Why Can't I Swipe Up On My Apple Watch?

If you are also asking “why can’t I swipe up on my apple watch,” then you should read this post. It will show you all that you need to know about the problem and how to fix it.
The Apple Watch control center, also known as the control panel, is a handy feature that allows you to quickly access a variety of settings on your smartwatch. With just a simple swipe-up gesture on your watch screen, you can conveniently control various aspects of your Apple Watch.
However, some users have reported that the swipe-up function is not working correctly, causing difficulties in accessing the control center. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explore how you can troubleshoot and fix the problem!

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Why Can’t I Swipe Up On My Apple Watch?

There could be several reasons why the swipe-up function on your Apple Watch is not working correctly. Firstly, if you’re wearing gloves while trying to use your watch, the touch response may be obstructed.
In this case, try taking off your gloves and then slowly swipe up on the watch screen. This might work for you as some users have reported this method to be helpful.
Another common reason for the swipe-up function not working is having wet or dry fingers. In such cases, you will need to first clean your hands and dry them before trying to swipe again.
Dirt or dust on the watch screen may also hinder touch response. So, while you ask, “why can’t I swipe up on my Apple Watch,” consider cleaning the watch.
However, if you have tried the above solutions, but the issue persists, don’t worry. Check the next section for some troubleshooting tips for the problem.

How to Fix Apple Watch Swipe Up Not Working?

#1: Remove the Screen Protector

If you’ve installed a screen protector on your Apple Watch, it could be causing issues with the swipe-up function. While screen protectors are designed to protect the watch’s screen, incompatible ones can interfere with touch functionality. Also, if the screen protector is not applied correctly, it may delay or interrupt the touch response.
Therefore, it’s worth removing the screen protector from your Apple Watch and trying to swipe up on the screen again. If the swipe-up function starts working correctly after removing the screen protector, consider using a compatible one that doesn’t interfere with the touch response.

#2: Try a Different Watch Face

Believe it or not, sometimes a specific watch face can be the root cause of the swipe-up function not working correctly. Certain watch faces may interfere with swipe gestures and cause your watch to fail to recognize your touch.
The best way to resolve this issue is to try a different watch face. Fortunately, changing the watch face on your Apple Watch is quick and easy – simply swipe right or left to select a different watch face. Once you’ve changed the watch face, try swiping up again to see if the issue is resolved.

#3: Restart the watch

Sometimes, an unresponsive swipe on your Apple Watch can be the result of bugs and technical malfunctions. In such cases, restarting the device can eliminate various minor problems in your device and may also help resolve the swipe issue.
To restart your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the Power Off slider appears. Then, drag the slider to turn off the device. After the watch has completely turned off, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating that the watch is restarting.
Once the device has fully rebooted, try swiping up on the watch screen to check if the issue has been resolved.

#4: Force Reboot Your Apple Watch

If restarting your Apple Watch doesn’t resolve the swipe-up issue, you may need to force restart your device. This process will shut down all background processes and eliminate any minor software glitches that may be causing the problem.
To force restart the watch, press and hold both the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously for at least ten seconds. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears, indicating that the watch is restarting.
Now, try to swipe up on the watch screen to see if that fixes the problem. This method is particularly useful when your Apple Watch freezes, becomes unresponsive, or faces a swipe problem.

#5: Turn Off the Water Lock Mode

Your Apple Watch comes with a Water Lock feature that is designed to prevent accidental touches when water splashes the watch. However, this feature can also cause the swipe-up issue we are discussing, as it blocks all swipes and touches when activated.
To turn off the Water Lock feature, simply turn the Digital Crown on your watch until you see the Water Lock icon disappear from the screen.
Alternatively, you can swipe up on the watch face to open the Control Center, tap the Water Lock icon, and then turn off the feature.

#6: Download and Install the Latest watchOS

If your Apple Watch is not running on the latest version of watchOS, it could be the reason why the swipe-up function is not working. Apple frequently releases updates to address known issues and fix bugs in its operating system, so keeping your watch updated is crucial.
To update your watchOS, ensure that your Apple Watch is connected to its charger, and your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi. Then, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, and tap General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

#7: Check for cracks on the screen

If you’re experiencing issues with swiping on your Apple Watch, it’s essential to check for cracks on the screen. The Apple Watch is designed to be worn on your wrist and is exposed to potential damage from everyday wear and tear. Over time, the screen may develop scratches, dents, or even cracks, making it difficult to swipe up on your Apple Watch.
If you do notice any cracks on the screen or any other visible damage, it’s best to take your Apple Watch to an authorized service provider. They can assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action, whether it be repair or replacement.

#8: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above-mentioned solutions worked for you, it’s best to reach out to Apple Support for assistance. If you have tried everything from removing the screen protector to force restarting the watch, it may be a hardware issue.
In such cases, it’s best to let the professionals handle the matter. You can contact Apple Support and inform them about the issue you are facing. Their team of experts will guide you through the process to fix the problem, or they may suggest visiting an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for further assistance.

Final Note On Why Can’t I Swipe Up On My Apple Watch

Now you have the answer to “why can’t I swipe up on my apple watch.’ There could be various reasons this is happening, and we have mentioned all of them in this post. We have also shown you some possible fixes too.