Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Always On

Which Apple Watch Battery Settings Should You Change?

By Freedom251 Team · · 7 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Start with the least disruptive changes: turn off Always On if your model supports it, then disable Background App Refresh for apps whose complications do not need timely updates. Use Low Power Mode when you need a broader reduction in power use, and reserve reduced GPS and heart-rate readings for long supported outdoor workouts.

There is no Apple-published number of hours saved by any individual setting. The right choice depends on whether you value an always-visible display, continuous health measurements, immediate notifications, or workout metrics more than extra time between charges.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Choose the setting that matches your situation

Situation Change to make Main trade-off
Small everyday reduction Turn off Always On The screen is not continuously visible when your wrist is down.
Fewer background updates Disable Background App Refresh for selected apps or all apps Some apps may update less promptly; complications on the active face can still refresh.
You need the broadest built-in saving mode Turn on Low Power Mode Some health measurements, heart-rate notifications, notifications, display behavior and connectivity are reduced or delayed.
Long outdoor walk, run or hike Use fewer GPS and heart-rate readings while Low Power Mode is active Current pace and some workout alerts, splits, segments or recording functions may be unavailable.
Sudden drain after a watchOS update Wait several days, then check again Apple says update-related background work can temporarily increase consumption.
Persistent poor battery or a service warning Check Maximum Capacity and contact Apple Support if service is indicated Settings cannot restore capacity lost through battery aging.

Apple’s guidance describes Low Power Mode and preventing background refresh as its principal software measures. Its support article also notes that battery life depends on the watch’s age and how you use it: Apple Support, “If the battery in your Apple Watch drains too quickly” (September 18, 2026).

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

1. Turn off Always On for a modest daily change

On supported models, Always On keeps the time and selected information visible at reduced brightness while your wrist is down. Disabling it removes that continuous display activity and can increase battery life according to Apple, but the screen will remain dark until you raise your wrist or tap it.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

How to disable Always On

  1. Open Settings on the Watch.
  2. Tap Display & Brightness.
  3. Tap Always On and switch it off.

Always On is model-dependent. Apple’s current documentation lists support for Apple Watch Series 5 and later, Apple Watch SE (3rd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra and later; it does not mean every SE generation has the feature. Verify the option is present on your model in Apple’s Always On support guide (September 17, 2026).

This is usually the best first change if you want to preserve notifications, health tracking and workout behavior while accepting a less glanceable display. Turn it back on whenever continuous visibility is more useful than the incremental saving.

2. Stop unnecessary background app refresh

Background App Refresh lets apps update information when you are not actively using them. Disabling it can reduce background work without changing the Watch’s core timekeeping, notifications or workout functions. You can make the change globally or only for apps that do not need fresh data.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How to choose apps

  1. On the Watch, open Settings.
  2. Tap General, then Background App Refresh.
  3. Switch off refresh for individual apps, or switch off Background App Refresh at the top to disable it for all apps.

Start with infrequently used apps rather than disabling everything. A weather, calendar or fitness complication that must show current information may justify leaving its app enabled. Apple cautions that apps with complications on the active watch face may continue to refresh even after background refresh is disabled, so this setting does not guarantee that every update stops. See the Apple Watch User Guide’s battery-life guidance.

Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.

3. Use Low Power Mode when runtime matters more than features

Low Power Mode is the broad option. It reduces power use by changing several behaviors at once, so use it for a long day, travel, or a charge level that will not last until you can recharge. It is more disruptive than turning off Always On or limiting background refresh.

What changes in Low Power Mode

  • Always On is disabled.
  • Selected background health measurements and heart-rate notifications are disabled.
  • Some notifications can be delayed.
  • Emergency alerts may not arrive.
  • Some connectivity functions are limited.

Because the exact effect depends on the model, watchOS version and active features, check the notice shown when you enable the mode. Do not use it during a period when an uninterrupted health measurement, heart-rate alert or emergency notification is essential.

How to turn it on

  1. Open Control Center and tap the battery-percentage control, then select Low Power Mode; or open Settings and tap Battery, followed by Low Power Mode.
  2. Read the feature-change summary and confirm.
  3. If prompted for a duration, choose whether the mode should be temporary or remain on until you turn it off.

Apple says the Watch can prompt you to enable Low Power Mode when the charge reaches 10 percent. It normally turns off automatically when the battery rises above 80 percent unless you selected a timed duration. These are operating thresholds, not estimates of how much battery the mode saves. The full behavior and setup are documented in Apple’s Low Power Mode guide (September 25, 2025).

