Your Apple Watch side button is not working and you’re not sure why. Every time you try to press the button, nothing happens. In this article, I’ll explain why your Apple Watch side button is stuck or not working and show you how to fix the problem!
Why is Apple Watch Side Button Not Working?
- The Apple Watch case is causing interference with the Side button.
- A significant amount of dirt has accumulated around the side button.
- Physical damage.
- A software glitch that’s causing the side button to be unresponsive.
If your side button is completely damaged, then taking it for repair is the only option. But if it is stuck, slow, or working intermittently, here’s how to fix it.
The information in this article apply to the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
How to Fix Apple Watch Side Button Not Working
1. Remove protective film or case from your Apple Watch
Try removing any protective films or cases that might block the side button and pressing the side button — is it working now? If it is, you’ll probably need to swap out your case. If the side button still isn’t working, keep reading!
2. Is The Button Stuck Or Can You Press It Down?
There are two distinct types of side button problems on an Apple Watch. Either the Apple Watch side button is stuck and you can’t press it at all, or the side button isn’t stuck, but when you press it, nothing happens!
If your Apple Watch side button is stuck and you can’t press it, you’ll probably have to get it repaired.
If you can press down your Apple Watch side button, but nothing happens when you do, it’s possible you’re dealing with a software problem. Anytime you press a button on your Apple Watch, it’s the software that decides whether or not something happens on the screen! To try and fix a minor software glitch, restart your Apple Watch.
Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch then go to Settings -> General -> Shut Down. Swipe the power icon left to right across slide to power off to turn off your Apple Watch. To turn your Apple Watch back on, place it on it’s charger — it’ll turn back on shortly after.
3. Clean the side button
Check for debris or dirt around the side button and clean your Apple Watch. Here’s how:
- Hold the Apple Watch under a faucet running lukewarm water.
- Repeatedly press the side button for 15-30 seconds.
- Dry off your Apple Watch using a soft cloth.
It’s also a good idea to eject water from your Apple Watch’s speakers if your side button begins working. Swipe up from the bottom of the touch screen to bring up the Control Center, tap the Water Lock icon, and press and hold the Digital Crown until the device finishes chiming.
4. Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch
If the side button is not responding because of watchOS bugs or other system abnormalities, go ahead and erase your Apple Watch using your iPhone. Once that’s done, you can pair it again.
- With your Watch in range of your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Select the My Watch tab.
- Tap All Watches.
- Tap the info button next to your Apple Watch.
- Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
- Type your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock, then tap Unpair.
Now, pair your Apple Watch to an iPhone using the built-in Watch app like you did the first time after purchasing it.
5. Make Sure Your Apple Watch software is updated
Apple regularly releases watchOS updates to fix known bugs and introduce new settings and features. Your Apple Watch side button may be unresponsive because your watch is running an outdated version of watchOS.
To update your Apple Watch, launch the Watch app on your iPhone and go to General -> Software Update. Tap Download and Install if a watchOS update is available.
6. Getting The Apple Watch Side Button Repaired
If your Apple Watch side button still isn’t working, is damaged, or works intermittently, you can set up a repair. When you’re ready to get the side button repaired, you have a couple of great options. If you have AppleCare , schedule an appointment at your local Apple Store’s Genius Bar.
Apple Watch Side Button: Fixed!
You’ve successfully fixed your Apple Watch side button, or you’ve chosen a great repair option. Next time your Apple Watch side button is stuck or not working, you’ll know exactly how to fix the problem! If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below!