ChrisJ4203

Q: Digital Crown Function


I've experienced some slow response on the digital crown of my Apple Watch. It is only a couple of months old, and I wipe it down nightly. The crown seems to be sticking slightly when I attempt to turn it, and the travel distance when pressing the crown has been severely diminished. I looked up this support document, Get help with the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch - Apple Support and attempted the cleaning process described. While the rotation has improved some, I still find the crown will hardly press in. It can change the screen when I press, but it requires a harder press and feel it will only get worse. Looking at those that have had their devices for a longer period, has anyone seen improvement in this experience, or should I go ahead and seek assistance at the Genius Bar?

Apple Watch, watchOS 2.2.1

Posted on Jun 13, 2016 7:48 AM

Close

Q: Digital Crown Function

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jun 13, 2016 8:01 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 7 (31,021 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 13, 2016 8:01 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Hi Chris

     

    In the first instance, it may help to repeat the same cleaning process (as per the support article) at least one more time.

     

    If the issue persists, I would then certainly suggest that you have your watch checked by Apple.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 13, 2016 8:01 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 9 (57,249 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 13, 2016 8:01 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Thank you Jonathan. I have repeated it, and it just seems as though something got behind it. I've been very careful with the device, removing it if I had to do work where I could possibly sweat and for sure if I might get some dirt around, so I cannot understand what may have happened. But, I will try one more time and then probably make a Genius Bar appointment. I've just gotten so used to wearing it over the last couple of months, and integrating it into my working routine, and if I have to be without it for a period, I'll feel very strange.

  • by Jonathan UK,Solvedanswer

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jun 13, 2016 8:47 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 7 (31,021 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 13, 2016 8:47 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Some users have reported issues with the Digital Crown's seal / o-ring / washer becoming dislodged.

     

    It may be worth keeping an eye out for this when cleaning your watch, just in case the same issue applies and it works loose entirely.

     

    For example:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleWatch/comments/3j1iip/so_my_digital_crown_seal_fel l_out/

    BEWARE of digital crown sticking

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 13, 2016 6:35 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 9 (57,249 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 13, 2016 6:35 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Jonathan,

     

    FYI, I made a trip to the nearest Genius Bar. That was interesting in itself as there were some issues with the Apple Store app, as well as attempting a Genius Bar appointment using the Apple website. We took a chance and were able to get a walk-in appointment. After a wait, the Genius looked at the watch, wrote it up, and said it was going to be sent in. He said when he looked at it under the magnifier, it appeared to him the gasket had dislodged and was preventing the crown from moving smoothly. They would either repair or replace the device, and it should take 3-5 business days. So, I'm without a watch. We did share the information about making a Genius Bar appointment and several employees at the Apple Store tested the app on their devices. It was immediately brought to the Manager's attention and he went in the back to call it in. I was also unable to use Easy Pay in the Apple Store app to make a purchase.

     

    I got home a little bit ago, and upon testing, the Apple Store app is back working again, so I'm not sure if my report helped, but it is working, that is all that matters. Now, I have to deal with not having my watch for a few days. Thanks for your support.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jun 14, 2016 2:24 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 7 (31,021 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 14, 2016 2:24 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    You're welcome! I hope that you're not without a watch for too long.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jun 18, 2016 6:13 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 9 (57,249 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 18, 2016 6:13 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Well, I received a call from Apple on Thursday afternoon that my replacement watch had arrived. I couldn't get up there until today, and arrived before lunch, and got my watch. No problems whatsoever, paired with my phone and restored my backup. Life is good.