Apple Watch is a famous, high-featured wearable that works seamlessly with other Apple products. Unfortunately, it can have occasional problems that leave you wondering why ‘my Apple Watch won’t charge’ or ‘why won’t my Apple Watch turn on when charging’. This article dives deep into all the charging-related problems of your Apple Watch.

Key Takeaways

This article discusses all the possible reasons why your Apple Watch won’t charge. The problem can be as simple as a damaged cable or as complex as a hardware issue. Most commonly, it is a simple issue you can resolve at home by following the steps mentioned in the article.

Why won't my Apple Watch charge?

1.       The charging cable is not connected correctly, and the cord or outlet is damaged.

2.       The battery is completely drained.

3.       There is dust or debris accumulated in the charging contacts of your Apple Watch.

4.       There could be a software glitch that is stopping your Apple Watch from charging.

5.       The software on your Apple Watch is outdated, causing compatibility issues and preventing it from charging.

6.       You are using a third-party uncertified magnetic charger, which is giving an error.

7.       In rare cases, it is a hardware issue that needs professional help.

What to do if Apple Watch won't charge?

 

• Let your watch recharge for at least 30 minutes for the lightning bolt sign to appear.
• Force restart your Apple Watch. It will give the software a fresh start and start charging.
• Plug your watch into an Apple-verified charger or connect the cord to a different outlet.
• Remove the dust or debris from your watch with a soft cloth. 
• Update your Apple Watch to the latest software. New updates have bug fixes and will likely resolve the charging issue. 
• If nothing works, then it's time to call Apple support or trustworthy partners of Simply Fixable.

Apple Watch won't turn on or charge

It can be incredibly frustrating not to have your Apple watch turn on or charge. Here are some of the reasons why it happens and how you can fix it. 

Why won’t my Apple Watch turn on or charge?

• The watch battery is dead, or you are using a damaged charging cable or adaptor.
• There is dust accumulated on your Apple Watch or charger.
• Your watch is connected to a damaged power outlet, which isn’t providing enough charge for your watch to turn on or charge.
• Your watch has recently fallen or been exposed to water.
• It could also be a minor software glitch or a serious hardware issue.

How to fix my Apple Watch that won’t turn on or charge?

• Ensure you are charging your Apple Watch with a certified magnetic charging cable.
• Check for damage to your charging cable. Try charging with a new cord to solve the issue.
• Try force restarting your watch. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the side button for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.

How to prevent my Apple watch from not turning on or charging?

• Regularly charge your watch using an Apple-certified charger.
• Avoid using it in extreme temperatures or near water.
• Make sure you often update your Apple watch to avail the latest fixes and security patches.
• Do not connect your watch to a damaged charger or a troubled outlet.

Apple Watch won't hold charge

If your Apple Watch doesn’t hold a charge all day, then it can indicate a battery-related issue.

Why won’t my Apple watch hold charge?

• You have enabled the “Wake Screen on Wrist Raise” feature.
• The Wake Duration is set to more than 15 seconds.
• Multiple applications are running in the background.
• You are using an outdated watchOS version.
• Having too many push notifications enabled can also deplete the battery faster.

How to fix my Apple watch that is not holding charge?

• Turn off the “Wake Screen on Writ Raise” feature.
• Change the Wake duration and set it to 15 seconds.
• Enable the “Power Saving Mode” when you are working out.
• Updating your watchOS to the latest version will fix the battery and related software issues.
• Turn off all unnecessary push notifications to boost your watch battery.

How to prevent my Apple watch from not holding the charge?

• Regularly recharge your Apple Watch.
• Do not enable unnecessary notifications on your watch.
• Avoid charging your Apple Watch with third-party chargers.
• Keep your watchOS and other important software up-to-date.

Apple Watch won't charge past 80%

You are charging your Apple Watch, which won’t exceed 80%. Here is why it happens.

Why won’t my Apple watch charge past 80?

