How to Enable Low Power Mode on Apple Watch
In watchOS 9, Apple added a new power saving mode for Apple Watch Series 4 and later, which Apple touts will extend your device’s battery life beyond the usual lifespan of “up to 18 hours” on a single charge with normal use. Read on to learn how the feature works and how to enable it.
For several years, many Apple Watch fans have been clamoring for a new model that offers significantly more battery life than “up to 18 hours,” the lifespan Apple has been touting since the launch of the first Apple Watch model.
In 2022, Apple finally answered those calls with the Apple Watch Ultra, which offers up to 36 hours of battery life with normal use on a single charge.
To be honest, the Apple Watch Ultra is quite a niche device with a lot more features (and a significantly higher price) than the average user will need, but the good news is that with watchOS 9 Apple is also introducing a new Low Power has mode for Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models that can breathe more life into these more commonly used devices.
The new battery saver mode differs from Apple Watch’s existing battery reserve mode, which only shows the watch when it’s on. It’s also important to know that the new battery saver mode works by disabling or interfering with a number of specific features on the Apple Watch that we detail below. Read the list carefully so you know what doesn’t work when the mode is on. The steps to enable power save mode for general use and workouts are below.
Features disabled in power save mode
- Always on display
- Heart rate alerts for irregular rhythm, high heart rate and low heart rate
- Heart rate measurements in the background
- Background measurements of blood oxygen
- Start training reminder
Functions disabled when iPhone is not nearby
- Wi-Fi and cellular connections
- Incoming calls and notifications
Functions affected by the energy saving mode
- A call can take longer
- Background app refresh is less frequent
- Complications are updated less often
- Siri may take longer to process a request
- Some animations and scrolling may appear less smooth
Note that fall detection still works in sleep mode.
How to turn on battery saver mode on Apple Watch
When your Apple Watch’s battery percentage drops to 10%, Battery Saver will ask you if you want to turn on the feature. Note that battery saver mode is automatically turned off when an Apple Watch is 80% charged unless users manually turn it on for a set number of days. Keep in mind that low-power mode can turn on automatically when you start exercising, while still measuring metrics like heart rate and pace.
How to manually enable the feature on an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 9 or later.
- Swipe up on your Apple Watch face to bring up Control Center.
- Tap the Battery Percent Button.
- Tap the switch next to Low power mode.
- After reading the on-screen prompt, scroll down and select one of the following options: turn on, Switch on for…and Deny.
- If you tapped Turn on for…, select On for 1 day, On for 2 daysor On for 3 days on the second screen.
When your Apple Watch is in sleep mode, you’ll see a yellow circle icon at the top of the screen. Also, the battery percentage button in Control Center, the charging animation, and the time in bedside mode will turn yellow.
How to activate sleep mode for workouts
You can also set your Apple Watch to automatically go into sleep mode when you start a workout, which is especially useful if you plan on exercising for a long time without draining the battery. Note that metrics like heart rate and pace are still measured when you’re using the Exercise app in sleep mode.
- start the settings App on your Apple Watch.
- Scroll down and then tap Work out.
- Tap the switch next to Low power mode to enable automation.
Note that if Low Power Mode is on without your iPhone nearby and you open an app that requires a data connection, the Wi-Fi or cellular connection will resume in order for the app to function properly, resulting in a ” Significant battery drain” can lead to Apple. Also, keep in mind that missed calls and notifications will be retrieved periodically when your Apple Watch is in sleep mode.