Apple Watch freezes: what now?
Your Apple Watch is frozen. The screen is unresponsive. You tap, swipe, press buttons—nothing. Frustrating, because you miss notifications, workouts aren't tracking, and your AirPods no longer connect automatically . Yet, this problem is surprisingly common. Even the newest models have it.
Software crashes, apps freeze, updates go wrong—it's just part of life. But here's what no one tells you: most people make the problem worse by panicking. They randomly press buttons, shake their wrist, or even take off their watch strap . While the solution lies in calm and method.
A forced restart takes thirty seconds. Nothing more. No data loss, no factory reset, no Genius Bar hassle. Just the right buttons, the right order, and you're done.
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The Different Methods to Restart Your Frozen Watch
An unresponsive Apple Watch is annoying, but luckily there are several ways to get it working again. The most straightforward approach is a forced restart. This works even if the screen is completely frozen.
Forced restart: the fastest solution
If your smartwatch is completely frozen, this is the best first step. Simply press and hold the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for about ten seconds. The screen will go black, then the Apple logo will appear. Then release both buttons.
This method works on all models, from the first generation to the latest Series 9 and Ultra. The key is patience—keep holding the buttons, even if nothing happens initially. After the Apple logo, the startup process takes about thirty seconds to a minute.
Normal restart via the menu
Is the touchscreen still responsive, but the watch is running slowly or apps are stuttering? A normal restart is often sufficient. Press and hold the side button until the power-off menu appears. Swipe the top slider to the right to turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the same button again to turn the device on.
This is gentler on the system than a forced restart. All running apps are neatly closed and temporary files are cleared. Perfect for minor annoyances like slow performance or connection issues with your iPhone.
When to use which method?
The choice between both methods depends on the severity of the problem:
- Screen not responding at all: forced restart
- Buttons not working: Forced restart
- Apps keep crashing: normal restart
- Bluetooth connection failing: normal restart
- After a failed update: forced restart
Addressing specific problems
Stuck during workout
Did your watch freeze during a workout? That's a shame, because your workout data can be lost during a restart. Try waiting ten seconds first—sometimes the system recovers automatically. If that doesn't work, a forced restart is unavoidable. Most recent data is usually saved in the Health app on your iPhone.
Problems after an update
Software updates can sometimes cause instability, especially immediately after installation. The device needs to complete background processes and rebuild caches. Give it an hour. If problems persist, a normal restart often helps. For serious problems, consider deleting the last apps you installed on your iPhone.
Battery appears empty but won't charge
Sometimes the battery appears completely empty, but the watch doesn't respond to the charger. Place the device on the charger and wait at least thirty minutes. Then try a forced restart while it's still on the charger. This can reset the charging circuit.
Preventive measures
Prevent future crashes by following these tips:
- Restart your smartwatch weekly as a preventative measure using the normal method
- Delete apps you don't use - they take up memory
- Install updates only a week after release, when teething problems have been resolved
- Disable background refresh for apps you rarely use
- Reset complications on your watch face if they are loading slowly
When is professional help needed?
Is your device still freezing after several restarts? Or is it not booting at all? There might be a hardware defect. First, check if your watchOS is up to date via the Watch app on your iPhone. If that doesn't help, there are a few options:
A refurbished Leapp model comes with a warranty, and our experts can help. For other models, you can visit an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. Note: A factory reset will erase all data, so make a backup of your iPhone first.
The difference between resetting and restarting
Important to know: restarting is not the same as resetting. A restart, whether forced or normal, retains all your data, apps, and settings. It's simply a fresh start for the operating system. A factory reset, on the other hand, erases everything and returns the watch to its factory settings. This is only necessary for persistent software issues or if you plan to sell the device.
To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset on the watch itself, or use the Watch app on your iPhone. Always make sure you have a recent backup before taking this drastic step.
Conclusion
A frozen Apple Watch is frustrating, but usually resolved within thirty seconds. Force restarting it —pressing and holding the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously—works in almost all cases. So no need to panic, no data loss, just press the right buttons.
Is your watch consistently freezing? Then it might be time for a newer model or professional help. But in nine out of ten cases, you'll be back on track with these simple tricks. A preventative weekly restart will also prevent most problems.
