The Apple Watch provides iPhone users with seamless integration between iOS and watchOS, delivering an unmatched experience. Unfortunately, if your Apple Watch isn’t charging, you’re missing out on the device’s convenience. Luckily, troubleshooting and fixing the charging issue often need a simple fix.
If your Apple Watch isn’t charging, ensure the gadget isn’t overheated or too cold. Also, confirm your charger and the backside of the watch are clean. You also try using a different cable and outlet that you are sure is working. Force restart the Apple Watch if it still isn’t charging.
People report a few issues with the Apple Watch, but failing to charge is one of the most reported problems. Charging problems are often because of various minor or severe issues. Once you are sure your Apple Watch won’t charge, there are multiple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
What Causes an Apple Watch to Stop Charging?
An Apple Watch can retain enough charge to keep it going for about 18 hours, and it charges to total capacity in approximately two hours, depending on the model.
When you connect your Apple Watch to a charging cable and power, it should display a lightning bolt on the screen. It will display a red lightning bolt if it needs charging.
This red lightning bolt icon changes color to green or yellow when the watch is charging.
Charging Issues
If your watch’s screen is blank even after pressing the side button, or a red lightning bolt or the charging cable icon appears on the screen, charge it for up to 30 minutes to see if it retains power.
Apple Watch charging issues are often caused by charger problems or software issues. As a result, you may need to try a different charger or update the gadget’s operating system.
Hardware Issues
If you plug in your Apple Watch to the charger and no lightning bolt symbol appears, you are probably dealing with a hardware issue. Conversely, if you see the icon and the watch fails to charge, your smartwatch may have a software problem.
Software Issue
The most common reason for Apple Watch not charging is because of a software problem that you can quickly resolve by updating watchOS.
To update the operating system:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the My Watch tab from the bottom menu.
- Go to General.
- Navigate to Software Update.
- If there’s an available update for your Apple Watch, tap Download and Install.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Restart the device.
If there’s no available update, you’ll see the message ”Your Apple Watch is up-to-date.”
The following are some simple troubleshooting tips you may use to resolve the Apple Watch charging issues.
Make Sure Your Apple Watch and Charger are Clean
The Apple Watch uses a unique magnetic cable to charge. Unfortunately, wireless charging technology is very complex. So, dirt accumulation or foreign objects between the charger and the watch can cause charging problems.
This uses a Qi wireless technology that only works with official Apple chargers and authorized third-party accessories. In addition, all Apple Watch models feature a slightly curved base that enables a magnetic connector to adapt to the device’s surface for charging.
If the watch is new and you are trying to charge it for the first time, check for any plastic wrap on the Apple Watch charger. Then, peel off the plastic wrap the try charging the gadget.
Next, you can try cleaning the charger and the back of the smartwatch. Clean off any grime accumulation or food-related mess that may make the watch or charger sticky. Ensure to use a clean cloth to wipe off the dirt carefully.
It is best to avoid using any chemical solvents that could potentially damage the watch’s delicate components.
Try Using a Different Charger
If the watch still won’t charge and you suspect the charging accessories to be the problem, try using a different Apple Watch magnetic charging cable (on Amazon) or USB-C magnetic fast charging cable and power adapter.
Consider borrowing a charging cable or a USB power adapter from a friend or relative if you don’t want to spend money buying new ones.
However, you need to double-check that the Apple Watch charging accessories are the same generation as yours and not just a cheaper alternative.
Force a Restart on Your Watch
Another way to troubleshoot and fix an Apple Watch that’s not charging is by force restarting the smartwatch.
Simultaneously hold down the device’s side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds or until the Apple logo appears. Remember to remove the watch from the charging dock before attempting this because the Apple Watch won’t be able to force restart when attached to the charger.
Visit the Apple Store
If none of the solutions above has worked, and there appears to be nothing wrong with your watch, you should take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to check it out. Also, consider getting in touch with Apple Support.
Apple Store technicians have advanced diagnostic tools that may help determine the exact problem of your Apple Watch. Once you reserve an appointment, carry your charger with you if it is the root of the problem.
Suppose your Apple Watch is under warranty and has no visible damage; you may have to wait up to two days for a replacement.
But if the device is no longer covered by an Apple warranty or has visible damage, and you lack an AppleCare+ contract, get ready to spend some money on repairs.
In Conclusion
Apple Watches are costly, so getting the most out of your Apple Watch is essential. An Apple Watch with no charge is of little use. You will only be content with its performance once you figure out precisely what is happening with the device.