Apple Watch Series 6 screen black after watchOS 26.0.2 update

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Zerpent Author

Level 1

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Apple Watch Series 6 screen black after watchOS 26.0.2 update

Apple Watch 6 44mm aluminum. watchOS version 26.0.2

Noticed yesterday that my screen was acting strange and very unresponsive. Side buttons was working fine.

Later in the day i noticed my screen was black.

If i press the side button it vibrates. Also tried using find my watch and it plays a sound.

Have checked screen brightness, theater mode and screen curtain.

Have tried forcing restart with both side buttons. It seems to restart as i can no longer feel it vibrate when pressing side buttons but i never see the apple logo. After a little time i can feel it vibrate again so it seems like it restarts.

Never had any issues with the watch until this update. Is there any way to fix this?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: After watchOS 26.0.2 my screen is black

Posted on Oct 9, 2025 12:38 AM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,165 points

Oct 9, 2025 5:28 AM in response to Zerpent

Does your watch still charge if you connect it to the USB cable and power adapter?

Can you hear the charging sound upon connection?

Have you been swimming lately with your watch?

Has the battery ever been replace by Apple?

A defective battery can also damage parts of the hardware and cause such issues.

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,165 points

Oct 10, 2025 3:22 AM in response to Zerpent

You're welcome 🙂

If you select your Apple Watch model on this Apple Watch Service page, you can get an estimate for the Battery Service:

Apple Watch Service and Repair - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Zerpent Author

Level 1

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Oct 9, 2025 1:06 PM in response to Ingo2711

Now it has suddenly started working again. It's been dark for over 24 hours. Not that i'm complaining, but it's strange. Just hope it lasts :)

But to answer your questions in case it can help someone else in any way.

Have not been swimming and the battery has never been replaced. It has been working flawlessly for over 4 years.

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Answer 4

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,165 points

Oct 10, 2025 1:09 AM in response to Zerpent

That’s good news 🙂

But you should check the battery health on your watch in Settings/Battery.

If it is below 80%, you should consider getting the battery replaced by Apple.

I had to replace the battery of my old Series 5 after almost 3 years. When it reached 80 percent, it needed recharging twice a day.

Apple will replace the whole unit if you are willing to pay the Service fee.

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Answer 5

Zerpent Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 10, 2025 1:46 AM in response to Ingo2711

Thanks for the info.

I see now that it's down to 76% so will have to consider that.

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