How to Fix Apple Watch Black Screen or Not Turning on?

No technology is flawless. Experiencing Apple Watch black screen or not turning on can feel like having a pen in hand with no ink. If you are experiencing the Apple Watch black screen issue or you know someone, then this article is for you.

Why is My Apple Watch Screen Black?

Numerous factors can cause your Apple Watch to become stuck on a black screen. Some include:

• A low battery or a completely drained battery.
• Complex settings of the Apple Watch can sometimes cause it to become unresponsive, display a black screen, or appear to be non-functional.
• A black screen could indicate a strong likelihood of a problem either in the hardware or software components of your Apple Watch.
• Apple Watch’s black screen could also be a sign that your Watch may need an IOS update due to the presence of certain bugs affecting its performance.
• If you have recently updated your Watch, be sure to double-check the update as it could be the cause of the complication.
• Water or moisture could be the culprit. While Apple products are generally advertised as waterproof, they may not always be completely resistant to moisture, leaving the possibility of water damage.  
• The hardware may have accumulated dirt or dust. This could lead to the infiltration of the particles into your Apple Watch and cause disruptions and malfunction.

1.1 Apple Watch Black Screen of Death

The Apple Watch black screen of death, also known as the death screen, is a problem that impacts many Apple Watch users. It can occur due to various factors such as a drained battery, complex settings, or other issues with the hardware or software. Thankfully, there is a simple and effective solution to this problem which involves attempting a forced restart. To initiate this restart, one must simultaneously press and hold both the Digital Crown and the Side button for about 30 seconds. Once the Apple logo appears on the screen, release the buttons and patiently wait for the watch to restart in its usual manner.

1.2 Apple Watch Screen Black but Still Vibrates

In a situation where your watch is vibrating but not displaying notifications, your watch could be in Theater Mode. To resolve this, try restarting both your watch and iPhone. If you have tried that and it doesn’t work, additionally adjusting the brightness and text size settings on your Apple Watch may help resolve any display issues. If your Apple Watch suddenly goes black but continues to vibrate, you can attempt a force restart by pressing and holding the side button and crown simultaneously. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to unpair and then re-pair your watch with your iPhone.

1.3 Apple Watch Screen Not Turning on

Another scenario is when your Apple watch screen refuses to turn on. When you experience Apple Watch not turning on, it could be that the battery is completely drained. Also, it may indicate that your battery is running low and as a result, the watch has activated Power Reserve mode. When in this mode, the watch conserves power by only displaying the time when you press the side button. This feature is designed to prolong the battery life as much as possible. To return your watch to its normal functioning mode, you will need to press and hold the side button. However, before doing so, it is advisable to charge your watch fully.

1.4 Apple Watch Charged but Not Turning on

If your Apple Watch is fully charged but still not turning on or unresponsive, you can attempt to force restart it by simultaneously pressing and holding down the Digital Crown and side button for a few seconds. Another option is to press these two buttons in quick succession multiple times to see if that triggers a response from the device.

1.5 Apple Watch Black Screen With Apple

There are several potential reasons for a black screen with the Apple logo on an Apple Watch or Apple Watch stuck on apple logo. These include a drained battery, an inadequate or incompatible charger, the activation of Power Reserve Mode, a frozen display, or stuck buttons. To resolve this issue and restore functionality to the Apple Watch, one can attempt a force restart or repeatedly press the Digital Crown and power button.

1.6 Apple Watch Won’t Force Restart Black Screen

Force restart is a mechanism that is designed to help restore the functionality of your device. Suppose you are unable to resolve the Apple Watch black screen issue by force restart, then you need support from Apple. You’ll probably need to book an appointment at the Apple Store Genius Bar for a thorough assessment and to explore possible solutions.

How to Fix Apple Watch Black Screen of Death?

1. Charge Your Apple Watch

To charge your Apple Watch, simply place the magnetic charging cable beneath the watch and wait for the chime sound, which indicates that the watch is now charging.

2. Do A Force Restart of Your Apple Watch

If you encounter the problem of the Apple Watch screen going black and becoming unresponsive, it is possible that the device has entered a frozen state. Performing a force restart would be handy.

3. Try Charging Your Watch on the Computer

If you intend to charge your Apple Watch using a computer, it is advisable to only connect it to a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port. Otherwise, the likelihood of charging successfully will decrease. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the laptop or computer remains active throughout the charging process.

4. Switch Off the Power Reserve Mode

Confirm whether the power reserve mode is turned off. The power reserve mode on the Apple Watch is specifically created to conserve battery life by shutting down all non-essential functions and processes. In this mode, the Watch essentially becomes a dormant device, saving power for when it is needed most.

5. Update Your iOS Version

Sometimes, simply updating your iOS can fix some bugs and minor problems. To resolve the issue of the Apple Watch being stuck in a non-functional state or displaying a black screen, one potential solution could be to update the device to the most recent iOS software version. This action has the potential to restore the Apple Watch’s functionality and eliminate the occurrence of the black screen problem.

6. Switch Off the Screen Curtain Option

At times, Apple Watch dark screen may appear indicating that you have unknowingly activated the screen curtain Accessibility mode. To deactivate this mode, navigate to the General settings, select Accessibility, then choose Voiceover and disable the screen curtain option. This simple adjustment will restore the normal display on your Apple Watch.

7. Erase All The Settings and Content

If you have tried all the above-mentioned, then you may want to erase all settings and content. In an ideal scenario, this option is not the most desirable solution, but it could potentially assist you in restoring the functionality of your Watch. Since none of the other options seem to be effective, completely wiping all data and settings is likely to provide a solution.

9. Visit The Apple Store

If you have exhausted all possible solutions and still can’t resolve the issue, it is better advised to pay a visit to an Apple Store. This will provide you with the opportunity to have your device thoroughly inspected by knowledgeable technology experts.