• You have set your watch to “Optimized Battery charging” by default. This feature delays charging above 80%.
• It can be a software glitch that is preventing your watch from fully charging.

How to fix my Apple watch that won’t charge past 80%?

• Go to the “Settings” App on your Apple Watch, tap “Battery Health” and turn off the “Optimized Battery Charging” option.
• To change the charge limit, connect your watch to a charger and turn off “Optimized Charge Limit” to let your Watch charge past 80%.
• Restarting your Apple Watch can also help solve the issue.
• Another possible solution is resetting your watch, but remember to back up your data first.

How to prevent my Apple watch from not charging past 80%?

• Always connect your Watch to a quality charger.
• Keep updating your Apple Watch to fix these minor issues.
• Regularly monitor the battery health to identify the issue early.

Apple Watch won't turn on and gets hot when

It can be a concerning issue when your Apple Watch starts heating up during charging and won’t turn on.

Why won’t my Apple watch turn on and get hot when charging?

• Since the Apple watch doesn’t have built-in fans, it is possible that charging it in a hot environment causes it to overheat.
• It could be a software issue causing it to overheat and not turn on.
• A damaged battery overheats your Apple watch and prevents it from turning on.
• Water damage can also cause this problem.

How to fix my Apple watch that won’t turn on and gets hot when charging?

• Remove your watch from charging, remove the case, and leave your watch for about 5 to 6 hours. Reboot it after.
• If the reason is water damage, keep your watch dry and secure while charging.
• If the overheating doesn’t resolve, get the watch checked by any Apple watch repair store.

How to prevent my Apple watch from not turning on and getting hot when charging?

• Do not charge your watch with a damaged charger.
• Avoid charging your Apple Watch in extreme temperatures.
• Regularly update your watch to prevent software issues and glitches.
• Always handle your Apple Watch with care and avoid dropping it.

New Apple watch won't charge

When you use your Apple Watch for a long time, you may experience specific battery-related issues. However, if this problem occurs on your new watch, it can be due to the following reasons.

Why won’t my new Apple watch charge?

• Sometimes, new products have dead batteries, which will take some time to show the charging status. 
• There is some issue with the software of your watch. 

How to fix my new Apple watch not charging?

• Use the correct Apple charger to charge your watch.
• Make sure your Apple Watch is not overheated. Let it cool, and then plug it into the charger. 
• Plug your watch into an outlet that works properly and wait 30 mins for it to start charging.
• Lastly, visit an Apple store to see if this problem can be resolved or ask them to replace it as the watch is still new and should be under warranty.

How to prevent my New Apple watch from not charging?

• Avoid using knockoff chargers to charge your new Apple Watch.
• Make sure to properly check the functioning of your Apple Watch within the first week of purchasing it so it can be replaced or returned in case of damage.
• Install all the latest updates of the watchOS.

Apple Watch turning on but not charging

There can be a couple of reasons why your Apple Watch turns on but not charge.

Why is my Apple watch turning on but not charging?

• Sometimes, the charging cable breaks internally, preventing your watch from charging.
• The charger can be loosely connected to the Apple watch.
• There may be a dirt buildup in the charging contacts, which is not letting it charge.
• It can be a hardware issue like a damaged port or a defective battery.

How to fix my Apple watch that turns on but does not charge?

• Ensure a tight connection and proper magnetic alignment between the charger and the device.
• Do a force restart If your watch keeps refusing to charge.
• Gently clean your watch and the charger to remove the dirt.
• Connect it to a different power outlet and see if it works.

How to prevent my Apple watch not charging but turning on?

• Regularly clean the charging contacts of your watch.
• Do not use any third-party chargers or adaptors to charge your Apple Watch.
• Update the operating system of your device to get the latest bug fixes. 

Apple watch charged but won't turn on

Source

Let's look into the reason why your Apple watch won’t turn on despite being charged.

Why is my Apple watch charged but not turning on?

