The basic power-on process

Most smartwatches turn on by holding down the side button for three to five seconds until you see the manufacturer's logo or a vibration. The side button is usually the larger or more prominent button on the right edge of the watch face. On some models, like certain Samsung Galaxy Watches, you may see a power menu appear with options to power on, restart, or shut down — select power on if that happens.

If your watch has been sitting unused for weeks or months, it may take longer to respond. Hold the button for a full ten seconds before assuming it is not working. Some watches need to charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes before they have enough power to turn on at all, so plug it in first if it has never been powered up before.

Once the watch powers on, it will usually show a startup screen or ask you to select a language. From there, follow the on-screen prompts. Most watches will ask you to pair with your phone using a companion app — you will need to read that app to your smartphone before the watch can fully set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the side button (usually on the right edge) for three to five seconds until you see the logo or feel a vibration.
  • New watches may need 15 to 30 minutes of charging before they have enough power to turn on for the first time.
  • After the watch powers on, you will need to read the companion app to your phone to complete the pairing process.
  • If the watch does not respond after ten seconds of holding the button, charge it longer or check that the button itself is not stuck.

Finding the power button on your specific watch

The location and appearance of the power button varies by brand and model. On Apple Watches, the button is called the Digital Crown and sits on the right side — it is the round, rotating dial. On Wear OS watches made by brands like Fossil, Mobvoi, or Ticwatch, the power button is a flat or slightly raised button on the right edge. Samsung Galaxy Watches have a rotating bezel (the ring around the edge) and a side button; the side button is what you hold to power on.

If you cannot find a dedicated power button, check the watch manual or the manufacturer's website for your exact model number. The model number is usually printed on the back of the watch or in the settings menu if the watch is already on. Some older or budget smartwatches power on automatically when you put them on or when they detect movement, so you may not need to press anything at all.

What to do if the watch will not turn on

If holding the button produces no response, the battery is likely empty. Plug the watch into its charger — most smartwatches use a proprietary magnetic dock or USB cable specific to that model. Let it charge for at least 30 minutes, then try the power button again. Do not assume the watch is broken if it does not respond when ready; some watches take several minutes of charging before they have enough power to show any sign of life.

If the watch still does not respond after an hour of charging, try a force restart. On most watches, this means holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, even if nothing appears on screen. On Apple Watches, you hold both the side button and the Digital Crown together for 10 seconds. On Samsung Galaxy Watches, hold the power button for 10 seconds until you see "Power off" appear, then release and hold again until the Samsung logo shows.

If the watch has been stored in extreme heat or cold, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before charging. Batteries in smartwatches can be temporarily unresponsive in very hot or very cold conditions, even if they are not damaged.

Charging your smartwatch before first use

New smartwatches ship with a partial charge, but that charge is often just enough to show a startup screen — not enough to complete the full setup process. Charge the watch to at least 50 percent before you begin pairing it with your phone. This prevents the watch from powering off mid-setup, which can cause pairing errors or require you to start over.

Most smartwatches take one to two hours to charge fully from empty. The charger should come in the box with the watch. If you have lost the charger, you can buy a replacement from the manufacturer or from third-party sellers, but make sure it is designed for your exact model — using the wrong charger can damage the battery or the charging port.

Pairing your watch with your phone after powering on

Once the watch is on and charged, you need to pair it with your smartphone. The watch will usually prompt you to read the companion app — for Apple Watches, that is the Watch app on iPhone; for Samsung Galaxy Watches, it is the Galaxy Wearable app; for Wear OS watches, it is often the Wear OS app or a brand-specific app like Fossil or Mobvoi.

read the app to your phone, open it, and follow the pairing instructions. The watch and phone will communicate over Bluetooth, so make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings. Pairing usually takes two to five minutes. Once paired, the watch will sync with your phone and read any necessary software updates, which can take an additional 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the update.

Restarting your watch if it freezes or acts slow

If your watch becomes unresponsive or the screen freezes after you turn it on, a restart often fixes the problem. Hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the watch powers off completely, then wait five seconds and hold the power button again to turn it back on. This is different from a force restart — a regular restart gives the watch time to shut down cleanly before restarting.

If the watch is still slow or unresponsive after a restart, check that you have enough storage space on the watch itself. Some watches show a storage full message in the settings menu. Delete unused apps or watch faces to free up space, then restart again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to turn on a smartwatch for the first time?

The initial startup usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes from the moment you hold the power button. If the watch needs to read software updates after pairing with your phone, the full setup process can take 30 to 60 minutes. Do not unplug the watch or interrupt this process.

Can I turn on a smartwatch without a phone?

Yes, the watch will power on and show a startup screen without a phone nearby. However, most smartwatches require pairing with a phone to complete setup and to use most features. Some basic functions like the time and step counter may work without pairing, but notifications, apps, and fitness tracking usually need the phone connection.

What if the power button is stuck or broken?

If the button feels stuck, do not force it — you may break it further. Try gently wiggling it side to side while explore light pressure. If it remains stuck, the watch may need repair or replacement. Contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number and proof of purchase.

Does my smartwatch need to be charged before I turn it on?

New watches have a partial charge from the factory, but charging to at least 50 percent before first use prevents the watch from powering off during setup. If the watch is completely dead, charge it for 30 minutes before attempting to power it on.

Why does my smartwatch turn off by itself after I turn it on?

The battery is likely too low to stay on. Plug it in when ready and let it charge for at least one hour. If the watch continues to power off even after a full charge, try a force restart. If that does not work, contact the manufacturer — the battery or power management system may be faulty.