Are you having trouble getting your smartwatch to wake up when you raise your wrist? It’s a common issue but don’t worry, it’s usually an easy fix. This article will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem of your wake on wrist raise feature not working. Let’s dive into the solution!
Wake on Wrist Raise Not Working: Step by Step Tutorial
Before you start panicking that your smartwatch is broken, let’s go through some simple steps that might just do the trick. This tutorial will guide you through the process of getting your watch to wake up with a flick of the wrist like it’s supposed to.
Step 1: Check if the feature is enabled
Make sure that the wake on wrist raise feature is actually turned on in your watch’s settings.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. Dive into your watch settings and look for a feature that might be called "Wake Screen on Wrist Raise" or something similar. If it’s off, turn it on and give your wrist a flick to test it out.
Step 2: Restart your watch
If the feature is turned on already, try restarting your watch to see if that fixes the issue.
Like with many tech gadgets, a good old restart can work wonders. Press and hold the side button on your watch until you see the option to power off. Slide to power off, wait for a bit, and then turn it back on. Sometimes, that’s all it takes!
Step 3: Update your watch’s software
Outdated software can sometimes cause features to stop working, so make sure your watch is running the latest version.
Check for updates in your watch’s settings. If there’s an update available, go ahead and install it. This could resolve any bugs or glitches causing the wake on wrist raise feature to malfunction.
Step 4: Check for physical obstructions
Make sure nothing is covering the watch’s sensors, as this could prevent it from detecting your wrist movement.
You’d be surprised how often a sleeve or a bit of dirt can interfere with your watch’s sensors. Give your watch a good clean and roll up those sleeves to make sure nothing’s getting in the way.
Step 5: Reset your watch to factory settings
If none of the above steps work, you may need to reset your watch to its factory settings.
This is the nuclear option, so use it as a last resort. Resetting to factory settings will erase all your data, so make sure to back up anything important first. Then, head into your settings to find the reset option.
After you complete these steps, your watch should be waking up on wrist raise like it’s brand new. If the problem persists, it might be time to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Tips for Wake on Wrist Raise Not Working
- Make sure your watch is snug on your wrist, as a loose fit can affect the sensors’ ability to detect movement.
- If you’re wearing gloves, try taking them off as they may block the sensors.
- Check if there’s a Do Not Disturb or Theater Mode enabled that might be preventing the screen from waking.
- If you have a screen protector on your watch, ensure that it’s not covering any of the sensors.
- Consider if a recent app you’ve installed might be causing conflicts with the wake on wrist raise feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my smartwatch wake when I raise my wrist?
It could be due to a feature being disabled, a software glitch, a physical obstruction, or a need for a restart. Follow the steps in this tutorial to troubleshoot.
How can I test if the wake on wrist raise feature is working?
After ensuring the feature is enabled, quickly flick your wrist upwards as if you were checking the time. Your watch’s screen should light up.
Can a software update fix my wake on wrist raise issue?
Yes, sometimes software updates include fixes for bugs that might be affecting your watch’s features, including wake on wrist raise.
Will resetting my watch to factory settings delete my data?
Yes, resetting to factory settings will erase all data on your watch. Make sure to back up any important information before doing so.
What should I do if none of these steps work?
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and the feature still isn’t working, it might be time to contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.
Summary
- Check if the wake on wrist raise feature is enabled in your watch’s settings.
- Restart your watch to see if it resolves the issue.
- Update your watch’s software to the latest version.
- Ensure there are no physical obstructions blocking the sensors.
- If all else fails, reset your watch to factory settings (after backing up your data).
Conclusion
The frustration of having a smartwatch that doesn’t wake up when you raise your wrist can be quite bothersome, especially when you’re used to that lightning-fast glance for the time. But as we’ve seen, the solution is often just a few taps and swipes away. Whether it was a disabled setting, a need for a software update, or some physical obstruction, there’s usually a simple fix for the wake on wrist raise feature not working.
Remember, technology can be a bit finicky at times, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. With a bit of troubleshooting and patience, you can usually get things back on track. And if you do find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. After all, these smart gadgets are meant to make our lives easier, not add to our stress. Keep this guide handy for the next time your smartwatch decides to play dead on a wrist flick, and you’ll be back to seamless time-checking in no time.

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.