Smartwatch Not Turning On? Here Are 7 Reasons Why (and How to Fix It)

If your smartwatch is not turning on, this is the only guide you need to read.

I’m going to explain each and every reason why your smartwatch is not turning on.

Plus, I’ll also help you troubleshoot your smartwatch so that you can get rid of this problem.

So, let’s get started.

Common Reasons for a Smartwatch Not Turning On

Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it’s important to figure out the main reason behind your smartwatch not turning on. 

Don’t worry, I’m here to help you with that.

Let’s explore a few common reasons why a smartwatch may not be turning on. 

Take a look and see if you can find your reason among them.

1. Battery Issues

One of the most common reasons why a smartwatch fails to turn on is often related to battery-related issues. 

Smartwatches, like any other electronic device, rely on a power source to function properly. 

And here are some specific scenarios to consider:

I. Low or Drained Battery

If your smartwatch doesn’t turn on, it’s possible that the battery is simply low or completely drained. 

Smartwatches require regular charging, especially if you use power-intensive features like heart rate monitoring or GPS tracking. 

In such cases, connecting the smartwatch to a charger and allowing it to charge for a sufficient amount of time should resolve the issue.

II. Faulty Battery

In some instances, the battery itself might be faulty, preventing the smartwatch from turning on. 

Over time, batteries can degrade or develop defects, resulting in decreased performance or complete failure. 

If you’ve ruled out a drained battery and the watch still doesn’t power on even after charging, it’s worth considering the possibility of a faulty battery. 

In such cases, contacting the manufacturer’s customer support or authorized service center is recommended for further assistance and potential battery replacement.

III. Charging Mechanism Problems

Another battery-related issue that can hinder a smartwatch from turning on is a problem with the charging mechanism. 

This can include a faulty charging cable, a damaged charging port on the smartwatch, or poor connectivity between the two. 

It’s advisable to check the charging cable for any visible signs of damage or try using a different cable to eliminate the possibility of a faulty connection. 

Additionally, inspect the charging port on the smartwatch for any debris, dirt, or corrosion that might be impeding the charging process. 

Cleaning the port gently with a soft, dry cloth or compressed air can help ensure proper contact and charging.

Remember, battery-related issues are common, but they are often easy to address. 

By considering the charge level, inspecting the battery and charging components, you can troubleshoot and resolve many smartwatch power-related problems.

Related: How to improve smartwatch battery life

2. Software or Firmware Issues

Problems with the software or firmware of a smartwatch can disrupt its normal functioning and lead to issues with powering on. 

Software and firmware are responsible for managing the smartwatch’s operations and user interface. 

Here are two common scenarios to consider:

I. System Crash or Freeze

Just like any other electronic device, smartwatches can experience system crashes or freezes. 

This can occur due to various factors, such as memory overload, software conflicts, or unexpected errors. 

When a system crash or freeze happens, the smartwatch may become unresponsive or fail to boot up properly. 

In such cases, performing a hard reset or reboot can often help resolve the issue. 

This typically involves pressing and holding the power button for an extended period, which forces the smartwatch to restart.

II. Failed Software Update

Smartwatches often receive software updates to enhance performance, introduce new features, or fix bugs. 

However, sometimes these updates can encounter errors or interruptions, resulting in an incomplete installation or a corrupted software/firmware version. 

When a software update fails or gets interrupted, the smartwatch may not be able to start up correctly or may get stuck in a boot loop. 

To address this, you can try connecting the smartwatch to a computer and checking for software updates through the manufacturer’s official software management tool. 

Alternatively, you may need to follow specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to reinstall the firmware or seek professional assistance if the issue persists.

In both cases, software and firmware issues can often be resolved through troubleshooting steps provided by the manufacturer. 

This may involve resetting the smartwatch, updating the software, or reinstalling the firmware.

By addressing software and firmware-related problems, you can potentially restore your smartwatch’s functionality and ensure it turns on as intended.

Related: Smartwatch OS explained

3. Hardware Problems

Sometimes, the problem with a smartwatch not turning on can be attributed to physical issues with its hardware components. 

Here are two common scenarios to consider:

I. Defective Power Button

The power button is a crucial component that initiates the startup process of a smartwatch. 

If the power button is defective or malfunctioning, pressing it may not have any effect on powering on the smartwatch. 

This can happen due to wear and tear over time, a manufacturing defect, or physical damage. 

When the power button fails to function, it can be frustrating as it prevents the smartwatch from starting up. 

In such cases, it’s advisable to seek assistance from the manufacturer’s customer support or an authorized service center to assess and potentially repair or replace the faulty power button.

