.
- Software Glitch: Sometimes, a software glitch or freeze can cause the Apple Watch to become unresponsive. This can occur due to various reasons, such as incomplete software updates, conflicting apps, or system errors.
- Water Damage: If the Apple Watch has been exposed to water or moisture beyond its water-resistant rating, it may lead to internal damage and prevent the device from turning on. While newer Apple Watch models have improved water resistance, avoiding submerging the watch in water or exposing it to excessive moisture is essential.
- Hardware or Battery Issue: In some cases, a hardware or battery issue may be the culprit behind the watch not turning on. This could be due to a faulty battery, loose connections, or other internal problems. In such cases, professional assistance may be required to diagnose and fix the problem.
- Power Reserve Mode: If your Apple Watch has a low battery, it may automatically enter power reserve mode, significantly limiting functionality to conserve power. In this mode, the watch only displays the time. In some cases, the power reserve mode itself can be faulty because of unstable system configuration, causing the Apple watch to not turn ON.
How To Fix the Apple Watch Won’t Turn On?
Now that you are familiar with some of the reasons which can cause your Apple watch to not turn ON, you can start working on solutions to fix the problem. In this guide, we are including some proven solutions that have worked for a lot of users in the past and fixed the watch not turning ON problem altogether.
1. Force Restart the Watch
A force restart is a hardware-level reset that can help resolve various software glitches or freezes. To perform a force restart, press and hold both the side button and the digital crown simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This forces the watch to restart, and if the problem was caused by a temporary software issue, the watch should turn ON normally after the restart.
2. Check the Apple Watch Settings
Sometimes, the watch may not turn on due to specific settings. For instance, if the watch is in silent mode or Do Not Disturb mode, the screen may remain off even when you try to turn it on. Swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center and check the settings. Adjust them accordingly if needed.
3. Check Power Reserve Mode
When the Apple Watch has very low battery power, it may automatically enter Power Reserve mode, which drastically reduces functionality to conserve power. Only the time is displayed in this mode, and other features are disabled. Charge the watch until it has enough power to exit Power Reserve mode and function normally.
4. Charger Issues
Ensure that both the charging cable and the power adapter are functioning correctly. Sometimes, the issue may be with the charger rather than the watch. Try using a different charging cable and adapter to eliminate any charging-related problems.
Turn Off Voice Over & Screen Curtain
VoiceOver is an accessibility feature that reads aloud the contents of the screen, and Screen Curtain turns off the display. If these features are enabled accidentally, they may cause the screen to remain off. To toggle VoiceOver off or on, triple-click the Digital Crown. To disable Screen Curtain, open the Control Center by swiping up on the watch face and tap the Screen Curtain icon.
1. Hardware Problems
Inspect the Apple Watch for any physical damage, such as a cracked display or water damage. Physical damage can impact the internal components and prevent the watch from turning on. Professional repair or component replacement may be required if physical damage is present.
2. Unpair and Pair It Again
If software issues persist, unpair the Apple Watch from the connected iPhone and then pair it again. This process can refresh the connection and resolve persistent software-related problems.
3. Check the Battery Level
If the battery level is extremely low, the watch may not turn on immediately when connected to the charger. Allow it to charge for a while before attempting to turn it on again.
4. Reset Apple Watch
As a last resort, you can reset your Apple Watch. This action will erase all watch content and settings, restoring it to factory settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to perform the reset. Before proceeding with the reset, make sure to back up important data.
5. Customize Watch Settings
Review the watch settings to ensure they are configured according to your preferences. Adjust display settings, notifications, and other features to see if any changes resolve the issue.
Apple Watch Won’t Turn On – FAQs
Ans: Yes, a water-damaged Apple Watch can be why it won’t turn on. Water damage is one of the common causes of electronic device malfunctions, including smartwatches like the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch, especially the newer models, is designed with water resistance capabilities to withstand minor exposure to water, such as rain or accidental splashes. However, it is essential to note that water resistance does not mean the watch is entirely waterproof.
Ans: Yes, a depleted battery can cause your Apple Watch not to turn on immediately after charging. When the battery of your Apple Watch is fully drained, it may take some time to accumulate enough charge to power on the device. Connecting your Apple Watch to the charger may not respond immediately, especially if the battery is completely empty. In such cases, the watch may not show any signs of life, such as the charging icon or the Apple logo, for a few minutes.
Ans: Yes, a faulty charger can cause your Apple Watch not to turn on or charge properly. The charger is a critical component in powering up and charging your Apple Watch, so any issues can directly impact its functionality. If the charger’s connectors or cables are damaged or not functioning correctly, it may not establish a proper connection with the Apple Watch. As a result, the watch won’t charge, and its battery may remain depleted, leading to the device not turning on.
Ans: Your Apple Watch not turning on after a recent update is likely related to the update itself. While software updates are designed to enhance the functionality and performance of the device, occasionally, issues may arise during the updating process that can affect the watch’s operation. Sometimes, the update process may encounter a glitch or error that affects the device’s ability to boot up correctly. This can result in the Apple Watch becoming unresponsive or failing to turn on.
Conclusion
If you are facing a problem where your Apple watch won’t turn ON, it might be because of some common issues such as battery issues, charger issues, software problems, etc. However, most of these issues can be easily resolved with an easy fix. In this guide, you can find an appropriate solution for these issues.
Troubleshooting steps such as force restarting the watch, checking the charger and settings, and unpairing and pairing it again can often resolve the problem. If these steps fail, contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center may require professional assistance and repairs. Additionally, it’s essential to follow guidelines for water resistance and handle the watch with care to avoid potential damage.
