Staying connected is important, and our devices play a big role in making that possible. From checking messages to tracking fitness and staying on schedule, devices like the Apple Watch keep us linked to the things that matter.
But then, even these smart devices occasionally need a bit of fine-tuning or support to function at their best.
If your watch isn’t responding or seems to be running slowly, performing a simple restart can often help it get back on track. Restarting clears minor issues and refreshes the system.
If a regular restart doesn’t solve the problem, a force restart might be necessary.
This method can address more persistent issues by resetting the device more thoroughly, helping it function smoothly again.
This article will walk you through restarting or force restarting your Apple Watch, along with steps for restarting your paired iPhone.
These steps are easy, so you can get things back to normal quickly.
How to Restart Your Apple Watch
Restarting your Apple Watch is often the best first step if something isn’t working as it should. Restarting can help clear minor issues and usually gets the watch back to normal.
Steps:
Turn Off Your Apple Watch
- Press and hold the side button until the power options appear.
- Tap the Power button, then drag the Power Off slider to the right to turn it off.
Turn On Your Apple Watch
Hold down the side button until the Apple logo appears. Your watch will start back up and should be working as expected.
Restart Your iPhone Device
If the issue isn’t resolved, it may help to restart your iPhone as well, since the Apple Watch depends on it for many functions.
How to Restart the Paired iPhone
Restarting the iPhone can be helpful when issues with the Apple Watch persist, as both devices rely on each other. A quick restart on both can fix common connection and sync problems.
Turn Off Your iPhone
- For models with Face ID: Press and hold the side button and a volume button until the power slider appears. Drag the slider to the right to turn off.
- For models without Face ID: Press and hold the side or top button until the power slider appears, then drag it to the right.
- You can also go to Settings > General > Shut Down to turn off your iPhone.
Turn On Your iPhone
Press and hold the side or top button until the Apple logo appears, and the phone will restart.
Note:
If you’ve restarted both devices and the issue continues, a force restart on the Apple Watch may be necessary.
How to Force Restart Your Apple Watch
A force restart is like a stronger reset and should only be used if the regular restart doesn’t work, or if the watch is unresponsive.
This forces the device to shut down and start fresh, which can clear up tougher issues.
Just keep in mind this is a last resort, as it can cause unsaved data to be lost.
Steps:
- Press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time.
- Keep holding for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Release both buttons, and the watch will force restart.
Conclusion
Knowing how to restart or force restart your Apple Watch can be a lifesaver when things go wrong.
Most issues can be solved with these simple steps, saving you time and possibly a trip to the Apple Store.
If these methods don’t work, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support or a certified repair professional.
FAQs
What should I do if my Apple Watch is unresponsive and won’t turn off?
If your Apple Watch is completely unresponsive, try performing a force restart by pressing and holding both the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears.
How do I know when to restart my Apple Watch versus when to perform a force restart?
If your watch is running slowly or not responding to taps, start with a regular restart. If those issues persist or the watch is unresponsive, then proceed with a force restart.
Will restarting my Apple Watch delete any of my data?
No, restarting your Apple Watch will not delete any data. It simply refreshes the device and clears minor issues. However, a force restart could lead to the loss of unsaved data, so it should be used only as a last resort.
Can I restart my Apple Watch without restarting my paired iPhone?
Yes, you can restart your Apple Watch independently. However, if the issues persist, restarting the paired iPhone can often help since the two devices rely on each other for various functions.
What should I do if restarting and force restarting don’t resolve the issue?
If neither restarting nor force restarting solves the problem, it may be time to contact Apple Support or visit a certified repair professional for further assistance.
Why is my Apple Watch taking so long to turn on while charging?
Your Apple Watch might take a long time to turn on while charging due to a low battery level, a software issue, or a problem with the charger.
If it’s completely drained, it may need a few minutes before showing any signs of life.
If the problem persists, try restarting the watch or using a different charging cable and adapter.
