Apple Watch Not Charging? Try These 8 Easy Fixes! [2024]
Quick & Easy Solutions to Fix Apple Watch's Charging Problem
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon- Your Apple Watch might not charge due to problems like a disconnected or damaged charging cable, depleted battery, dirt on charging contacts, software glitches, outdated software, or using an incompatible charger.
- Ensure all connections are secure, clean the watch and charger, try various power outlets, check for cable damage, force restart the watch, remove plastic wrap from the charger, update the software, or seek help from Apple Support.
- Prevent future charging problems by using a high-quality, MFi-certified charger, regularly inspecting and replacing damaged cables, keeping the charging disk and watch clean, and using the correct power adapter for your Apple Watch model.
For the most part, the Apple Watch is a reliable piece of tech that does so much more than simply display the time on your wrist. But for some Apple Watch users, this reliability is nowhere to be found as their device begins to charge overly slowly or not at all. Some users experience this issue with brand-new devices.
Our guide aims to help you understand why this happens and what actions you can take to resolve it. We will provide straightforward steps to fix the issue of your Apple Watch not charging. We will also share tips to prevent this problem in the future. With this information, you can enjoy your Apple Watch without any charging concerns.
Table of Contents
Why won’t my Apple Watch charge?
Here are the reasons why your Apple Watch might not be charging:
- The charging cable might not be properly connected, or there could be damage to the cord or outlet.
- The watch’s battery is entirely out of charge.
- Dust or debris has gathered in the watch’s charging contacts.
- A software glitch is preventing the watch from charging.
- The watch’s software is outdated, leading to compatibility problems.
- You’re using an uncertified third-party magnetic charger, which isn’t working correctly.
- Occasionally, the issue is with the hardware and requires professional assistance.
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Is my Apple Watch charging?
To determine if your Apple Watch is charging, look for a sign when you hook it up to its charger. When you connect the watch to the charger, a green lightning bolt sign should flash on the screen briefly. This bolt is your sign that the watch is charging.
If you don’t see this green bolt, then your watch isn’t charging. When your Apple Watch shows a small red lightning bolt sign at the top of the screen while you’re wearing it, its battery is low. If this red bolt appears while the watch is on the charger, it suggests the charger isn’t powering your watch.
How to solve an Apple Watch that won’t charge?
It can be a big hassle when your Apple Watch isn’t charging. However, there’s no need to panic. You can take several steps to solve the issue before contacting Apple Support for help. Let’s look at some typical troubleshooting tricks that you can try:
1. Check all connections
First, ensure all connections are proper if your Apple Watch won’t charge. Different people charge their watches in various ways, so the things you need to check can vary.
For example, if you use a dock or stand, ensure your watch is properly connected to it. Similarly, if you’re charging with a USB-C cable and an adapter, double-check that the adapter is securely plugged into the wall and the USB-C cable is tightly connected to your watch.
What else can you do?
- Adjust the position of your Apple Watch on the charger. It should align correctly with the charger’s magnets. When aligned, a green lightning bolt should 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 have to wait a bit for the lightning bolt to show up after you start charging.
So, the first step in fixing the charging issue is to check and secure all connections.
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2. Clean charger and watch
Dirt and grime can stop your Apple Watch from connecting properly to the charger, leading to charging issues. This includes stuff like sweat, lotion, or makeup. To fix this, gently clean the back of your Apple Watch and the charging disk. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or buildup.
If there’s tough dirt, you can carefully use a damp alcohol pad, but don’t press too hard. After cleaning, quickly dry your watch with a soft, dry cloth.
3. Try different power outlets
If you’ve ensured everything is plugged in properly but still don’t see the green lightning bolt icon on your watch, trying other power outlets is a good option. If you’re at home, try an outlet in a different room, or if you have multiple floors, try an outlet on another floor.
When you’re outside your home, and your watch isn’t charging, look for a different place to use another outlet. This could help you determine if the problem is with the outlet you used before.
4. Watch out for a broken cable
Cables for smartwatches and phones can sometimes get damaged, especially during packing and handling. To check if your cable is the problem, try using it with another Apple Watch or device that charges fine. This will help you figure out if your cable is working or not.
If you can’t borrow another Apple Watch from a friend to test this, look closely at your cable to see if it looks damaged. Buy a new USB-C cable and see if it charges your smartwatch. 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 a bit of battery left, try a Force Restart. This can sometimes fix charging problems if a software issue causes them. Here’s how to do a hard reset:
- Press and hold the side button and the “Digital Crown” simultaneously for at least 10 seconds.
Press and hold both buttons - After a while, the screen will go black. Keep holding both buttons during this time.
Screen will go black - Release the buttons when the “Apple logo” appears on your screen. This means your Apple Watch is restarting.
Leave the buttons when Apple logo appears
Images sourced from TechMajesty
Doing this restarts the software on your Apple Watch, which might fix the problem if a software glitch causes it.
6. Ensure that the plastic wrap has been removed
It might seem strange, but sometimes, the plastic wrap on your charger can stop your Apple Watch from charging. So, if you haven’t removed the plastic covers from both sides of your magnetic charger, do it now.
After removing the plastic, place your Apple Watch on the charger to see if it starts charging. If it does, you’ve solved the problem.
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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:
- Open the “Settings” app on your watch.
Open Settings app - Tap on “General” and then go to “Software Update.”
Go to “Software Update.” - If there’s an update available, tap “Download and Install” and follow the instructions on the screen.
Tap Download and Install
Once your Apple Watch updates to the latest version, try charging it again. If it starts charging, then a small software bug was probably 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 with Apple Support. Their team of experts can figure out exactly what’s wrong and help you find a solution to your charging problem. They can offer help that’s specifically tailored to your situation.
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Ways to prevent similar charging issues
To keep your Apple Watch charging smoothly and avoid future charging problems, here are some steps you can follow:
- Always use a high-quality charger. The safest choice is an Apple-made magnetic charger, but other options can work well, too, as long as they are MFi-certified (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod).
- Regularly inspect your USB cable for any signs of damage. If you find any, replace the cable.
- Keep both the charging disk and the back of your Apple Watch clean. This helps ensure a good connection for charging.
- Use power adapters that provide the right amount of power for your specific model of Apple Watch. Not all adapters are the same, so choose one that matches your watch’s requirements.
READ MORE: iPhone Wireless Charging Not Working? Here’s what to do ➜
Final Thoughts
Fixing an Apple Watch that is not charging can be straightforward. Check connections, ensure the charger and watch are clean, and look for cable damage. If needed, restart your watch or update its software.
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.
FAQs
Yes, extreme temperatures, either very hot or very cold, can affect your Apple Watch’s ability to charge. Charging the device in a room-temperature environment is recommended to avoid such issues.
If your Apple Watch only charges when turned off, it could signal a software glitch or a more serious hardware issue. Try restarting the watch or updating its software. If the problem continues, it’s advisable to consult Apple Support for a thorough check-up.
If your Apple Watch stops charging before it reaches 100%, it might be due to a calibration issue with the battery. To recalibrate, drain the watch’s battery until it turns off, then charge it uninterrupted to 100%. It could indicate a battery or hardware problem if this doesn’t resolve it.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
