Apple Watch Stuck in Recovery Mode? 7 Easy Fixes That Work!

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Apple Watch Stuck in Recovery Mode

If your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode, it can feel like a nightmare. You power it on, only to see the recovery screen that refuses to go away. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many Apple Watch users face this issue, and the good news is that it can often be fixed without too much hassle. In this guide, you’ll discover why your Apple Watch gets stuck in recovery mode and the step-by-step fixes that actually work.

Why Is My Apple Watch Stuck in Recovery Mode?


Before you jump into solutions, it helps to know why your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode in the first place. Some common causes include:

  • A failed software update

  • Interrupted pairing with your iPhone

  • Corrupted watchOS installation

  • Attempted restore that didn’t complete

  • Rare hardware or system glitch

Understanding the cause makes it easier to try the right fix for your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode.

7 Fixes for Apple Watch Stuck in Recovery Mode


1. Force Restart Your Apple Watch

Sometimes, the simplest trick works. If your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode, try a force restart.

  • Hold the Side button and Digital Crown together.

  • Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

This quick restart often kicks the watch out of recovery mode.

2. Update watchOS Using iPhone

A failed update is one of the biggest reasons your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode. Try re-updating it via your iPhone.

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

  • Go to General > Software Update.

  • Install the latest watchOS version.

If the update goes through, your Apple Watch should exit recovery mode automatically.

3. Unpair and Re-Pair Your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode persists, unpairing can help.

  • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.

  • Tap All Watches > (i) > Unpair Apple Watch.

  • Pair it again as a new device.

This wipes the current setup but often resolves the issue.

4. Use Apple Watch System Recovery Tool (macOS Monterey or Later)

Apple added a special tool for watches running watchOS 8.5 or later. If your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode, you can recover it using a Mac:

  • Connect your Apple Watch to the charger.

  • Bring your iPhone near it.

  • Follow the on-screen recovery instructions.

This official method is one of the most reliable solutions.

5. Try a Different Charger or Cable

Believe it or not, your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode may be due to charging issues. If the watch isn’t getting enough power, recovery mode can loop. Try:

6. Restore via Finder (Mac)

If nothing else works, you may need to restore your Apple Watch with a Mac.

  • Connect your Apple Watch to your Mac.

  • Open Finder and locate the watch.

  • Choose Restore.

This will reinstall watchOS from scratch and should fix the problem of your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode.

7. Contact Apple Support

If your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode after all the above fixes, the issue may be hardware-related. In that case, visiting an Apple Store or contacting Apple Support is the safest route.

Final Thoughts

Having your Apple Watch stuck in recovery mode is frustrating, but it’s not the end of your watch. Most of the time, a force restart, software update, or re-pairing solves the problem. If not, Apple’s recovery tools or support can help.

👉 If you found this guide helpful, you’ll also want to read our blog on Apple Watch Recovery Mode for a complete overview of how recovery mode works and when to use it.

With these solutions, you can get back to enjoying your Apple Watch without the recovery screen standing in your way.







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