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1 11 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Charging

11 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Charging

The Apple Watch has multiple purposes: tracking workouts, listening to music, and custom watch faces to match your style. Once you get into the habit of wearing one, it’s hard to go without it. That’s why it’s frustrating when your Apple Watch won’t charge.

If your Apple Watch won’t charge, it can’t boot, and you can’t use it. There can be various reasons why your Apple Watch won’t charge, and we’ll address the most common reasons and their solutions.

Why Is My Apple Watch Not Charging

If your Apple Watch won’t charge or shows a red lightning bolt but doesn’t charge, there could be various causes such as a case or faulty software update. An Apple Watch not charging can be due to different issues, such as:

– The watch claims it’s charging, but it doesn’t actually charge.

– The watch turns green when connected to a charger, but still doesn’t charge.

– Occasionally, the watch won’t charge beyond a certain percentage.

No matter the problem, we have a few possible solutions for you to try. By following these steps one by one, you should be able to resolve the issue.

1. Clean the Rear Surface of the Watch and Charging Puck

One common reason for a non-charging Apple Watch is dirt and sweat on the contact surface. Wearing the watch daily leads to dust accumulation and regular exposure to sweat.

You can use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution to clean the surface of the Apple Watch where the charger sits. Also, clean the charging puck to remove any dust or debris.

Make sure the surface of the Apple Watch and the charging puck are dry before attempting to charge the Apple Watch again.

2. Remove Any External Case From the Watch

Many users add a third-party case to their Apple Watch for extra protection. However, a thick, ill-fitting case can actually interfere with the charging process. To determine if the case is causing the problem, remove it from the Apple Watch and attempt to charge it again. If the charging is successful without the case, then you should avoid using that case and instead look for one that is more compatible.

3. Use a Compatible Charging Adaptor

All Apple Watches, from the first generation to the Series 6, use a USB-A adaptor for charging. The Apple Watch Series 7, on the other hand, uses a USB-C adaptor. Make sure you’re using the correct adaptors to charge your Apple Watch.

It’s important to know that the Apple Watch requires approximately 5W of power to charge. Therefore, if you have an adaptor with lower wattage, opt for the one you use for your iPhone instead. Alternatively, invest in a high-wattage wall adapter.

4. Use the Original Charger That Came in the Box

The Apple Watch uses a proprietary charging solution and includes a wireless charger in the box. If you’re using a third-party charger, try going back to the one that was included, as Apple officially provides it.

5. Update the WatchOS Software

It’s possible that your Apple Watch isn’t charging due to a software bug. WatchOS 8.3 introduced an issue where some Apple Watches would not charge properly, especially with a third-party charger. However, it was also applicable to the official charger in some cases.

Apple has rolled out WatchOS 8.4 to address this issue, so it’s best to update your Apple Watch. This should ideally fix the issue if it is software-related. Here’s how to update your Apple Watch:

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch and select General.

Step 2: Tap on Software Update.

Step 3: Install pending updates and charge the watch.

6. Leave It on the Charger for a Few Hours

If your Apple Watch’s battery is completely drained or you haven’t used it in a while, leave it plugged into the charger for 2-3 hours without disturbance. Charging a fully depleted battery takes a long time.

7. Connect It to a Mac/Computer and Charge It

A completely drained battery may not immediately accept charge at higher voltages. To address this, connect your Apple Watch charger to a USB port on your Mac or computer. Leave it connected and check if it starts charging. Once it has charged for a short time, you can reconnect it to a wall adapter.

8. Let Your Apple Watch Cool Down

Wearing your Apple Watch in the sun or using it for prolonged calls can cause it to heat up. This excess heat may prevent your Apple Watch from charging in order to protect the battery.

The best thing in a situation like this is to allow your Apple Watch to cool down. You can take it off your wrist and place it in a cool location. Once your Apple Watch cools down, connect it to the charger.

9. Force Reset the Apple Watch

Sometimes, the solution to many problems is a simple reboot or reset. Press and hold the side button of the Apple Watch along with the digital crown for 10 seconds. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo. Your Apple Watch will restart, and this process will not erase your data.

10. Factory Reset Your Apple Watch

If there’s an issue with the software and no update available, the best option is to factory reset the Apple Watch. This will erase all data, so make sure to take a backup before proceeding. Here’s how you can factory reset your Apple Watch.

First, open the Settings app.

Then, select General and scroll down to find the ‘Reset’ button.

Step 3: Tap on ‘Erase All Content and Settings’.

11. Visit an Apple-Authorized Service Center

If all the above methods fail, there may be a hardware issue with your Apple Watch. It could involve the battery or charging circuit, which would require confirmation from a service center. To locate your nearest service center, visit Apple’s Store Locator page.

FAQs for Apple Watch Not Charging

1. No, you can’t fast-charge an older Apple Watch with the USB-C fast charger from the Series 7.

2. No, you can’t charge the Apple Watch with a standard Qi charger because it uses a proprietary charging puck.

3. Yes, it’s safe to charge your Apple Watch overnight if you don’t wear it for sleep tracking.

Time to Charge Up

The above tips should help you restore the charging ability on your Apple Watch and help you stay charged up during your workouts! It’s best not to let your Apple Watch’s battery die completely since it can cause battery issues. Small practices like these can help extend the life of your Apple Watch.