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How to restart the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

It takes just a few seconds to reboot your new smartwatch.
By
December 14, 2022

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series brings subtle changes to the company’s reliable smartwatch formula. While still based on Wear OS 3, the lineup includes larger batteries, a more scratch-resistant lens, and a nifty skin temperature sensor. But if you’re planning on snagging one, you’ll need to know the basics. Here’s how to restart the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.

QUICK ANSWER

To quickly restart the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, hold down the power and home keys simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears on the screen.

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How to restart the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 in silver color with metal bracelet laying on table top down view
Kris Carlon / Android Authority

If your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is stuck on a particular screen or if the screen fails to respond, you’ll need to know how to restart it quickly. Thankfully, the process is as simple as pressing two buttons.

How to forcibly reboot the Galaxy Watch 5:

  • Find the home and power keys on the right-hand side of the watch, and press both simultaneously. The screen should switch off.
  • Let go of the buttons once the screen lights up and the Samsung logo reappears.
  • This will forcibly reboot the watch.

This method works with the standard model and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. You can also use this method if you own an older Galaxy Watch 4.

If the watch is responsive but you wish to restart it periodically, you can switch the watch off and then on again.

How to reboot the Galaxy Watch 5 through the power shortcut:

  • From your watch’s home screen, scroll down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings shade.
  • Tap on the power shortcut.
  • Tap Power Off, and wait for your watch to shut down.
  • Start it up once more by pressing and holding the power key until the screen lights up.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review

Restarting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 from the Wearables app

You cannot restart your Galaxy Watch 5 through the Samsung Wearables app, and we’re not sure why you’d want to. The process on the watch is simple enough, and even if the screen is stuck, the forcible restart can still be activated using buttons.

You can, however, reset the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 from the Wearables app. Note, that this isn’t the same as restarting the watch. Resetting will delete all personal data, customizations, and settings.

How to reset the Galaxy Watch 5 from the Wearables app:

  • Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone.
  • Tap Watch settings, then scroll down to find the General section. Tap it.
  • Choose Reset from the displayed options.
  • Tap Reset.

Restarting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 from an iPhone?

As you cannot connect your Galaxy Watch 5 to an iPhone, you won’t be able to restart the watch from Apple’s device either. Consider the Apple Watch Series 8 or Garmin Venu 2 Plus if you’re looking for a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 equivalent that can connect to the iPhone.

See also: The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 alternatives


FAQs

Oddly enough, no. There’s no restart shortcut on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.

The easiest way to reset the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is to use the Galaxy Wearable app. Navigate to Watch Settings within the app, then select General. Tap Reset, then Reset again to confirm.

You should reset your Galaxy Watch 5 when you feel the watch is draining its battery too quickly, after uninstalling several apps, or if the device seems sluggish. A restart provides a clean slate from which you can diagnose any additional problems.