• The watchOS has experienced a crash or freeze that is not letting your watch turn on.
• The power button of your Apple Watch is stuck or damaged.
• The battery could be damaged and may not work despite being fully charged. 
• Another reason is a hardware issue like a damaged screen, processor, or a faulty internal component. 

How to fix an Apple watch that is charged but does not turn on?

• Force restarting your watch can help turn your watch on.
• Check for any physical damage on your watch. If there is any damage, like a broken screen, get it repaired immediately.
• Connect your watch to your iPhone. It will give you some information about the problem. 
• In case of hardware damage, the best approach will be contacting a repair service partnered with Simply Fixable.

How to prevent an Apple watch from not turning on when charged?

• Charge your Apple Watch when the battery is low so it doesn’t deplete completely.
• Use official Apple accessories to charge your watch.
• Keep the charging contacts clean and dirt-free.
• Do not use the Power Reserve mode too much. Its frequent use can prevent your watch from turning on.

Apple Watch won't charge after being dead 

Here's why your Apple Watch won’t charge after being dead and how you can fix it.

Why won’t my Apple watch charge after being dead?

• If its battery has been dead for a long time, it can take a few attempts before it starts charging.
• You are using a damaged charger or adaptor that won’t let your watch charge.

How to fix my Apple watch that won’t charge after being dead?

• Check if your smartwatch's charging contact and the magnetic charger's surface are clean.
• Connect it to the charger and let it charge for 30 minutes to see if it starts charging.
• Connect the watch to a different charger or power outlet.
• Do a force restart. That should help solve the issue.

How to prevent my Apple from not charging after being dead?

• Do not let your smartwatch’s battery completely drain.
• Always use Apple chargers and adaptors to charge your device.
• Avoid letting your watch battery be dead for a long time.
• Clean the watch and chargers contact to prevent dust build-up.

Apple Watch won't force restart or charge

If you have any problem with your Apple Watch, you should force restart it. But what should you do if the force restart isn’t working? Here is how you can fix it.

Why won’t my Apple watch force restart or charge?

• The most common reason is a software malfunction.
• Your device may be frozen, so it doesn't force restart or charge.
• Your Apple watch might be in power reserve mode.
• Lastly, it could be a hardware issue that requires professional assistance.

How to fix my Apple watch that won’t force restart or charge?

• Do a hard reset if your smartwatch doesn’t force restart.
• Hold your side button to turn off the “Power Reserve” mode until you see the Apple logo in the center of the watch’s display. Then, release the side button, and your device will boot back up.
• Put your smartwatch on charge using a new magnetic charger.
• In case of a hardware problem, contact Apple support.

How to prevent my Apple watch from not force restarting or charging?

• Regularly recharge your device using the Apple magnetic charger.
• Keep the contacts of your smartwatch and charger clean.
• Make sure to update your Apple watch regularly.

Apple Watch won't fully charge

Here is why your smartwatch won’t fully charge and how can you fix it.

Why won’t my Apple Watch fully charge?

• You have the "Optimized Battery Charging" feature on.
• The charging cord or the adaptor is damaged.
• Your smartwatch's battery health is deteriorating and preventing it from fully charging.
• Too many background applications and tasks prevent the battery from reaching 100%.
• Check if your Apple Watch is overheating. When the device heats up, it stops charging.

How to fix an Apple Watch that won’t fully charge?

• First, go to “Settings” and then “Battery Health” and turn off the “Optimized Battery Charging” feature.
• Charge your Apple Watch in a well-ventilated room and avoid using it during charging.
• Try force restarting your device. It should resolve the problem.

How to prevent an Apple Watch from not fully charging?

• Always charge your watch in a moderate-temperature room.
• Keep an eye on all the latest operating system and software updates.
• Monitor the battery’s health by connecting it to your iPhone.
• Only use Apple products to charge your smartwatch.

Apple Watch won't update on charger 

Your Apple Watch refused to update on charge? There could be a few reasons why it is happening, but you can fix it yourself by following simple steps.

