A smartwatch that dies at four in the afternoon is just a bracelet. Apple Watch has a feature called low power mode that is meant to stop that from happening, and plenty of owners have never switched it on. This guide covers what low power mode does, how to turn it on, what you give up and a few other habits that keep the battery going.
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What low power mode does
Low power mode trims background activity to save energy. In general terms, it dims or turns off features that use a lot of power, reduces how often the watch checks for new data and may limit some sensors. The exact list depends on your model and software version, and Apple adjusts it over time, so read the description in your own settings rather than trusting an old article.
Commonly affected areas include the always-on display, background heart rate checks, some alerts for irregular heart rhythm and background app refresh. The watch still tells the time, handles notifications and tracks most activity. It simply does less behind the scenes. The Wikipedia article on the Apple Watch gives a useful overview of the device and its history.
How to turn on low power mode
There are two simple routes. On the watch itself, press the side button to open Control Centre, tap the battery percentage and switch on low power mode. You may see a short explanation first. To turn it off, go back to the same screen and switch it off, or let it end after a full charge, depending on your settings.
You can also manage it from the paired iPhone through the Watch app, where battery options are listed. If your version offers a prompt when the battery gets low, accept it. It is a gentle reminder rather than a restriction you cannot undo.
What you give up
Every saving comes from somewhere. With low power mode on, the screen may not stay lit when you lower your wrist, so a quick glance can need a tap or a raise. Some health readings happen less often, and certain background notifications may arrive late. Some features that depend on constant sensor checks may be switched off.
For most people, that is a fair trade on a long day. But if you rely on automatic health alerts, or you are tracking a workout with detailed data, think before you switch it on. Low power mode is a tool for stretching a battery, not something you need every day.
If your watch has a medical purpose for you, such as monitoring a heart condition, speak to your doctor about what settings to use. Do not rely on a smartwatch alone for health decisions. A watch is a helpful companion, not a medical device you can lean on entirely.
When low power mode makes sense
Good moments include a long travel day, a hike where you cannot recharge, a weekend away without a charger or a day when you forgot to charge overnight. It also helps if your battery has aged and no longer lasts as long as it used to.
A smart habit is to turn on low power mode when you leave the house for a long day, not when you are already at five percent. That gives the saving more time to add up.
Some people use it overnight to avoid waking to a flat watch, though sleep tracking features may be limited when it is on. If you use your watch as an alarm or for sleep data, test how it behaves first.
It is worth experimenting for a week. Note what time the battery dies on a normal day, then try the setting on a similar day and compare. Seeing your own numbers tells you far more than any general claim, and it shows whether you need the setting daily or only now and then.
Remember too that heavy features drain the battery quickly whether or not the setting is on. Using GPS for a long run, playing music over the watch’s own connection, or taking many calls will all shorten the day. Plan around those activities if you know a long outing is coming.
Other ways to keep the battery going
Low power mode is not the only lever. Small changes add up.
- Lower the brightness and shorten the time the screen stays on.
- Trim notifications to the apps that really matter.
- Turn off background refresh for apps you rarely open.
- Keep the software updated, since updates often improve battery use.
- Charge in a cool place and avoid leaving the watch hot in the sun.
Over time, every rechargeable battery wears down. If your watch struggles even with low power mode, check the battery health in your settings, and consider an official service check. Our post on how background security updates patch devices explains why keeping software current is worthwhile for both safety and battery life.
If you are still unsure whether a full-featured watch suits you, our piece on the case for a slim, simple smartwatch argues that fewer features can mean longer battery life.
In short, low power mode is a quiet, useful setting. Learn where it lives, know what it turns off and switch it on before the battery gets low. A little planning keeps your watch useful all day.
