Apple Watch Digital Crown stuck or not working? How to fix it

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The Digital Crown turns in a narrow gap. Dust, sand, sunscreen or dried sweat in that gap makes it stiff, gritty or stuck. Apple's own fix is to rinse it with plain water, which the watch is built for.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS and the Apple Watch app on the iPhone.

Step by step

1. Remove cases and films

   Take off any protective case or film. Many press on the crown or leave a rim that blocks it.

   Done

2. Switch the watch off

   Hold the side button, tap the power button on the screen and drag the Power Off slider. Take the watch off the charger. Remove a leather or fabric band that should not get wet.

   Done

3. Rinse the crown

   Hold the Digital Crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water for several seconds. Turn and press the crown the whole time, so the water runs through the gap between crown and case.

   Done

4. Do not use soap or cleaners

   Use plain water only. Soap, cleaning products, compressed air and lubricants can damage the seals.

   Done

5. Dry the watch

   Wipe the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth, also around the crown. Then switch it on and test. Repeat the rinse if the crown still feels gritty.

   Done

6. If it still does not respond

   Restart the watch (how to restart or force restart an Apple Watch). A crown that still fails, works only now and then, or is visibly damaged needs a repair. Arrange it with Apple Support.

   Done

Good to know

Apple gives this rinsing method for all Apple Watch models.

Until the repair you can use AssistiveTouch on the watch for the functions of the crown: on the iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, tap Accessibility, AssistiveTouch.

Rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming in the sea or a pool. Salt and chlorine leave deposits in the crown.

In short: Remove cases, switch off, rinse the crown under warm water while turning and pressing it, no soap, dry, repair if needed.