Apple Watch won't turn on: Possible reason and fixes for the issue

The Apple Watch not turning on is not a new issue. Many users faced it in the past, and it has now popped up again due to a recent beta update that may have bricked a few Apple Watches. Users are taking it to Reddit and X to check if others are facing a similar issue and to look for possible fixes.

This article will explain the possible reason behind this issue and how you can potentially fix it.

Note: This is an ongoing issue that is subject to change.

Possible reason behind Apple Watch not booting up

Apple Watch Series 10 heart rate monitor service (Image via Apple)

The latest Apple Watch not booting up issue is due to a bad firmware update that was released as a part of watchOS 11.1 beta 3. This update has left some Apple Watch owners in a possibly bricked situation.

User @HalfManHalfTech on X has confirmed this issue with a live example of his Apple Watch. To curb the spread, Apple has pulled the watchOS 11.1 beta 3, but has yet to provide an official solution. Previously, the company did the same with the iPadOS 18.0 for M4 iPads and HomePod Software 18.1 beta 2 for HomePods when they started bricking the two devices.

Another user, @agbara_chisom, commented that Apple's quality control has gone down in recent years, which is not wrong. The number of bugs in Apple's launch software has gone up indeed. One prime example is the launch of iOS 17, which was marred with issues after the launch.

How to possibly fix the Apple Watch not turning on

Here are a few things you can try to fix the Apple Watch's not turning on issue:

Fix 1: Force restart of the Apple Watch

Force restarting has fixed the "Apple Watch not turning on" issue for some users. To do so, you will have to press and hold both the Crown and Side buttons at the same time for about 10 seconds. Don't release the two until you see the Apple logo.

It should be noted that while this method has worked for some users, others have claimed that the fix is temporary and the issue may resurface.

Fix 2: Turn off Low Power Mode

Apple Watch Low Power Mode (Image via Apple)

The Low Power Mode only displays the time when you press the Crown button and nothing else functions, making the Apple Watch seem like it's not powered on. To turn it off, you will have to press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

Fix 3: Exit DFU mode (older Apple Watches only)

Older Apple Watches have a functionality called THE DFU mode, which is often used with the hidden Diagnostic port to check the device for errors. When this is activated, the screen looks completely empty with no way of turning the watch on. One can accidentally enter this mode by pressing and holding both the Crown and Side buttons at the same time during the first boot.

Simply press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds to exit DFU mode and turn it on normally. It's also how you turn on your Apple Watch, but that usually only requires you to hold the Side button for a few seconds. This method requires you to hold it for at least 10 seconds.

Fix 4: Restore the WatchOS via the iBUS device (older Apple Watches only)

Older Apple Watches used to have a hidden port called the Diagnostics port, which can be paired with your Mac or PC's iTunes app to restore the entire WatchOS from the beta version to a stable version. This should fix the issue introduced by the watchOS 11.1 beta 3. However, this requires a custom third-party device called iBUS and other accessories. You can find the detailed guide in the video below.

Please note that the hidden Diagnostics port was removed with the release of the Apple Watch Series 7 and all subsequent iterations.

This concludes the list of all the possible fixes you can try to fix the Apple Watch's not turning on issue. Keep in mind that some fixes, especially the third and fourth, don't work on newer watches like the Apple Watch Series 10. You can try the others out until Apple releases an official fix.