How to turn on Low Power Mode on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Low Power Mode makes an Apple Watch last much longer on one charge. It is useful on a long travel day or when you forgot the charger. It needs watchOS 9 or later and an Apple Watch Series 4 or later.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Press the side button

   This opens Control Centre.

   Done

2. Tap the battery percentage

   The button shows the current charge, for example 62%.

   Done

3. Switch on Low Power Mode

   Scroll down past the explanation of what will be turned off.

   Done

4. Choose how long

   Tap Turn On to keep it on until the watch is charged to 80%, or Turn On For and pick one, two or three days.

   Done

Good to know

A yellow circle at the top of the screen shows that Low Power Mode is on.

What you give up: the always-on display, background heart rate and blood oxygen readings, irregular rhythm notifications and the automatic start of workout reminders. Notifications may arrive later when the iPhone is not nearby.

Workouts still record heart rate and pace. To save more on long workouts, open Settings on the watch, tap Workout and switch on Low Power Mode there.

In short: Side button, battery percentage, Low Power Mode, Turn On.