Why Doesn't My Apple Watch Turn On? Troubleshooting and Hack for Always On

Many Apple Watch users find themselves puzzled when their device fails to turn on. Understanding the mechanics of the 'Always On' feature and other troubleshooting steps can help you get your Apple Watch back up and running.

Understanding the Always On Feature

Starting with the Apple Watch Series 5, the 'Always On' feature allows the watch to display the time and other information even when the screen is dimmed. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where looking at the face of the watch is quick and needed frequently. However, this feature is not supported on the Apple Watch SE. The device is designed to automatically dim the screen when the wrist is lowered, or when the screen is covered quickly. To view this information, either raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate it. Once activated, you can control and interact with your Apple Watch as usual.

Troubleshooting Your Apple Watch

If you're experiencing issues with your Apple Watch turning on, here are some steps to troubleshoot the problem:

Reset the Apple Watch

A factory reset of your Apple Watch can help resolve numerous issues, including problems turning it on. Here’s how to do it:

Connect your Apple Watch to your Mac or PC using the USB cable. Open the Apple Watch app on your computer. Go to the "General" settings and tap "Reset Watch." This will reset the watch to its initial state, similar to a new purchase, but without erasing personal data like your watch face.

After the reset, pair your watch with your phone again and perform any necessary updates to ensure proper functionality.

Check the Battery Level

Ensure that the Apple Watch has enough battery to turn on. A low battery can prevent the watch from starting properly. Charge the watch to at least 10% and see if it turns on. If it still doesn't, you may need to take the watch to an authorized service provider.

Reset Network Settings

Network settings can sometimes cause problems with your Apple Watch. Try resetting these settings:

Open the Watch app on your phone. Go to "General" "Reset" "Reset Network Settings."

This will reset your cellular network and Wi-Fi settings. Afterward, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and cellular network.

Managing Always On Settings

If your Apple Watch supports the 'Always On' feature, here's how to manage and optimize it:

Enable or Disable Always On

1. Press the Digital Crown until the home screen appears and tap the Settings app.

2. Tap Always On to turn the feature on or off.

Control What Information is Displayed When Holding Your Wrist Down

1. Open the Settings app on the Apple Watch.

2. Tap the Always On setting.

3. Tap the Show Complication Details, Show Notifications, or Show Apps to enable specific types of information to be displayed when your wrist is lowered.

4. Choose which apps display information on the screen when you hold your wrist down. You can disable category information altogether by using the settings at the top of the screen.

Operating the Watch

When the screen is dimmed, swiping is generally ignored to prevent accidental input. However, you can still perform certain actions even with your wrist lowered:

To open a complication, simply tap on it. To see notifications, swipe down from the top of the screen. To use the Control Center, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. To fully activate the screen, raise your wrist or press the Digital Crown or side button.

By managing these settings and taking these steps, you can ensure that your Apple Watch is functioning as expected, with the 'Always On' feature optimized for your needs.