Why won’t my Apple Watch update on charger?

• You have a poor internet connection.
• The battery is critically low and requires to charge before updating.
• A software glitch is preventing the update.

How to fix my Apple Watch that won’t update on the charger?

• Let your device charge a little before starting the update. Once it reaches a reasonable level, you can put it on update.
• Check your internet connection. Ensure that the iPhone the watch is connected to is nearby.
• The best thing to do is restart both the smartwatch and the iPhone. It will give them a fresh restart and start updating.

How to prevent my Apple Watch from not updating on the charger?

• Turn on automatic software updates on your smartwatch through your iPhone by going to My Watch > General > Software Update and enabling "Download iOS updates."
• Always update your watch when you’re connected to a stable internet connection.

Apple watch not charging and displaying green snake

Is your Apple Watch displaying a green snake? Don’t worry it is not a bug or virus. It just indicates extremely low battery levels.

Why won’t my Apple Watch charge and display a green snake?

• Your charging cable or adaptor is damaged.
• The power outlet is not providing enough voltage to charge your smartwatch.

How to fix my Apple Watch not charging and displaying green snake?

• Immediately connect your watch to an Apple charger.
• Ensure there is no internal damage to the charging cable.

How to prevent my Apple Watch from not charging and displaying a green snake?

• Regularly charge your device, and don’t let its battery reach critical levels.
• Enable battery notifications so you can be informed early and put it on charge.

Apple watch not charging and displaying red lightning bolt

The red lighting bolt indicates that the battery is critically low and refrain from doing any other activity until it charges.

Why won’t my Apple Watch charge and display a red lightning bolt?

• A red lightning bolt means that your smartwatch is in Power Reserve Mode or the battery is critically low. 
• The watch has been inactive for a long time.
• It has been exposed to hot temperatures for a long time period. It could have caused the battery to overheat and stopped charging.
• It could be a software glitch if your smartwatch isn’t charging and showing a red lighting bolt sign.

How to fix my Apple Watch not charging and displaying a red lightning bolt?

• Keep charging your device. Since the battery is already critically low, removing the sign and displaying the charging status will take some time.
• Try charging the watch for at least 6 hours. This may resolve the issue.
• Do a force restart if the problem hasn't been resolved.

How to prevent my Apple Watch from not charging and displaying a red lightning bolt?

• Do not let your Apple Watch reach critical battery levels. Regularly charge it using an Apple charger.
• Do not put your Apple Watch out in extreme temperatures as it can damage the battery.
• Keep your operating system up-to-date to prevent software glitches.

Apple Watch won't charge after swimming 

Your Apple Watch not charging after swimming indicates a water-related issue or damage. Here is how you can resolve the issue.

Why won’t my Apple Watch charge after swimming?

• The reason it won’t charge is water damage. The water may have entered the internal components and damaged it.

How to fix my Apple Watch not charging after swimming?

• The first step is to dry the device completely. Shake the watch to remove all the water, and then clean it with a lint-free cloth.
• Don’t put it immediately to charge. Let it dry for at least five hours. 
• Do a force restart by holding the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears. If it still doesn’t turn on, the damage is critical and needs professional help.

How to prevent my Apple Watch not charging after swimming?

• The best prevention will be to avoid using your Apple watch near water.

Apple Watch Series 6 won't charge

All of a sudden, you noticed that your Apple Watch Series 6 won’t charge. Don’t freak out. Find out the reasons below and follow the steps to fix it as soon as possible.

Why won’t my Apple Watch Series 6 charge?

• The watch is not connected to the charger properly.
• It can be a software problem like a virus or outdated OS.
• Another reason is the damaged battery. With time, the battery capacity degrades, causing charging issues.
• Your Apple Watch is performing too many background tasks, preventing it from charging.

How to fix my Apple Watch Series 6 not charging?

