How to Use Low Power Mode on an Apple Watch Running watchOS 9

Let’s face it, we all wish the Apple Watch had better battery life. However, there is a feature called Low Power Mode, on devices that support it with watchOS 9, that could up to double your wearable’s battery life

Much like Low Power Mode on the iPhone, Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch turns off features in the background that are not important to you at the very moment.

While the feature disables features that are running in the background and utilizing power, the core uses of the Apple Watch are still enabled and functional.

Low Power Mode turns off the Always-On Display, auto workout detection, background heart rate and blood oxygen measurements, heart rate and irregular rhythm notifications, limits WiFi connections, and incoming notifications are also delayed. Complications are updated less frequently, phone call initiation could take longer, animations and scrolling may be less smooth, and Siri may take longer to respond to requests.

By disabling these features, Low Power Mode can extend the Apple Watch’s battery life to up to 36 hours of use from a full charge.

Low Power Mode is available on Apple Watch Series 4 models and later running watchOS 9.

How to Enable Low Power Mode

To turn on Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch, follow these easy steps.

1. Swipe up on your Apple Watch to access Control Center.
2. Tap on “Battery Percentage.“
3. Scroll down the battery percentage information until you see the “Low Power Mode” toggle.
4. Tap the toggle to enable Low Power Mode.
5. A message will appear, informing you about what features will be temporarily disabled to get longer battery life.
6. Scroll down and tap “Turn On.”
7. Select how long you want to enable Low Power Mode. Available time options are 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days.

You can also automatically turn on Low Power Mode while working out.

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
2. Scroll down until you see “Workout.“
3. Turn on Low Power Mode.

While Low Power Mode is turned on, your exercise metrics – such as heart rate and pace – will still be measured.

To turn off Low Power Mode, just tap the switch like you did to turn it on.