Samsung Smart watch is stuck in a boot loop

Apps you download and install onto the watch can cause the watch to get stuck in a boot loop or not boot past the logo screen. Rebooting it should fix the problem, but you will need to uninstall any apps that were installed before the issue occurred. If the watch is connected to a phone, you must clear the data for the Galaxy Wearable app. If the problem continues, inspect the watch and charger for damage, and factory reset the watch.
A Galaxy smartwatch stuck on the Samsung logo screen.
A Galaxy smartwatch stuck on the Samsung logo screen.

Samsung Smart watch is stuck in a boot loop

Checkpoint

Reboot your Samsung smart watch

Note
Available features, menu options, and settings may vary by the watch and software version.
1
Press and hold the Power key until "Rebooting..." displays.

To force a reboot on your watch, press and hold the Home key (Power key) and Back key at the same time until "Rebooting..." displays. Do not select Power off on the screen or Restart when it appears.

The length of time you need to hold down the buttons varies by device. On some watch models, it may take up to 30 seconds for "Rebooting..." to appear.

2
Release the Power key, and wait for the watch to reboot.

When the Rebooting message appears, release the keys you were holding down. The watch screen will go dark, and then the watch will reboot.

If the watch is connected to your phone, the devices will temporarily disconnect during the reboot.

3
Check for software updates.
If you're rebooting your watch to fix a problem, be sure to check for software updates on your watch and the Galaxy Wearable app, including device plugins, once the reboot is complete.
4
Request service if the watch is damaged.
If the watch cannot restart due to physical damage, like a stuck button, please visit the Service Center to request service.
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Uninstall apps from your Samsung smart watch

Note
Apps cannot be uninstalled from a Galaxy Fit.
1
Uninstall apps using the connected phone

If you prefer using the connected phone or cannot use your watch for whatever reason (like a broken button), you can uninstall apps through the Galaxy Wearable app.

  1. First, make sure your phone and watch are connected.
  2. From your phone, open the Galaxy Wearable app, and then tap Apps or Apps screen. Depending on the connected watch, it may be necessary to tap the SETTINGS tab.
  3. On Wear OS models, touch and hold the app you want to remove. On older models, tap Manage apps.
  4. Tap Uninstall or tap the Delete icon (the minus sign) next to the app you'd like to uninstall. On Wear OS, tap Uninstall again to confirm. When finished, tap Save. Remember, some preloaded apps cannot be uninstalled. If you do not see the uninstall or delete option, the app cannot be removed.
2
Uninstall apps using the watch
  1. Press the Home key (Power key) on the watch to wake the screen, and then navigate to your apps.
  2. On the Wear OS models, touch and hold the app you'd like to uninstall. On holder models, touch and hold the Apps screen.
  3. On the Galaxy Watch4 series, tap Uninstall on the pop-up window, and then tap OK. Remember, some preloaded apps cannot be uninstalled.
    On older models, tap the Delete icon (the minus sign) next to the app, and tap the check mark to confirm.
    Uninstall option displayed above an app
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Factory reset your Samsung smart watch

Important
Performing a reset restores your watch to its default settings. Make sure to back up your data using the Galaxy Wearable app before performing a reset. Samsung is not responsible for any lost data.
1
Unpair the watch from your phone.
Note
To factory reset the Galaxy Fit, continue to Step 4.

Be sure to unpair the current Bluetooth connection between your watch and phone to avoid problems.

Navigate to and open Settings on your phone. Tap Connections, and then tap Bluetooth. From the "Paired devices" list, tap the Settings (gear) icon next to your watch name, and then tap Unpair.

2
Enter the watch's Reboot Mode menu.

Power off the watch, and then power it back on. While the watch is powering on, press and hold the Power key until "Rebooting..." is displayed. If you are using the Galaxy Watch3, press and hold both the Power key and Back key simultaneously.

Release the key(s), and then immediately press and release the Power key repeatedly to enter the Reboot Mode menu.

3
Factory reset the watch.
Continue to press and release the Power key until Recovery is highlighted. Press and hold the Power key to select Recovery, and then release the Power key when the screen goes dark.
4
Reconnect your watch to a phone.

After the Factory reset is complete, the watch will reboot. Once the Welcome screen appears, connect the watch to a phone with the Galaxy Wearable app, and then check if there's an available software update for the watch.

If you have a LTE smartwatch that was activated with a QR code, a new one will be required to reactivate service for the watch. Please contact your carrier to obtain a new QR code.

5
Request service.
If you are still experiencing issues with your watch, please visit a Samsung walk-in service center or you can schedule a repair service online.
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