• Make sure to connect your Apple watch with the magnetic charger correctly.
• Sometimes, a hard reset is the best way to fix a charging problem. Press and hold the Digital Crown and Side button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• Update the software of your smartwatch or do a factory reset. It will delete all your data, so back it up before proceeding with a factory reset.
• Try charging your Apple Watch with another charger cable or adaptor to see if there is an issue with the charger.

How to prevent my Apple Watch Series 6 not charging?

• Use your Apple Watch and its charging accessories with care.
• Regularly clean the charging contacts on your smartwatch and charger to prevent dust accumulation.
• Monitor the watch's battery health by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. It helps to detect issues early.
• Keep the watchOS and other software up-to-date to prevent charging issues.

Apple Watch Series 7 won't charge

Even the Apple Watch Series 7 is not immune to faults. It can face certain charging issues but don’t worry, we have the solutions.

Why won’t my Apple Watch 7 charge?

• You still have plastic wrapped around your Apple Watch.
• Likely, your Apple Watch is not charging due to software glitches.
• The charging cable is damaged or not correctly plugged into the power adaptor.
• Sometimes, dirt and dust can also stop your Apple Watch from charging. 

How to fix my Apple Watch 7 not charging?

• As funny as it sounds, plastic wrap can cause charging issues, so remove it from your smartwatch.
• Update the Operating System of your device to solve software-related issues.
• Ensure that the charging cable is completely plugged into the adaptor.
• Connect your device to a new Apple-certified charger in case of a damaged charger.
• Clean out all the dirt from your device using a lint-free cloth.
• Try unpairing and pairing your watch with your iPhone. It may fix the issue.

How to prevent my Apple Watch 7 from not charging?

• Keep your Apple Watch 7 software up-to-date.
• Only use official charging accessories to charge your watch.
• Regularly charge your watch to prevent battery draining.
• Keep an eye on your smartwatch’s battery health.

Apple Watch SE won't charge

There can be a number of reasons why your Apple Watch SE won’t charge. Let’s troubleshoot all those problems.

Why won’t my Apple Watch SE charge?

• Your watch is not correctly connected to the charger or the power outlet.
• It can be a minor software glitch that requires you to power restart your smartwatch.
• The issue may be with the charger and not the watch.
• Dirt and other residues might accumulate on the charging contacts of your Apple Watch or the charger.

How to fix my Apple Watch SE not charging?

• Ensure all the connections from the power outlet to the charging dock are secure.
• Force restart your watch by pressing the digital crown and side button for 10 seconds. Once the logo appears, the charging should resume.
• Ensure the charger is damage-free and correctly connected to your smartwatch.
• Update the watchOS to the latest version. It will likely fix the charging issue.
• If nothing works, you can contact Apple support or any of Simply Fixable’s repair partners for timely assistance.

How to prevent my Apple Watch SE from not charging?

• Keep the charging contact of your smartwatch and charger clean.
• Avoid using third-party chargers. They will only damage your device and reduce its battery life.
• Ideally, charge your Apple watch every day for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Regularly update the device OS and other software.

Apple Watch Series 3 won't charge

The Apple Watch Series 3 can have its fair share of occasional technical problems. One of them is the charging issue. Keep reading to find out why your Apple Watch Series 3 won’t charge and how to solve this problem.

Why won’t my Apple Watch Series 3 charge?

• If you see the lightning sign in the corner of the screen, but it's not charging, it is a software issue. 
• If you have plugged in the device and it does not even show a charging sign, it indicates a hardware issue.
• Using a cheap third-party charger can also disrupt the charging process. 
• Look for any visible external damage on the charging cable.

How to fix my Apple Watch Series 3 not charging?

• Ensure that the Magnetic Charging Cable is plugged into the USB Power Adaptor and that the adaptor is properly connected to the power outlet.
• Connect the charger to a different power outlet if it's still not charging.
• If your watch is new, check for remaining plastic wrap. Peeling it off will also resolve the charging issue.
• Clean the charging contact of your smartwatch and charger.
• If nothing else works, contact Apple Support or any local repair shop that has been vetted and approved by Simply Fixable.

