Restarting an Apple Watch turns it off and on again, which clears minor glitches like a frozen screen or an app that will not open. It keeps all your data and settings intact.
What you'll need
- Your Apple Watch
Step by step
- Hold the side buttonPress and hold the flat side button below the Digital Crown until the power options slider appears on screen.
- Slide to power offDrag the Power Off slider to the right. The watch screen goes dark as it shuts down.
- Wait a few secondsGive it a moment to fully power off before turning it back on.
- Turn it back onPress and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears, then release and let it finish starting up.
Handy tips
- A normal restart is the first thing to try when an app freezes or the watch acts sluggish.
- If the screen is completely frozen, force restart instead by holding both the side button and the Digital Crown for about ten seconds.
- You cannot restart the watch while it is charging, so remove it from the charger first.
FAQ
How do I force restart a frozen Apple Watch?
Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown together for about ten seconds until the Apple logo appears, then let go.
Does restarting delete my data?
No. A restart only reboots the watch and keeps all your apps, settings, and health data in place.
Why can I not turn off my Apple Watch?
The power slider is disabled while charging. Take the watch off the charger, then hold the side button to see the power options.