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How to Turn On Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

There are different ways to turn on or wake your Galaxy Watch 5 depending on whether it's completely powered off or just in sleep mode.


Turning On from Powered Off

When your watch is completely shut down:

  1. Press and hold the Home button (top right button) for 2-3 seconds
  2. Release when the Samsung Galaxy Watch logo appears
  3. Wait 30-45 seconds for the watch to boot up
  4. Follow on-screen setup if this is the first time

Waking from Sleep Mode

The watch enters sleep mode to conserve battery. Wake it using any of these methods:

  • Press Home Button: Quick press turns on the screen instantly
  • Raise to Wake: Lift your wrist naturally to check the time (enable in Settings Display Wake-up gesture)
  • Tap Screen: Tap anywhere on the display (enable in Settings Display Tap to wake up screen)

Always-On Display Option

Keep the watch face visible at all times without needing to wake it.

  1. Navigate to Settings Display Always On Display
  2. Toggle on
  3. Optionally set a schedule to limit AOD to certain hours

Always-On Display significantly reduces battery life (30-40% impact) but provides constant time visibility.


Customizing Wake Behavior

Adjust how the watch wakes to match your preferences.

Screen Timeout: Settings Display Screen timeout

Options: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes. Shorter timeout saves battery.

Wake Gestures: Settings Display Wake-up gesture

Enable or disable Raise to Wake and adjust sensitivity.


Troubleshooting: Watch Won't Turn On

If your Galaxy Watch 5 doesn't respond when pressing the Home button:

1. Charge the Watch

  • Battery may be completely drained
  • Place on wireless charging pad for at least 10 minutes
  • Look for the charging indicator on screen

2. Force Restart

  • Press and hold both buttons (Home and Back) simultaneously for 7-10 seconds
  • Release when Samsung logo appears

3. Check Charging Hardware

  • Try a different USB power adapter
  • Clean charging contacts on watch back and charging pad
  • Ensure proper alignment on the charging pad

4. Temperature Check

  • Watch may not turn on if too cold (below 0°C) or too hot (above 45°C)
  • Let watch reach room temperature before trying again

If the watch still won't turn on after 30+ minutes of charging, contact Samsung support for warranty service.


See Also: How to Pair Galaxy Watch 5|How Long Does Battery Last