How to Fix Your Apple Watch Not Charging: Simple Solutions That Actually Work
Did you know that when your Apple Watch experiences charging issues, it can take up to a week for the battery to completely drain? That's quite frustrating when you're dealing with an Apple Watch not charging properly.
However, the situation becomes even more challenging when your device displays a red lightning bolt but won't charge, even after 30 minutes on the charger. In fact, if your Apple Watch has been completely dead, it might need more than just a few seconds to display the charging symbol.
We understand how vital your Apple Watch is to your daily routine, and charging problems can stem from various sources - from simple hardware issues like incorrect positioning and dirty charging components to more complex software glitches. The good news is that most charging issues have straightforward solutions.
In this guide, we'll walk you through proven fixes to get your Apple Watch charging again, starting with the simplest solutions before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting steps.
Understanding Charging Problems
Charging problems with Apple Watches often manifest through distinct patterns and symptoms. Understanding these issues helps identify whether you're dealing with a simple fix or a more serious hardware problem.
Common charging issues
The most noticeable charging issue occurs when your Apple Watch displays the charging symbol yet fails to gain battery life. Additionally, some users report their devices losing charge whilst connected to the charger, dropping from 98% to 20% in about 30 minutes.
Another frequent issue involves inconsistent charging times. Whilst a normal charge typically takes about an hour, some watches might require up to five hours to reach 100%. Moreover, after the watchOS 10.0.1 update, numerous users noticed their devices would only charge to 80% overnight.
Temperature plays a crucial role in charging performance. Your Apple Watch requires specific conditions to charge properly. For optimal charging, maintain room temperature between 0°C to 35°C. Should your watch feel hot, remove it from the charger and allow it to cool for several minutes.
Check out our selection of high-quality chargers and other Apple Watch accessories.
Signs of battery failure
Several indicators suggest potential battery failure in your Apple Watch. Rapid battery drain serves as a clear warning sign. For instance, some users report their watches dropping from 100% to 60% within an hour after recent software updates.
Another telling sign appears when your watch struggles to maintain accurate time settings. Particularly in Series 1 watches, the inability to keep correct time and date adjustments often indicates battery problems.
Watch performance also provides clues about battery health. Should your device:
- Drain from 21% to 4% in merely 15 minutes
- Require multiple charging sessions throughout the day
- Take unusually long periods to charge
- Show inconsistent battery level readings
These symptoms typically indicate deteriorating battery health. Furthermore, moisture inside the watch case, whilst not directly related to battery failure, could lead to battery issues over time. This occurs because moisture can damage internal components, ultimately affecting battery performance.
Charging temperature anomalies also signal potential battery problems. If your watch becomes exceptionally hot during charging or fails to charge in normal temperature conditions, this might indicate battery deterioration. Additionally, watches requiring aeroplane mode activation just to maintain a charge likely need professional attention.
First Steps to Fix Charging
After identifying charging issues with your Apple Watch, start with these straightforward solutions that often resolve common problems.
Remove protective case
Initially, remove any protective case or accessories from your Apple Watch since bulky cases might prevent proper connection with the charging cable. Subsequently, check both sides of the charger for any remaining plastic wrap, as this seemingly minor detail could interfere with charging efficiency.
Position watch correctly on charger
Proper positioning plays a vital role in successful charging. Place your watch on the magnetic charger, ensuring the round, raised part aligns perfectly with the round, indented section. Upon correct placement, you'll notice a subtle snap as the magnets connect.
The charging indicator should display a green lightning bolt when properly aligned. Nevertheless, if your watch has completely drained, allow several minutes for this indicator to appear. For larger Apple Watch models (44mm, 45mm or 49mm), you might need to adjust the charger's angle or lay it completely flat for optimal magnetic alignment.
Check charging temperature
Temperature management significantly affects charging performance. Your Apple Watch operates optimally between 0°C to 35°C. Should your device display a red thermometer icon alongside the time, this indicates above-normal temperatures.
To address temperature-related charging issues:
- Remove the watch from your wrist if you're wearing it
- Disconnect it from the charger immediately
- Move it to a cooler location until it returns to normal temperature
Avoid leaving your Apple Watch in direct sunlight or in hot environments, such as inside a parked car. Storing or using the device outside recommended temperature ranges could lead to shortened battery life or other damage.
Once these basic steps have been completed, ensure the charging cable connects securely to both the power adapter and outlet. Clean both the watch's back surface and the magnetic charger with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any debris that might affect charging performance.
Hardware Solutions
When basic troubleshooting fails to resolve charging issues, examining your charging cable becomes crucial. The charging cable serves as the lifeline between your Apple Watch and its power source.
Large selection of Apple Watch chargers, for every model.
Replace charging cable
The original Apple Watch comes with either a Magnetic Charging Cable or a USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable. However, these cables can get worn over time, and their usability can wane. When it comes to replacing your Apple Watch charger, you can either buy a new one directly from Apple or from a third-party provider. Both have their pros and cons, but original Apple products tend to be more expensive.
Upon replacing your cable, ensure proper connection to both the USB power adapter and the outlet. Should charging issues persist after cable replacement, consider testing with different power adapters or outlets to isolate the problem.
When to Contact Apple Support
Upon exhausting basic troubleshooting steps, reaching out to Apple Support might be your next course of action. Understanding your coverage options and repair costs beforehand ensures a smoother resolution process - so make sure to doublecheck what coverage you have.
Conclusion
Dealing with Apple Watch charging problems might seem daunting at first. Nevertheless, most issues can be resolved through simple steps, starting with proper positioning and temperature management.
Should basic troubleshooting fail, examining your charging cable becomes essential. Above all, remember that professional help remains available when needed. Whether through warranty coverage or AppleCare+, Apple Support offers various service options to address persistent charging issues.
The key lies in identifying symptoms early and taking appropriate action. Through proper maintenance and careful attention to charging habits, your Apple Watch can maintain optimal performance for years. Remember to check your charging setup regularly and address any issues promptly before they become serious problems.
