The quickest way to restart your Galaxy Watch Ultra
A restart clears temporary files and stops frozen apps without erasing your data or settings. On the Galaxy Watch Ultra, you have two options: a soft restart (which takes 30 seconds) or a hard restart (which takes longer but works when the watch is completely unresponsive).
For a soft restart, hold the power button on the right side of the watch for about 10 seconds until you see the power menu appear on the screen. Tap "Power off" and wait for the watch to shut down completely. Once the screen goes dark, hold the power button again for 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears. Release the button and let the watch boot back up—this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.
If your watch is frozen and won't respond to button presses, skip ahead to the hard restart section below.
Key Takeaways
- A soft restart takes 30 seconds and fixes most freezing or lag problems without losing any of your data.
- Hold the power button on the right side for 10 seconds to bring up the power menu, then select "Power off".
- A hard restart works when the watch is completely unresponsive and requires holding two buttons at once for 10 to 15 seconds.
- After any restart, your watch will take 30 to 60 seconds to boot up; do not interrupt it by pressing buttons during this time.
When to use a soft restart
A soft restart is your first choice for most problems. Use it when an app is frozen, the watch is running slowly, the touchscreen is not responding, or the watch will not connect to your phone. A soft restart closes all running apps and clears the watch's temporary memory without touching your saved data, contacts, or settings.
After the restart completes, your watch will reconnect to your phone automatically if Bluetooth is turned on. You do not need to re-pair the watch or sign into any accounts again.
How to do a hard restart when the watch is unresponsive
If the watch is completely frozen and the power button does not work, a hard restart forces the system to shut down and restart. This works even when the screen is black or the watch appears dead.
Hold down both the power button (on the right side) and the back button (on the left side) at the same time. Keep both buttons pressed for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the screen flash or vibrate, which means the restart is happening. Release both buttons and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the watch to boot up. Do not press any buttons during this time.
A hard restart does not erase your data, settings, or apps. It only forces the system to shut down and start fresh, just like unplugging a computer and plugging it back in.
What to do if the watch still will not turn on
If the watch remains black or unresponsive after a hard restart, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the watch into its charging dock and let it charge for at least 15 minutes before trying to turn it on again. The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a magnetic charging dock—align the back of the watch with the dock until you see a charging indicator on the screen.
If the watch still does not respond after 30 minutes of charging, try the hard restart again while the watch is on the charger. Leave it plugged in during the restart process.
Restarting without losing your data
Both a soft restart and a hard restart preserve all your data. Your watch apps, settings, health data, and any downloaded content remain on the device. The only thing that changes is that all running apps close and the system refreshes.
If you want to completely erase the watch and start fresh (for example, before selling it or giving it away), that is a factory reset, which is a different process. A restart is not the same as a factory reset.
What to expect after the restart
After your watch restarts, it will take 30 to 60 seconds to fully boot up. During this time, you will see the Samsung logo and possibly a loading animation. The watch may vibrate once or twice when it is ready to use.
Once the watch is fully on, it will automatically reconnect to your phone if Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. If it does not reconnect within a minute, open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone and check that Bluetooth is on. You may need to toggle Bluetooth off and on again on your phone to force a reconnection.
When to restart versus when to contact Samsung
A restart fixes most common problems: freezing, lag, apps crashing, and connection issues. If the problem returns after a restart, or if the watch has physical damage (cracked screen, water damage, or buttons that do not click), contact Samsung support.
You can reach Samsung support through the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone by going to Settings > About > Send feedback, or visit Samsung's support website. Have your watch model number and the date the problem started ready when you contact them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a restart erase my health data or fitness records?
No. A restart does not touch any of your saved data. Your step count, heart rate history, workouts, and all other health information stay on the watch. Only the apps that are currently running close.
How often should I restart my Galaxy Watch Ultra?
You do not need to restart regularly. Only restart when you notice a problem like freezing, lag, or connection issues. Most people restart once every few months or when troubleshooting a specific problem.
What is the difference between a soft restart and a hard restart?
A soft restart uses the power menu and is gentler on the system. A hard restart forces the system to shut down by holding two buttons and works when the watch is completely unresponsive. Both preserve your data.
Can I restart my watch while it is charging?
Yes. You can perform a soft restart or hard restart while the watch is on the charger. In fact, if the battery is very low, charging first may help the restart process work more smoothly.
Why does my watch take so long to restart?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra typically takes 30 to 60 seconds to boot up after a restart. If it takes longer than two minutes, the restart may not have completed successfully. Try the hard restart again and wait the full time without pressing buttons.