Apple Watch Not Charging? Try These 8 Easy Fixes!

The Apple Watch is generally a reliable piece of tech, but some users experience issues where their device charges slowly or not at all, even with new devices. These problems can arise from various causes, including software bugs, faulty charging accessories, or even dirt and dust on the charging contacts.

This guide will help you understand why this happens and how to fix it. We will give you steps to fix an Apple Watch that won’t charge and tips to prevent this issue in the future.

Here are the reasons why your Apple Watch might not be charging:

• The charging cable might not be connected properly, or the cord or outlet could be damaged.
• The watch’s battery is completely drained.
• Dust or debris has built up on the watch’s charging contacts.
• A software bug is stopping the watch from charging.
• The watch’s software is outdated, causing compatibility issues.
• You’re using an uncertified third-party charger.
• Sometimes, the problem is with the hardware and needs professional help.

READ MORE: How to Restart Apple Watch in 3 Easy Steps ➜

You can try several solutions before contacting Apple Support. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

1. Check All Connections

First, make sure all connections are secure. If you use a dock or stand, ensure your watch is properly connected to it. If you use a USB-C cable and adapter, double-check that the adapter is firmly plugged into the wall and the USB-C cable is tightly connected to your watch.

• Adjust the position of your Apple Watch on the charger so it lines up with the charger’s magnets. When correctly aligned, a green lightning bolt will appear on the watch screen.
• Try using a different Apple Watch magnetic charging cable, USB-C magnetic fast charging cable, or USB power adapter. If your watch is completely out of power, you might need to wait a moment for the lightning bolt to show up after you start charging.

2. Clean Charger and Watch

Dirt and grime can prevent your Apple Watch from connecting to the charger properly. To fix this, gently clean the back of your Apple Watch and the charging disk with a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt.

For stubborn dirt, you can use a damp alcohol pad, but be gentle. Dry your watch quickly with a soft, dry cloth.

3. Try Different Power Outlets

If everything is plugged in correctly but you still don’t see the green lightning bolt icon on your watch, try using a different power outlet. At home, test an outlet in another room or on a different floor.

If you’re outside your home, try another outlet. This can help you see if the problem is with the first outlet.

4. Watch Out For a Broken Cable

Cables for smartwatches and phones can sometimes get damaged. To check if your cable is the problem, try using it with another Apple Watch to see if it works.

If you can’t borrow another Apple Watch, inspect your cable for damage. Buy a new USB-C cable and see if it charges your watch. If the new cable works, then the issue was with your old cable.

READ MORE: How To Do Proper Cable Management in a PC ➜

5. Force Restart If You Can

If your Apple Watch still has some battery left, try a Force Restart. This can sometimes fix charging problems caused by software issues. Here’s how to do a reset:

1. Press and hold the side button and the “Digital Crown” simultaneously until the “Apple logo” appears.
   

Doing this restarts the software on your Apple Watch and might fix the problem if a software bug is causing it.

6. Ensure That The Plastic Wrap Has Been Removed

Sometimes, the plastic wrap on your charger can stop your Apple Watch from charging. If you haven’t removed the plastic covers from your magnetic charger, do it now.

After removing the plastic, place your Apple Watch on the charger to see if it starts charging.

READ MORE: iPhone 15 Pro Screen Melts Overnight, Even After Apple’s Software Fix ➜

7. Update The Software If You Can

If your Apple Watch isn’t charging and none of the previous tips have helped, it might be due to a software or hardware issue. This solution works if your watch still turns on and has some battery left. Here’s what to do:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your watch.
   

   

2. Tap on “General” and then go to “Software Update.”
   Go to “Software Update”
3. If there’s an update available, tap “Download and Install” and follow the instructions on the screen.
   

Once your Apple Watch updates to the latest version, try charging it again. If it starts charging, then a software bug was likely causing the issue.

8. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your Apple Watch still isn’t charging, it’s time to contact Apple Support. Their team can diagnose the issue and offer a solution tailored to your situation.

Ways to prevent similar charging issues

To ensure your Apple Watch charges smoothly and avoid future problems, follow these steps:

1. Use a high-quality charger. The safest choice is an Apple-made magnetic charger, but MFi-certified chargers are also reliable.
2. Regularly inspect your USB cable for damage. Replace it if necessary.
3. Keep the charging disk and the back of your Apple Watch clean to ensure a good connection.
4. Use power adapters that provide the right amount of power for your Apple Watch model.

If these steps don’t help, Apple Support is there for you. Prevent future issues by using quality, certified chargers and keeping everything clean. Following these tips should keep your Apple Watch charging well, ensuring you stay connected hassle-free.