Tech Reference

'Why isn't my Apple Watch charging?': How to troubleshoot Apple Watch charging issues in 3 ways

Written by Steven John
Apple Watch
There are several methods you can use to troubleshoot your Apple Watch if it's not charging. Hollis Johnson
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Even with regular use during the day, your Apple Watch's battery should last 18 hours, and will fully recharge in just two hours. 

That long battery life and fast charge time means you can count on your trusty digital sidekick all day and almost all night too, as long as you can get it to charge in the first place. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 5 (From $399.99 at Best Buy)

How to troubleshoot your Apple Watch if it isn't charging

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A red lightning bolt means your watch needs to be charged, while a green lightning bolt means it's actively charging. Apple

If you rest the watch on its magnetic charging dock and don't see that trusty green lightning bolt on its screen, you have a problem on your hands. 

But there are multiple ways to troubleshoot the charging issue, so don't panic yet.

Reposition the Apple Watch and check connections

apple watch
Your Apple Watch should look like this when it's charging properly. Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

1. Try picking up and then reconnecting your watch and charging dock. 

2. Also, try laying the watch down flat instead of charging it at a 90-degree angle.

3. Then, check the charging dock cable and make sure it is properly inserted into the adapter and that the adapter is fully plugged into the outlet.

4. Also make sure the back of the watch and the surface of the charger are clean and free of plastic film or any other physical objects.

Force the watch to restart

smart watch apple watch
A force restart may solve your charging issue. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

1. Hold down both the Digital Crown, the disc on the right side of the watch, and the side button of your Apple Watch for 10 seconds. 

2. Once the Apple logo appears, you can release and the watch will restart. 

3. Repeat step two if you need to.

Try different hardware

Why isn't my Apple watch charging
Apple does not recommend using third-party devices for charging your Apple Watch. Apple

If possible, try a new charger with your watch to see if the issue is with the charging hardware rather than the device itself. And finally, if accessible, try a different watch with your charger or chargers.

By now, it will be clear if the issue is quickly fixable or if you need help from Apple.

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Steven John
Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.