How to Fix Apple Watch SE Won’t Turn On Issue
Have you ever faced the frustrating problem of your Apple Watch SE not turning on? It can be quite alarming, especially if you rely on your watch for various activities throughout the day. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you troubleshoot and fix this issue, so you can get your watch up and running again.
There could be several reasons why your Apple Watch SE won’t turn on, ranging from charging issues to software glitches. In this article, we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting steps to identify the problem and provide solutions to fix it.
Key Takeaways:
- Ensure your Apple Watch SE is properly charged and connected to the charger.
- Try force restarting your watch by pressing and holding the side button and Digital Crown.
- Check for any enabled accessibility features like Voiceover or Screen Curtain that might be preventing the watch from turning on.
- If all else fails, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance and guidance.
Troubleshooting Apple Watch SE Charging Issues
If your Apple Watch SE is experiencing charging issues, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem.
First, ensure that you are using the original or a certified charging cable specifically designed for your Apple Watch SE. Check that the back of your watch and the charging surface are clean and free from any dirt, debris, or moisture.
Inspect the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as cuts or exposed wires, as this could impact the charging process. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace the cable with a new one.
Verify that the power outlet you are using is functioning correctly. One way to test this is by plugging in another device to see if it charges properly. If the power outlet is not working, try using a different outlet or connecting your charger to a computer or other power source.
If none of these steps resolve the issue and your Apple Watch SE is still not charging, you can try a force restart. To do this, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time for at least 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
If your watch still fails to charge after attempting the above troubleshooting steps, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance and help diagnose any underlying issues.
Remember, it is important to address charging issues promptly to ensure you can continue using your Apple Watch SE without interruption.

Dealing with Low Power Mode and Power Reserve Mode
Low Power Mode and Power Reserve Mode are two features on the Apple Watch SE that can affect its functionality and prevent it from turning on. Understanding how these modes work and how to disable them can help you resolve any issues you may encounter.
In Low Power Mode, your Apple Watch SE conserves battery life by limiting certain features. When your watch is in Low Power Mode, the icons, time, and day on the screen will appear in yellow. This mode is useful when you need to prolong the battery life of your watch, but it may affect its performance and prevent it from turning on normally.
Power Reserve Mode, on the other hand, is a power-saving state that activates when your Apple Watch SE’s battery reaches a critically low level. In Power Reserve Mode, the screen goes dark, and only the time is briefly displayed when you press the Digital Crown. This mode allows your watch to conserve power, but it disables most functions and prevents the watch from turning on.
To fix the issue of your Apple Watch SE not turning on after being in Low Power Mode or Power Reserve Mode, you can follow these steps:
- Press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch SE.
- Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Release the side button.
This will disable Low Power Mode or Power Reserve Mode, and your watch should start up normally. If your Apple Watch SE is fully charged but still not turning on, it may indicate another issue, and you should consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Preventing Battery Drain with Low Power Mode
If you frequently find your Apple Watch SE running out of battery, enabling Low Power Mode can help extend its battery life. To enable Low Power Mode on your Apple Watch SE:
- Swipe up on the watch face to open the Control Center.
- Tap the battery percentage at the top of the Control Center.
- Toggle the Low Power Mode switch to the on position.
When Low Power Mode is active, your watch’s battery life will be extended, but some features may be limited or disabled. Keep in mind that disabling Low Power Mode will restore normal functionality to your watch, but it may also result in faster battery drain.

In this image, you can see the Apple Watch SE displaying the icons, time, and day in yellow, indicating that it is in Low Power Mode. Remember to disable Low Power Mode or Power Reserve Mode if you encounter any issues with your Apple Watch SE not turning on.
Disabling Voiceover and Screen Curtain
If your Apple Watch SE is not turning on and you have enabled Screen Curtain or Voiceover, these features may be causing the issue. Screen Curtain is an accessibility feature that turns off the screen display, while Voiceover allows users to operate the watch using voice commands.
To disable Voiceover and Screen Curtain, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Then, navigate to the Accessibility settings and locate the Voiceover option. Simply turn off Voiceover to disable the feature.
If Screen Curtain is turned on, make sure to disable it as well by navigating to the same Accessibility settings and finding the Screen Curtain option. Turn off the Screen Curtain feature to restore the display functionality of your Apple Watch SE.
By disabling Voiceover and Screen Curtain, you should be able to resolve any issues related to these accessibility features preventing your watch from turning on.
Checking for Hardware Issues
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Apple Watch SE is still not turning on, it may indicate a hardware issue. If you have recently dropped your watch or exposed it to water, these incidents could have caused damage that is preventing it from powering on. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an Apple Store or contact Apple support for a diagnostic and repair.
It is important to avoid attempting any DIY repairs or using cheaper alternatives, as they can potentially cause further damage to your device.
Conclusion and Final Steps
After attempting all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, if your Apple Watch SE is still not turning on, it is advised to seek assistance from Apple Support. They have the expertise to provide you with customized solutions and further guidance. Make sure to inform them about the details and steps you have already taken to expedite the troubleshooting process. Apple Support will be able to offer the necessary support and help you resolve the issue with your Apple Watch SE not turning on.
