October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors

How to restart your Apple Watch (even when it’s not responding)

Restart a responsive Apple Watch using the side-button sliders; if it will not turn off normally, force restart by holding the side button and Digital Crown together until the Apple logo appears. Find Apple’s charging and troubleshooting guidance for blank screens, a stuck Apple logo, and unresponsive controls.

By WatchRanker Team 3 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To restart a responsive Apple Watch, hold the side button until the sliders appear, tap the power button, drag Power Off, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. If the watch is unresponsive or cannot be turned off normally, hold the side button and Digital Crown together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears. Apple says you cannot restart the watch while it is charging.

Normal restart: use this first

  1. Disconnect the Apple Watch from its charger.
  2. Press and hold the side button until the on-screen sliders appear.
  3. Tap the power button, then drag the Power Off slider to the right. Wait for the watch to turn off.
  4. Press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

If the sliders appear and the watch responds, use this normal restart rather than force restarting.

Force restart an unresponsive Apple Watch

Use a force restart only if you cannot turn the watch off normally or the problem continues. Hold the side button and Digital Crown at the same time for at least 10 seconds. Release both when the Apple logo appears.

Method When to use it What to do
Normal restart The watch responds to its controls Use the side-button sliders to power off, then hold the side button to turn it on.
Force restart The watch is unresponsive or cannot be turned off normally Hold the side button and Digital Crown together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.

If the screen is blank or the watch will not turn on

A blank screen may mean the battery is depleted. Connect the watch to its magnetic charging cable and check that the cable and adapter are connected, the watch is aligned on the charger, and the charging surfaces are clean. Apple says a depleted watch can take up to 30 minutes to show a charging indicator.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1 m) ​​​​​​​
  • Durable, woven cable with fast-charging capabilities for select Apple Watch models. Simply hold the connector near the back of the watch, where magnets cause it to snap into place automatically.
  • Supports fast charging on Apple Watch Series 7 and later and Apple Watch Ultra models. Supports regular charge times on all other models.
  • Compatible with all Apple Watch
  • USB-C Cable Length: 1m or 3.2 feet

If it still will not charge, try a force restart and check the charging setup again. The watch cannot be restarted while it is charging, so disconnect it before attempting a normal restart.

If the watch is stuck on the Apple logo

Try a force restart. If the watch remains stuck, Apple suggests unpairing and pairing it again and checking for a software update. If the problem persists, seek service rather than repeatedly trying to restart it.

Rank #2
2026 Upgraded for Apple Watch Charger Magnetic USB C Charging Cable
  • 【Safe and Fast Wireless Watch Charging】- Our wireless charger provides a safer and faster charging mode,for a more convenient charging experience,Please take off the watch case and use a 5V/1A adapter or original adapter(ETL/UL Certified).
  • 【Wide Compatible】- Our wireless batteries charger is compatible with iWatch series Ultra2/Ultra/12/11/10/9/8/7/6/SE2/SE/5/4/3/2 (including the 38 mm/40 mm/41 mm/42 mm/44 mm/45 mm Version).Please take off the watch case and use a 5V/1A adapter or original adapter(ETL/UL Certified).
  • 【Portable design】- This 3.3Ft charging cable for apple watch is convenient to carry around, especially for traveling,and is suitable as a backup charger for your watch.Please take off the watch case and use a 5V/1A adapter or original adapter(ETL/UL Certified).
  • 【Advanced Safety】- Built-in protection device with safety functions such as overcurrent,overvoltage,short circuit and overtemperature protection. Protect your watch battery from overcharging damage.pls note:this is support usb c port,so pls use a usb c PD adapter,and 20w-30w is the best to use.Please take off the watch case and use a 5V/1A adapter or original adapter(ETL/UL Certified).
  • 【12-Month Quality Assurance 】- As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and friendly customer service.Please take off the watch case and use a 5V/1A adapter or original adapter(ETL/UL Certified).

If the side button or Digital Crown does not work

Check whether a case or protective film is blocking a control, and remove dirt or debris. If the side button or Digital Crown is damaged, works intermittently, or still does not respond, arrange service.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

FAQ

Will restarting erase my Apple Watch?

The restart steps above are not erase or reset instructions. If you are considering unpairing or erasing the watch as a troubleshooting step, follow Apple’s separate instructions and escalation guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
2026 Upgraded for Apple Watch Charger Magnetic Fast Charging Cable
  • 【Wide Compatible】- Our wireless charger is compatible with iWatch series Ultra/10/9/8/7/6/SE2/SE/5/4/3/2/1 (including the 38 mm/40 mm/41 mm/42 mm/44 mm/45 mm Version)
  • 【Portable design】-This 1.0M iWatch charging cable is convenient to carry around, especially for traveling,and is suitable as a backup charger for your watch.
  • 【Advanced Safe & Rapid Charging】– Experience enhanced safety and speed with our wireless watch charger, delivering a 0% to 100% charge in under 3 hours.
  • 【Smart Protection】 - Equipped with advanced safety mechanisms including over-current, over-voltage, short-circuit, and over-temperature protection. Automatically adjusts charging power to prevent overheating and overcharging, ensuring your premium watch battery remains healthy and extends its lifespan. Certified for safe, worry-free wireless charging day and night.
  • 【12-Month Quality Assurance 】- As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service.

Can I restart my Apple Watch while it is charging?

No. Apple says the watch cannot be restarted while it is charging. Disconnect it before attempting a normal restart.

How long should I hold the buttons to force restart?

Hold the side button and Digital Crown together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

Rank #4
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 for Apple Watch Charger USB Magnetic Charging Cable Portable Wireless Charging Accessories Compatible with iWatch Series 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 SE-3.3FT
  • Compatible with all Apple Watch: Our wireless charger is compatible with iWatch series 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 SE3 SE2 SE 5 4 3 2 1 Ultra4 Ultra2 Ultra3 including 38 mm 40 mm 41 mm 42 mm 44 mm 45 mm 49mm Version. Also compatible with Airpods 4 AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Pro 2
  • Efficient Smart Charging: Our watch charger provides a safe and stable charging mode, it takes 2-3 hours to fully charge your S12-S4. Please note: Charging Ultra 4 3 2 1 will take less than 4 hours. We suggest that you purchase our store's 5W fast charging version for your Ultra series
  • Multiple Protection: Built-in advanced chip with over-current, over-voltage, short-circuit, over-charge and over-temperature protection and other safety features. Protect your watch battery against damage
  • Strong Magnetic Adsorption: The Watch Charger with built-in magnet has strong adsorption perfectly snaps and centers to the charging coil on the back of your watch, stable and will not fall off, resulting in a wonderful charging experience
  • Travel Essentials: This 3.3FT 1M Watch charging cable is portable to carry around, especially for traveling and is suitable as a backup charger for your watch

What should I do if my Apple Watch will not show a charging indicator?

Check the cable and adapter connections, align the watch on the charger, and clean the charging surfaces. Apple says a depleted watch may take up to 30 minutes to show the charging indicator. If it still will not charge, try a force restart and repeat the charging checks.

Best Value
Upgraded Apple Watch Charger, Magnetic Fast Charger, USB C Charger Block Plug Adapter with 6.6FT iWatch Portable Wireless Fast Charging Cable Cord for iWatch Series Ultra/9/8/7/6/SE/SE2/5/4/3
  • Compatible: iPhone Watch Charger supports for all Apple Watch Series 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, Series SE. Also compatible with all watch sizes, including all 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm and 45mm versions. Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Sports.
  • iWatch Charger Fast Charging: Our iWatch Charger uses the original adapter, which provides a safer and faster charging mode. It takes less than 3 hours to fully charge. For a more perfect charging experience, please take off the watch case.
  • Safe and Reliabl: The Apple Watch Charger Cable made of high quality ABS+PC and pure copper wire, after more than 10,000 tests, it can automatically detect your equipment and provide a stable, fast and safe charging experience.
  • Perfect Length and Lightweight: Small, light, portable, easy to travel. The perfect charging cable is suitable for your travel bag or pocket, which can be carried around or used at home, office, hotel, car to charge your watch anytime and anywhere.
  • Packing: 1Pack 20W USB C Origina Charger with 6FT Apple Watch Magnetic Fast USB C Cable. If you have any questions welcome to find us!

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Journal

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.