II. Water Damage or Moisture-related Issues

Smartwatches are often designed to be water-resistant or waterproof to a certain degree. 

However, if the watch has been exposed to excessive moisture or submerged in water beyond its rated capabilities, it can lead to internal component damage. 

Water damage can cause short circuits, corrosion, or other electrical issues, resulting in the smartwatch not turning on. 

If you suspect water damage, it’s crucial to refrain from attempting to power on the device as it can potentially worsen the damage. 

Instead, remove the watch from water immediately, dry it thoroughly, and contact the manufacturer’s customer support for guidance on how to proceed. 

They may recommend sending the device for professional inspection and repair.

Hardware-related issues can be challenging to address on your own, especially without technical expertise or access to specialized tools. 

Therefore, it’s best to rely on the manufacturer’s support or authorized service centers to diagnose and resolve hardware-related problems. 

They have the knowledge and resources to repair or replace faulty components, ensuring your smartwatch can turn on and function properly again.

Related: Best water resistant smartwatches

These are the general categories of reasons why a smartwatch may not turn on.

Keep in mind that specific cases may vary, and troubleshooting steps will depend on the make and model of the smartwatch.

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that you may have identified the main reason why your smartwatch is not turning on, it’s time to troubleshoot and get it up and running again. 

Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the process. 

Let’s get started.

1. Check the Battery 

Ensure that the smartwatch has sufficient battery power or isn’t completely drained. 

Connect it to a charger and allow it to charge for a while. 

Check for any debris or corrosion on the battery contacts and clean them if necessary. 

If the battery is faulty, consider contacting customer support or seeking professional assistance for battery replacement.

2. Perform a Hard Reset or Reboot

Try performing a hard reset or reboot on your smartwatch. 

This involves pressing and holding the power button for an extended period (usually 10-15 seconds) until the device restarts. 

This can help resolve issues related to software crashes or freezes.

3. Update or Reinstall Software/Firmware

Connect your smartwatch to a computer and check for available software updates through the manufacturer’s official software management tool. 

If an update is available, follow the instructions to update the software/firmware. 

If the smartwatch doesn’t respond or turn on, consider reinstalling the firmware following the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Inspect for Physical Damage

Check your smartwatch for any visible physical damage, such as cracks, water exposure, or other signs of damage. 

If you notice any damage, contact customer support or seek professional assistance for repair options.

5. Contact Customer Support

If the troubleshooting steps mentioned above don’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support. 

They can provide specific guidance based on your smartwatch model and offer further assistance or repair options.

6. Warranty Coverage

Determine if your smartwatch is still covered under warranty. 

Review the warranty terms and conditions to understand the repair or replacement options available to you. 

If the smartwatch is within the warranty period, contact the manufacturer or authorized service center for warranty-related support.

Important Factors to Consider

While we have discussed some common reasons why a smartwatch may not turn on and their troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to remember that every smartwatch is unique, and specific cases may vary. 

Additionally, different makes and models of smartwatches can have their own intricacies and troubleshooting methods.

Here’s why it’s important to consider these factors:

1. Unique designs and features

Smartwatches come in different styles (e.g., round smartwatches, square smartwatches and have different things they can do. 

Each smartwatch brand makes their smartwatch with their own parts and software, so they may turn on and work differently. 

For instance, some smartwatches need you to press certain buttons together to reset them, while others need to be connected to a computer to update their software. 

To know exactly what to do with your smartwatch, it’s important to read the manual or support documents that come with it.

2. Manufacturer-specific Troubleshooting Steps

Manufacturers usually give you instructions for fixing problems with your smartwatch. 

These instructions help you with common issues, software or firmware problems, and hardware troubleshooting. 

When you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you have a better chance of fixing the problem because they are tailored to your specific smartwatch model.

3. Online Communities and Forums

Online communities and forums are also helpful for fixing smartwatch problems. 

These platforms connect people who use smartwatches, and they can share their experiences and give advice on how to solve similar problems. 

By participating in these communities, you can learn about troubleshooting methods that have worked for other people with the same smartwatch as yours. 

Remember, it’s important to be patient and persistent when fixing electronic devices. 

Even if the problem seems difficult at first, don’t give up. 

Take your time to explore the resources available to you and seek help from experts if needed. 

With perseverance and guidance, you can often find a solution and resolve the issue successfully.

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, these are the reasons why your smartwatch is not turning on:

Now, diagnose the issue and follow my troubleshooting steps to resolve the situation.

But before you go, here are some additional resources to help you become a pro smartwatch user.

• What is DND mode in smartwatch
• How to wear a smartwatch properly
• How to remove scratches from smartwatch

Frequently Asked Questions