There may be times when your Apple Watch is not charging or you don’t see that green flash when you place your watch on the charger. Well, this can happen to anyone at any time and there are several reasons for it. If you don’t know what to do in such situations, you’ve come to the right place. We have listed 7 effective methods to fix Apple Watch not charging issues. Whether your smartwatch is charging too slowly or taking forever to turn on, this guide will surely come in handy. Without further ado, let’s get started and power up your Apple Watch!
Method 1: Check your charger
If your Apple Watch isn’t charging or you see a message that says “Charging with this accessory is not supported,” the first thing to do is check your charger. You should always use the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable that came with your smartwatch. If you’re using a third-party charger or wireless charging stand, make sure it’s MFi certified (designed for iDevices). Uncertified or incompatible chargers can cause charging issues and even overheating of your Apple Watch. If you’re using one of these, you should replace it with official or MFi certified charging accessories.
Keep in mind that if your Apple Watch is out of battery for a long time, you may have to wait a few minutes before you see the green lightning bolt on your smartwatch. So, be a little more patient in such cases.
Method 2: Check the power source
If your Apple Watch is not charging, you should inspect the power source and make sure it is working properly. To avoid any issues, you should take note of the following points:
- Make sure the adapter is firmly plugged into the power source.
- This may sound funny, but make sure the power source is turned on.
- If you’re using a Mac or computer to charge your Apple Watch, you’ll need to switch to a wall outlet.
- Plug your iPhone or other device into this power source and see if it works.
- If the electrical outlet has exposed wires or appears broken, you should call an electrician to repair it.
Method 3: Clean the charger and check all connections
Another thing you should do to try to fix the charging issue is to make sure that the back of your Apple Watch and the magnetic charger are clean. If you haven’t cleaned your smartwatch and charger in a while, dust may have accumulated, which could interfere with the charging process. It’s a good idea to clean your smartwatch and charger with a soft, lint-free cloth. Once done, place the wearable device on the charger to see if the issue is resolved.
While you are doing this, make sure to check all the connections. Sometimes a loose connection can be responsible for the fact that you can’t charge your watch. To be on the safe side, I suggest you check and make sure everything is plugged in securely.
Method 4: Place your Apple Watch back on the charger
It’s possible that your Apple Watch isn’t properly aligned with the charger and that’s why your Apple Watch won’t charge or turn on. To be safe, you should remove your smartwatch and reposition the back of your Apple Watch on the magnetic charger. When your smartwatch is properly aligned with the charger’s magnets, you should see a green or yellow flash on the watch face.
Additionally, you need to remove the plastic wrap from both sides of the charger. This may seem obvious, but some users have the habit of wrapping accessories in plastic to make them look new and stay protected. That said, plastic tends to interfere with charging. So, if you haven’t removed the plastic wraps from both sides of your magnetic charger, remove them immediately. Then, place your Apple Watch on the charger and check if you’ve fixed the issue.
Method 5: Try another charger
There may be times when you are using an official/MFi charger and all the basics are set, but you still can’t charge your Apple Watch. If this happens, you should carefully examine your magnetic charger or USB power adapter for any signs of damage. If any part of your iWatch charger, such as the cable or magnetic disk, appears frayed, broken, or damaged, you should replace it with an Apple or MFi certified cable. Try charging your smartwatch using a different magnetic cable and USB power adapter. If your watchOS device starts charging this time, your charger is the problem.
Method 6: Force restart your Apple Watch
One of the most effective ways to fix your Apple Watch not charging issue is to perform a force restart. This fixes minor software glitches and gives the system a fresh start. A force restart not only helps you reboot your Apple Watch but also fixes other common watchOS issues. So, make sure not to skip this step.
To force restart an Apple Watch, simultaneously hold down the Side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds. Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Method 7: Update your Apple Watch
If you’re experiencing frequent charging issues on your Apple Watch, your wearable device may need a software update. Many users are used to updating their iPhones at regular intervals, but they don’t do the same for their smartwatches. If you don’t remember updating your smartwatch in a while, you should do it right away. Running your iWatch on the latest software version removes common software bugs and improves overall functionality, so you should do it at regular intervals to enjoy optimal performance.
- Open the Settings application on your Apple Watch and tap General.
- Here, press Software update.
- Now, download and install the latest version of watchOS.
You can also update your Apple Watch using your iPhone. To do this, go to Watch Application -> General -> Software Update and do what is necessary.
If you are able to turn on your smartwatch after updating the software, then it is obvious that some software bug was causing the problem.
If your Apple Watch still won’t charge after trying all the above steps, you should seek professional help. It could be that the internal components of your smartwatch are not working properly. This is quite common if your watch has recently suffered physical or water damage. In such cases, we recommend visiting the Apple Store. If your watch is under warranty, the geniuses at the Apple Store can repair your watch for free or offer you a replacement. Make sure to avoid cheaper alternatives as they can do worse in the name of good.
Why is my Apple Watch not charging?
Here are some of the common reasons why your Apple Watch won’t charge: 1. Incompatible, defective, or damaged charging accessories 2. Software issues 3. Loose connections or faulty power source 4. Dust/dirt on the back of your smartwatch 5. Hardware failure or defect
How do I know if my Apple Watch is charging?
When you place your Apple Watch on the magnetic charger, a green lightning bolt will appear on the screen for a few seconds. This clearly indicates that your Apple Watch is charging. If you see a red lightning bolt, it means that your smartwatch is almost discharged or is about to turn off. This red indicator should turn green when you charge your smartwatch.
Why does my Apple Watch take longer to charge than usual?
If you haven’t charged your Apple Watch in a while, your smartwatch will take longer than usual to charge and turn on. Additionally, a charger with insufficient power or a faulty power source may be responsible for your Apple Watch charging slowly.
How to restart a dead Apple Watch?
If you can’t turn on your Apple Watch, you can perform a force restart to get it working again. To do this, hold down the Side button and Digital Crown until you see the Apple logo.