How to prevent my Apple Watch Series 3 from not charging?

• Keep the Operating system and software updated.
• Always use authentic Apple-certified chargers to charge your watch.
• Prevent taking your watch near water bodies. 

Apple Watch 8 won't charge

Apple Watch 8 is a multi-featured wearable. You can use it to count steps, track calories, and listen to songs. If you are experiencing your Apple Watch 8 not charging, then here are the possible reasons and solutions.

Why won’t my Apple Watch 8 charge?

• If you haven’t cleaned your watch in a long time, it's possible that dust has piled up, causing charging issues.
• There is plastic wrapped around the charger.
• The charging cable is internally broken.
• A minor software glitch or bug is preventing your smartwatch from charging.

How to fix my Apple Watch 8 not charging?

• Peel off any plastic wrapped around the charging cable or adaptor.
• Force restart your Apple Watch 8. It will reboot it and solve the charging problem.
• Download all the latest software updates. It will contain the latest bug fixes and security patches.
• Unpair your smartwatch and then pair it again with your iPhone.
• Try charging your watch with a different charger on another power outlet.

How to prevent my Apple Watch 8 from not charging?

• Ensure there is a working connection between the watch and the charger.
• Avoid using third-party chargers. They are not compatible with your smartwatch and can cause battery damage.
• Do not expose your watch to high temperatures.

Apple Watch Ultra won't charge

Source

Apple Watch Ultra is the latest addition to the smartwatch family. It is a fast, versatile, and multi-featured device. However, some users have experience that it won’t charge sometimes. Here is why it could happen.

Why won’t my Apple Watch ultra charge?

• You are not connecting the watch to the charger correctly.
• You may be using an outdated OS version or a troubled application.
• If you have dropped your watch, it might have been internally damaged, preventing it from charging.
• Your device's battery may be damaged, affecting its battery charge.

How to fix my Apple Watch Ultra not charging?

• Try restarting your smartwatch. It will resolve the issue if it’s a minor software glitch.
• If your smartwatch has experienced physical damage, visit an Apple store for help as soon as possible.
• Try charging on a different power outlet to see if the problem is due to it.
• Update your Apple Watch Ultra to the latest operating system.

How to prevent my Apple Watch Ultra from not charging?

• Charge your Apple Watch in a well-ventilated room.
• Keep your watchOS and other software up-to-date.
• Don't let your smartwatch's battery fully deplete. Charge it regularly every day, especially if you wear it all the time.

Why is there a red lightning bolt on my Apple Watch when charging?

When charging, the red lighting bolt on your Apple Watch indicates that the battery is critically low. So, let it charge for an hour to reach a stable level and avoid using it during that time.

How do I reset an unresponsive Apple Watch? 

The best way to reset an unresponsive Apple watch is to do a hard reset. Press the Digital crown and the side button simultaneously for 10 seconds. When the Apple logo starts to appear, release the buttons. This will reset your Apple Watch

How to prevent the charging issue in the future?

• Always charge your Apple Watch with Apple-certified magnetic chargers.
• Clean the charging contact of your smartwatch and charger before connecting them. 
• Never let your watch’s battery reach 0%. Ideally, charge it every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Regular Operating System and software updates are necessary to get the latest bug fixes and prevent charging issues. 
• Do not use your Apple Watch near water or in extreme temperatures.
• Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to monitor the battery’s health. These insights will help prevent charging and other software issues. 

Conclusion

Apple Watch is an iPhone’s best companion. It is a fantastic device with plenty of features. Despite all these qualities, it can face charging-related issues. If such an issue happens with your watch, try to look for the causes and follow steps to fix it at home. If nothing else works, take your Apple Watch to any of the repair stores partnered with Simply Fixable. 

 

 

 

 

Author: Madiha Khadim

LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim

Tech Writer | Photographer

Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.

 

 

 

 

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