Apple Watch stuck on Apple logo and restart screen

Question

Level 1

12 points

Apple Watch stuck on Apple logo and restart screen

Hi everyone,

My son’s Apple Watch (he uses family sharing, and does not have an iPhone yet) has somehow become completely stuck on the black restart screen and white Apple logo, only changing if it gets low on battery. This began in mid-April, and we began troubleshooting (we haven’t really dealt with it since mid-May, but tried again), including pushing both buttons together for over 20 seconds, and it does “restart” like how it is reccommended by Apple, only to go back immediately to the same problem. When it gets low on battery, it goes to the same screen as it usually would if it were working properly — lightning sign and time. The time now is not accurate, I assume because it’s been dead for some time. We let it die a few times to see if that would “restart” it — that did not work. It just seems to be stuck, forever.

Have not wanted to go to Apple Store yet and wanting to see if anyone experienced ANYTHING similar or have any ideas. Been through many charge cycles already.

Apple Watch Series 8, watchOS 11

Posted on Aug 9, 2026 7:37 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ingo2711

Community+ 2026

Level 10

85,615 points

Aug 12, 2026 1:12 AM in response to avishai241

Depending on the age and use of the watch, the battery might be defective and needs to be replaced by Apple.

You should visit an Apple Store or Authorised Apple Service Provider next to your place to let them check the watch.

Apple - Find Locations

Apple Service and Repair for Apple Watch - Apple Support

Since Apple will probably replace the whole watch with the same model and tech specs, the data currently on the watch will be lost.

But, if you set up the watch for a family member, using Apple Watch for Kids, the backup is automatically created when the watch is being charged and connected to Wi-Fi.

This backup can be used to set up the watch after the battery service.

Back up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

brbo

Level 8

42,217 points

Aug 9, 2026 8:27 PM in response to avishai241

Re:"Apple Watch stuck on Apple logo and restart screen"

If you haven't seen it already:

Apple Support's online article (link below) may be helpful:

See why to do: If your Apple Watch is stuck on the Apple logo - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 9, 2026 9:14 PM in response to avishai241

Step 1. Force Restart.

According to Apple:

To force restart your Apple Watch, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release both buttons when you see the Apple logo ().

Step 2. Reset Watch.

How to reset your Apple Watch:

Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.
Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off.
Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings.
Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.

NOTE — Erasing all content and settings erases all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock, unpair the watch first. Before your watch is erased, a backup of its contents is created on your iPhone.

Step 3. Connect Watch.

Then make sure both devices are in close proximity with the following settings:

AirPlane turned off
WiFi turned on
Bluetooth turned on

Click ▶︎ Connect/Pair your Watch for detailed instructions.

Need more help?

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Reply

Answer 4

avishai241 Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 10, 2026 2:32 PM in response to Smilin-Brian

We have tried to force restart dozens of times… would the reset fully erase everything? Is there any other way around that to not lose everything (or is it already lost)?

Reply