Unofficial archive. This is a read-only, community-run archive of the Apple Support Community. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.

Screen flickers, freezes, and shows missing icons

My issue is icons and display.

Icons missing and showing as grey circle icons and my screen flickers pink and other colors than freezes and becomes unresponsive.

3 replies

Step 1. Force Restart.


According to Apple:

To force restart your Apple Watch, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release both buttons when you see the Apple logo ().


Step 2. Reset Watch.


How to reset your Apple Watch:



  1. Put your watch on its charger and keep it there until you complete these steps.
  2. Press and hold the side button until you see Power Off.
  3. Press and hold the Digital Crown until you see Erase all content and settings.
  4. Tap Reset, then tap Reset again to confirm.
  5. Wait for the process to finish, then set up your Apple Watch again. When asked, restore from a backup.


NOTE — Erasing all content and settings erases all media, data, and settings from your Apple Watch, but it does not remove Activation Lock. To remove Activation Lock, unpair the watch first. Before your watch is erased, a backup of its contents is created on your iPhone.


Step 3. Connect Watch.


Then make sure both devices are in close proximity with the following settings:


  • AirPlane turned off
  • WiFi turned on
  • Bluetooth turned on


Click ▶︎ Connect/Pair your Watch for detailed instructions.


Need more help?


Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Question, do you have your watch paired With your iPhone?

Yes it’s paired.