Apple Watch not working? Here's how to fix it
Your Apple Watch isn't working. Black screen. No response. You press every button, but nothing works. We all experience moments of panic like these—your entire day revolves around that smart wrist computer. From heart rate to appointments, it's all there. But here's what Apple isn't telling you: nine times out of ten, the problem is n't with your watch itself . It's the simplest solutions that work. A misconfigured accessory , a software glitch, or simply a dead battery you're overlooking. Even technicians at Apple stores start with these basic tips before breaking out their tools. And the crazy thing? That expensive repair you're dreading is usually unnecessary. With three simple tricks, you can often get your Watch working again in five minutes —without unscrewing a single screw.
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the most common reasons why your Apple Watch won't turn on
An Apple Watch that refuses to turn on is more common than you think. Before you panic about potential defects, it's good to know the common culprits. In most cases, the problem isn't with the hardware itself, but with simple issues you can fix yourself.
The battery is by far the most common cause. It may sound obvious, but a completely dead battery sometimes needs some extra time before the device shows signs of life again. If your watch has been unused for a few days, the battery may be so deeply discharged that it won't respond immediately to the charger.
Software glitches are the second major category. Just as your iPhone sometimes crashes, watchOS can also glitch. This happens especially after updates or when apps crash during use. The system then enters a kind of limbo where the screen remains black, but the device is technically still on.
Temperature extremes can also play a role. If your watch has become too hot or too cold, for example, by leaving it in the car during a heatwave or after a winter run, it may temporarily refuse to start as a protective measure.
Step 1: Check the basics – charging and cables
Start with the simplest check: the charger. Connect your Apple Watch to the magnetic charging cable and wait at least thirty minutes. Look for the small lightning bolt that should appear—this indicates the device is receiving power. No symbol? Then the problem might be with your charging accessories.
Try a different charging cable if you have one, or test the cable with another Apple Watch. Dirt and dust on the underside of the watch can also cause problems. Gently clean both contact points with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
Also check the power adapter. A damaged adapter or outlet can cause no or insufficient power to flow through. Try using a different adapter or connect the cable directly to a USB port on your computer.
Step 2: The Forced Restart - Your Secret Weapon
If charging doesn't help, a forced restart is often the solution. This method works for almost all software issues and is completely safe for your data.
Simultaneously press the side button (below the Digital Crown) and the Digital Crown itself. Hold both buttons for at least ten seconds. You'll first see a black screen, then the Apple logo will appear. Release the buttons once the logo appears.
On older models (Series 3 and earlier), the process may take a little longer. Be patient and keep holding the buttons, even if nothing seems to be happening. It may take up to fifteen seconds for the device to respond.
After restarting, the boot process usually takes one to two minutes. Your watch will go through the normal boot process and should then function normally again.
Step 3: The complete reset via your iPhone
If the previous steps don't work, it's time for more robust solutions. A full reset using your paired iPhone can resolve persistent software issues. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and navigate to "General" in the settings.
Select "Reset" and select "Erase All Content and Settings." This process will erase everything from your watch, so make sure you have a recent backup. The backup is created automatically when your iPhone and Apple Watch are synced.
During the reset process, your watch must remain on the charger and within range of your iPhone. The entire process can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much data is stored on it.
After the reset, you'll need to pair your device with your iPhone again. During this process, you can choose to restore a backup, which will restore all your apps, settings, and data.
when is professional help needed?
Sometimes certain signs point to hardware problems you can't fix yourself. A cracked screen that's unresponsive, water damage after swimming without the water lock function, or a severely swollen battery require professional attention.
Physical damage is usually visible, but internal problems can be harder to spot. If your watch turns on but keeps restarting, drains battery extremely quickly, or overheats for no apparent reason, there's likely something wrong with the hardware.
Apple offers several repair options, but the costs can be quite high. For older models, a repair is often no longer cost-effective. In that case, a refurbished model is a smart choice – you get a professionally reconditioned device with a warranty for a fraction of the original price.
prevention tips to avoid problems
Regular maintenance prevents many problems. Update watchOS as soon as a new version is available. These updates not only contain new features but also important bug fixes that improve stability.
Restart your watch weekly. This prevents minor software issues from piling up. It only takes a minute and can save you a lot of frustration.
Keep an eye on your storage. A nearly full Apple Watch can slow down and crash more often. Delete apps you don't use and old photos or music you no longer need.
Protect your device from extreme conditions. While modern models are quite robust, temperatures below -20°C or above 45°C can cause problems. Also, don't leave your watch in direct sunlight for extended periods.
consider upgrading to a refurbished model
If your current Apple Watch is regularly malfunctioning, it might be time for a replacement. A brand new one is a significant investment, but a refurbished model offers the same experience for less.
Refurbished devices have been thoroughly tested and repaired where necessary. They receive new batteries if the old one is no longer performing optimally, and all software is completely reset and updated. The result is a watch that looks and works like new.
The Series 8 is currently an excellent choice. This model has all the modern features like crash detection, a temperature sensor, and a large always-on display. For everyday use, you won't notice any difference compared to a brand new one, but your wallet will.
When you buy a refurbished model, you also get a warranty. Should anything unexpectedly go wrong, you'll be helped. This provides peace of mind you don't get with a second-hand purchase through Marktplaats.
Conclusion
An Apple Watch that won't turn on is annoying, but usually not a disaster. In most cases, you can fix the problem within five minutes with a simple charge, a forced restart, or a reset via your iPhone. Professional assistance is only required for visible damage or hardware issues. If your watch continues to malfunction, a refurbished Apple Watch is often a better option than an expensive repair. You get a professionally refurbished device with a warranty, without paying the premium price of a new one.