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Automatic Low Power Mode for workouts

Apple also documents an automatic Low Power Mode option that starts when you begin a workout in the Workout app. This can be useful when you want normal behavior outside exercise but lower consumption during a long session. Review the Workout app’s settings on your Watch and confirm the prompt before relying on it for an event.

Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by

4. Reduce GPS and heart-rate readings for long outdoor workouts

For supported outdoor walking, running and hiking workouts, Apple allows fewer GPS and heart-rate readings while Low Power Mode is active. The purpose is to extend battery use during long sessions, but the recorded data is less continuous.

Compatibility

Apple documents this reduced-reading behavior for watchOS 9.1 or later on Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and later, Series 8 and later, and Ultra and later. Check your model and installed watchOS before assuming the option is available; Apple can change compatibility as software evolves.

What you give up

  • Current pace may be unavailable.
  • Some workout alerts, splits and segments may not appear.
  • GPS and heart-rate samples are less frequent, so a route or effort graph has fewer data points.

Choose this mode when finishing the workout with a usable route and summary is more important than live pacing or high-frequency heart-rate data. For interval training, race pacing or any session that depends on immediate alerts, keep the normal reading rate and manage battery elsewhere.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

5. Improve the connection your Watch uses

Connection behavior can affect battery use even when no battery setting is changed. Apple says a paired iPhone nearby is the most efficient arrangement. When the iPhone is out of range, Wi-Fi generally uses less power than a mobile network, and a strong signal uses less power than a weak one.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
  • Keep the Watch near its paired iPhone when you want the best chance of lasting between charges.
  • If coverage is weak or absent, Airplane Mode can help by preventing repeated attempts to find a network. Remember that it also disables wireless connections until you restore the ones you need.
  • For audio, Bluetooth headphones are more efficient than using the Watch’s built-in speaker. Apple notes that speaker playback can drain newer models more quickly.

These are situational measures: they do not replace Always On, Background App Refresh or Low Power Mode, but they can prevent an avoidable drain caused by radio searching or speaker use.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

6. Diagnose battery drain that seems abnormal

After a watchOS update

A Watch can use more power for a short period after an update while it completes background tasks. Apple’s advice is to wait a few days, use the Watch normally, and then check battery behavior again. Do not judge the update’s long-term effect immediately after installation.

Check battery capacity

  1. Open Settings on the Watch.
  2. Tap Battery.
  3. Tap Battery Health.
  4. Review Maximum Capacity.

Maximum Capacity describes the battery’s capacity relative to when it was new. A lower value means the Watch may need charging more often; changing display or refresh settings cannot restore that lost capacity. If the Watch displays Battery Needs Service, contact Apple Support rather than attempting a do-it-yourself battery replacement. Apple’s troubleshooting instructions are at support.apple.com/en-gb/122789.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

7. Protect battery lifespan separately from daily runtime

Battery life between charges and battery lifespan are different. Daily runtime is how long the current charge lasts. Lifespan is how the rechargeable battery’s capacity changes over time.

Optimised Battery Charging is designed to reduce the time the Watch spends fully charged, which can help preserve lifespan. Turning charge optimisation off may make sense for a temporary runtime or scheduling need, but it carries a potential lifespan trade-off. Keep it enabled unless you have a specific reason to change it; it does not provide an immediate software boost equivalent to Low Power Mode.

Apple explains the distinction and battery-management behavior in Apple Watch Battery and Performance (August 3, 2026).

A practical order for changing settings

  1. Turn off Always On if you can live without a continuously visible screen.
  2. Disable Background App Refresh for apps whose information is not time-sensitive.
  3. Keep the Watch near the paired iPhone and avoid weak cellular coverage or prolonged speaker playback when possible.
  4. Enable Low Power Mode for days when preserving charge outweighs selected health, notification and connectivity features.
  5. For a supported long outdoor workout, enable the reduced GPS and heart-rate reading behavior only if live pace and frequent measurements are not required.
  6. If drain remains high, wait several days after an update, check Maximum Capacity, and seek Apple service when the Watch reports that it needs it.

Apple does not publish a setting-by-setting runtime estimate, so treat these as control choices rather than guaranteed hour totals. The least disruptive changes are display and background-refresh adjustments; Low Power Mode and reduced workout readings save more broadly by changing functions you may depend on.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Always OnApple Watchbattery lifeLow Power ModewatchOS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.