Apple Watch not charging? 8 fixes to get it charging again
A watch that will not charge is usually a dirty sensor, a loose adapter or a very flat battery. Stopping at 80% is a feature, not a fault.
How to fix an Apple Watch that won’t charge
The fix
Try these 8 fixes in order
- 1
Remove any plastic film.
New chargers come with a clear film on both sides of the puck. Peel it off.
- 2
Clean the back of the watch and the charger.
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Sweat and lotion residue can stop charging. Do not use liquids or sharp objects.
- 3
Plug everything in firmly.
Push the cable all the way into the adapter and the adapter all the way into the outlet.
- 4
Reposition the watch.
Take the watch off the charger and put it back so the magnets pull it into place. Look for the lightning bolt.
- 5
Wait up to 30 minutes.
A completely flat watch can take this long before the lightning bolt appears.
- 6
Try a different charger and adapter.
Use another Apple Watch charging cable and a different USB power adapter or outlet.
- 7
Force restart the watch.
Press and hold the side button and the Digital Crown together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- 8
Update watchOS.
On your iPhone open the Watch app, then General › Software Update, and install any update while the watch charges.
Charging but stopping at 80%?
That is Optimized Battery Charging (or Optimized Charge Limit on newer models). It learns your routine and holds at 80% to reduce battery wear. To charge fully now, tap the charging notification on the watch and choose Charge to Full Now, or change it in Settings › Battery › Battery Health on the watch.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Apple Watch stop charging at 80%?
Optimized Battery Charging or Optimized Charge Limit is holding the charge at 80% to reduce battery wear. It finishes charging when it expects you to need it. You can change this in the watch’s Battery settings.
What does a red lightning bolt mean on Apple Watch?
The battery is very low and the watch needs more time to charge before it turns on. A green lightning bolt means it is charging normally.
What to try next
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