Old Galaxy Watch Feature Missed on Holiday

If you missed a feature on holiday, it was almost certainly the Watch-Only Mode (also called Power Reserve or Watch Only). This mode turns your Galaxy Watch into a simple timepiece, disabling all smart functions to extend battery life from hours to days. You activate it from the quick settings panel (swipe down from the top of the watch face), and it’s the single most useful feature for travel when you can’t charge your watch.

Formula

The pace formula is straightforward: Pace = Time ÷ Distance. Speed is the inverse: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. Here, time is measured in minutes, distance in kilometers, pace in minutes per kilometer, and speed in kilometers per hour. For example, if you run 10 km in 50 minutes, your pace is 50 ÷ 10 = 5 min/km, and your speed is 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 12 km/h.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you finish a 10 km run in 50 minutes. First, compute pace: 50 minutes ÷ 10 km = 5.00 min/km. Then compute speed: 10 km ÷ (50 minutes ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h. The calculator shows these results directly.

What Is Watch-Only Mode?

Watch-Only Mode is a battery-saving feature built into most Samsung Galaxy Watch models (from the original Galaxy Watch through the Galaxy Watch 6 and newer). When activated, the watch stops all background processes, disables notifications, heart-rate tracking, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and shows only the time on the screen. The watch essentially becomes a traditional digital watch. This mode is designed for emergencies or situations where you need to stretch battery life for days, not hours.

On older models (Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch 3), the mode is called Watch Only or Power Reserve. On newer models (Galaxy Watch 4 and later), it’s labeled Watch Only in the quick settings. The exact location varies slightly by One UI version, but the gesture is the same: swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings panel, then tap the battery icon or the Watch Only icon (a small watch face with a slash).

Why You Missed It on Holiday

On holiday, you likely forgot your charger, or you were away from power for a day or more. A typical Galaxy Watch lasts 1.5 to 2 days with normal use. In Watch-Only Mode, that same watch can last 5 to 10 days, depending on the model and battery health. For example, a Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm) with a 247 mAh battery can last about 7 days in Watch Only, whereas a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (47mm) with a 425 mAh battery might reach 10 days. The mode is perfect for a long weekend or a camping trip where you can’t plug in.

Another reason you might have missed it: the mode is not obvious. It’s hidden in the quick settings, not in the main Settings app. Many users never discover it until they search online. If you’re on holiday and your watch dies, you might not remember that the feature exists.

How to Turn It On and Off

Activating Watch-Only Mode is simple, but the steps differ slightly by model:

• Galaxy Watch 4 and later: Swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings panel. Tap the battery icon (or the Watch Only icon if visible). Confirm by tapping the checkmark.
• Galaxy Watch 3 and earlier: Press the Home button to open the app list, select Settings, then scroll to Battery, then tap Watch Only. Alternatively, swipe down and tap the battery icon.
• Turning off: Press and hold the Home button (or the side button) for about 3 seconds until the watch restarts. Or, on some models, press the Home button twice and select “Exit Watch Only.â€�

When you exit Watch-Only Mode, the watch reboots and returns to normal operation. Your data (steps, heart rate, etc.) is not recorded while in Watch Only, but it is not lost either; the watch simply stops logging new data until you exit.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Watch-Only Mode disables the alarm. In fact, alarms you set before entering the mode will still go off, but they will sound only if the watch is in Watch Only (the vibration motor is disabled, so you’ll only hear the sound). Another misconception is that the mode drains battery faster because the screen stays on. In reality, the screen turns off after a few seconds, and the display only lights up when you press a button or raise your wrist (if you have the “wake on raise� setting enabled, which is on by default in Watch Only).

A common problem is that users cannot find the Watch Only icon in the quick settings. This happens if the icon has been hidden or rearranged. To fix it: open the quick settings, tap the edit (pencil) icon, then drag the Watch Only icon into the visible grid. If you still can’t find it, go to Settings > Advanced Features > Buttons, and set the Home button to launch Watch Only with a double press (not available on all models).

Another issue: some users report that Watch-Only Mode turns off automatically after a few hours. This is usually due to a scheduled reboot or a software glitch. To prevent this, ensure your watch software is updated to the latest version. Also, if you have a cellular model, disable LTE before entering Watch Only to avoid battery drain.

Comparing Watch-Only Mode to Other Battery Savers

Galaxy Watches have two other battery-saving options: Power Saving Mode and Battery Saver (on newer models). Power Saving Mode reduces screen brightness, limits CPU speed, and turns off always-on display, but keeps notifications and basic functions. Battery Saver is similar but more aggressive. Watch-Only Mode is the most extreme: it turns off all connectivity and sensors, leaving only the time. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Power Saving Mode: Extends battery by ~30-50%, but you still get notifications and can use apps.
• Battery Saver (One UI 5+): Similar to Power Saving, but also disables raise-to-wake and reduces animations.
• Watch-Only Mode: Extends battery by 5-10x, but you lose all smart features. You can only see the time.

For a holiday where you need to stay reachable, Power Saving Mode might be better. But if you just need the time and want to avoid charging, Watch-Only is the winner.

How to Choose the Right Mode for Your Trip

Deciding between Watch-Only and Power Saving depends on your needs:

• If you need notifications and heart-rate tracking: Use Power Saving Mode. You’ll still get messages and can track workouts, but battery life will be shorter.
• If you only need the time and want maximum battery: Use Watch-Only Mode. This is ideal for multi-day hikes, camping, or when you forget your charger.
• If you have a cellular model and need to make calls: Watch-Only won’t work; you need Power Saving Mode with LTE on, but that drains battery fast.

Also consider that you can combine modes: turn on Power Saving Mode during the day, then switch to Watch-Only at night. This can stretch a 2-day battery to 3-4 days.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

Watch-Only Mode is safe to use, but it disables fall detection and emergency SOS. If you are in a remote area, keep your phone with you for emergencies. Also, the time in Watch-Only Mode is accurate, but it may drift slightly (a few seconds per day) because the watch uses a low-power oscillator instead of the normal clock. This is negligible for most users.

If you use the watch for medical monitoring (e.g., irregular heart rhythm alerts), Watch-Only Mode will not record any data. Do not rely on it for health tracking. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable Watch-Only Mode on a Galaxy Watch 5?

Swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings. Tap the battery icon (or the Watch Only icon if visible). Confirm by tapping the checkmark. To exit, press and hold the Home button for 3 seconds.

Does Watch-Only Mode stop alarms?

No, alarms you set before entering Watch-Only Mode will still go off. The watch will beep (not vibrate) at the alarm time. You can dismiss it by pressing any button.

Will Watch-Only Mode save my step count?

No. While in Watch-Only Mode, the watch does not track steps, heart rate, or any other activity. When you exit the mode, the step counter resumes from where it was before, but the time in Watch Only is not counted.

Can I use Watch-Only Mode on the Galaxy Watch 6?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch 6 has Watch-Only Mode. It’s accessed the same way as on the Watch 4 and 5. The battery life in Watch-Only Mode is about 7-10 days depending on the size.

Why does my watch exit Watch-Only Mode by itself?

This can happen if the watch has a scheduled reboot or if you accidentally press the Home button twice. To prevent it, make sure your watch software is updated and avoid pressing the Home button while in Watch Only.

Is there a way to set a timer in Watch-Only Mode?

No, timers and stopwatch are not available in Watch-Only Mode. You can only see the current time. If you need a timer, you’ll have to exit Watch-Only Mode.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2