How to Turn On Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
To turn on your Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
Power Button Location
The power button is on the right side of the watch case—the top button in the two-button layout. It provides clear tactile feedback when pressed.
First-Time Activation
If this is your first time powering on:
- Press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds
- Wait for the Samsung logo to appear
- Initial boot takes 45-90 seconds as
Wear OS 6initializes - Follow the setup wizard for language, pairing, and configuration
Ensure the watch has at least 20% battery before first activation.
Regular Power On
After initial setup, powering on is faster.
- Standard Power On: Hold power button 3-5 seconds. Takes 10-15 seconds to reach watch face.
- Wake from Sleep: Single press or raise your wrist
- Always-On Display: Shows time continuously when enabled
Using the Rotating Bezel
Once powered on, the rotating bezel is ready for navigation:
- Rotate clockwise/counterclockwise to scroll through menus
- Works immediately after startup
- No setup required—navigation is automatic
Troubleshooting
Watch Won't Turn On:
- Place on charger for 30+ minutes
- Try holding power button for 15+ seconds
- Clean charging contacts with isopropyl alcohol
Watch Freezes During Startup:
- Hold power button for 15+ seconds to force restart
- If persistent, try factory reset via recovery mode
Before First Power On
Have your Android phone ready with the Galaxy Wearable app installed, plus your Google and Samsung account credentials.
See Also: How to Connect Galaxy Watch 8 Classic|How to Reset Galaxy Watch 8 Classic|How to Charge Galaxy Watch 8 Classic