How to Fix the Not Working Apple Watch Power Button

Common Causes of Power Button Issues

There are a few things that could cause issues with Apple Watch buttons. Unresponsive side buttons can be caused by dirt buildup, protective films or cases that are covering the button, physical damage to the watch, and software glitches.

The first step, if you can’t turn the watch on using the side button, is to check if you need to charge it. It could simply be that the battery is dead. Even if you tried charging it, there could be issues with the charging cable or power outlet preventing the watch from getting charged. You should also make sure there is no protective case or film preventing access to the side button.

But if that doesn’t work, what’s the next step?

Let’s continue with some troubleshooting tips that may help you resolve the issue.

Restarting and Force Restarting the Apple Watch

How to Fix the Not Working Apple Watch Power Button 3 — Restarting and Force Restarting the Apple Watch

The first step is to try to force restart your Apple Watch. To forcefully restart your Apple Watch, you’ll need to hold down both the side button and the Digital Crown for 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears and the Apple Watch reboots.

If this works, it means that there may be some other issue with the side button not being effective at turning your watch on and off, such as a software issue. However, if this doesn’t work, it could mean that the side button is physically damaged or dirty.

Cleaning the Power Button and Digital Crown

If your Apple Watch’s side button is not working, try to clean your Apple Watch’s buttons with a soft cloth. Check for dirt and debris in the cracks – a soft-bristled toothbrush can sometimes help to clear them. If the side button is sticky due to drink spills, moisten the soft cloth ever so slightly and gently try to clean it and get the sticky residue off it.

Updating watchOS to Fix Button Issues

In some cases, updating watchOS can fix button issues if they are caused by software glitches. To update your Apple Watch’s software, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone and go to My Watch > General > Software Update. If you see that an update is available, click on Download and Install.

Unpairing and Re-Pairing the Apple Watch

How to Fix the Not Working Apple Watch Power Button 5 — Unpairing and Re-Pairing the Apple Watch

Sometimes, it helps to erase your Apple Watch and then re-pair the Apple Watch with your iPhone. You’ll want to go to the Settings app on your watch and navigate to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and enter your passcode. Choose to keep your cellular plan (if asked) and erase your watch.

Next, pair the Apple Watch again. Put it on your wrist, turn it on using the side button (if it’s not on yet), and hold the iPhone near your watch until the pairing screen appears on your watch. Click on Set Up for Myself and follow the prompts (you’ll need to position the watch in the viewfinder in your phone’s camera).

This will reset all of the watch’s settings, which could help with some software glitches.

Contacting Apple Support for Hardware Issues

If your watch is up-to-date, you’ve tried erasing and repairing it, and the side button is not dirty, there could be hardware issues preventing the button from working. Contact Apple Support for Apple Watch repair services. A certified technician can fix hardware issues, such as broken buttons.

Conclusion

We hope this Apple Watch troubleshooting guide helped you resolve your power button issues. Remember, Apple Support can always provide assistance when these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue.