By default, the Apple Watch uses its internal accelerometer to detect when you lift your wrist to look at the time, instantly illuminating the screen in response. This “Raise to Wake” feature feels like magic, but it has two major drawbacks. First, it drains the battery significantly faster as the screen often lights up accidentally while driving, typing, or gesturing during a conversation. Second, in a dark environment like a cinema or a bedroom, the sudden burst of bright light from your wrist can be highly distracting to you and those around you. Fortunately, you can easily disable this automated feature.
How to Turn Off Raise to Wake
You can adjust this setting directly from your wrist; you do not need to use the companion Watch app on your iPhone.
- Press the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch to view your home screen apps.
- Tap the Settings app (represented by a grey gear icon).
- Scroll down through the settings menu and tap on Display & Brightness.
- Scroll down to the “Wake” section.
- Locate the toggle switch labelled Wake on Wrist Raise.
- Tap the toggle to turn it off (the switch will turn from green to grey).
How to Check the Time Without Raise to Wake
Once disabled, your screen will remain pitch black no matter how enthusiastically you flick your wrist. To check the time or view notifications, you must now explicitly tell the watch to wake up. You have three options:
- Tap the Screen: A simple tap on the glass will illuminate the display instantly.
- Press the Digital Crown: Pressing the crown will wake the screen.
- Roll the Digital Crown (Series 2 and newer): If you are in a dark environment and want to check the time discreetly, slowly roll the Digital Crown upwards. The screen will gradually wake up, starting very dim and getting brighter the further you roll the crown, preventing a sudden blast of light.