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How to Turn On Galaxy Watch 8

To turn on your Galaxy Watch 8, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the Samsung logo appears on the display.


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 the watch:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds
  2. Wait for the Samsung logo to appear
  3. Initial boot takes 30-60 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. If needed, charge for 30 minutes first.


Regular Power On

After initial setup, powering on is faster.

  • Standard Power On: Hold power button 3-5 seconds. Takes about 10-15 seconds to reach operational state.

  • Wake from Sleep: Single press of the power button or raise your wrist to wake the display.

  • Always-On Display: When enabled, the watch shows time continuously without requiring button activation.


Power Button Functions

The power button does more than just turn on the watch.

  • Single Press: Wakes display or returns to watch face
  • Long Press (3-5 seconds): Powers on/off or shows power menu
  • Hold 10-15 seconds: Force restart when watch is unresponsive

Troubleshooting

If the watch won't turn on:

  • Low Battery: Place on charger for 30+ minutes before retrying
  • Clean Contacts: Wipe charging contacts with isopropyl alcohol
  • Temperature: Allow watch to reach room temperature if extremely hot or cold
  • Force Restart: Hold power button for 15+ seconds if watch appears frozen

See Also: How to Pair Galaxy Watch 8|How to Charge Galaxy Watch 8|Galaxy Watch 8 Not Charging