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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:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds
  2. Wait for the Samsung logo to appear
  3. Initial boot takes 45-90 seconds as Wear OS 6 initializes
  4. 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

See Also: How to Connect Galaxy Watch 8 Classic|How to Reset Galaxy Watch 8 Classic|How to Charge Galaxy Watch 8 Classic