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:
- Press and hold the Home button (top right button) for 2-3 seconds
- Release when the Samsung Galaxy Watch logo appears
- Wait 30-45 seconds for the watch to boot up
- 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
SettingsDisplayWake-up gesture) - Tap Screen: Tap anywhere on the display (enable in
SettingsDisplayTap to wake up screen)
Always-On Display Option
Keep the watch face visible at all times without needing to wake it.
- Navigate to
SettingsDisplayAlways On Display - Toggle on
- 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.
First-Time Setup
Charge your new watch to at least 50% before initial setup. Have the Galaxy Wearable app installed and your Samsung account credentials ready. Initial setup takes 15-20 minutes including sync.
See Also: How to Pair Galaxy Watch 5|How Long Does Battery Last