If there’s one common complaint you may have seen about the Apple Watch, it is that the device just charges too slow. For people on the move with busy schedules, a slow-charging watch can cause many problems. After all, when you use an Apple Watch, all of your activities get seamlessly synced across your devices. So what is causing this issue, resulting in hours and hours of charging time?
The slow charging that you come across on Apple Watches is usually due to a few common reasons. These can be due to different charging cables, adapters, correct placement, debris, and basic battery hygiene. In some cases, this may be a hardware battery issue and requires professional help from an Apple Service Center.
In order to go through each of the reasons mentioned above in detail, you can explore the article below. Going through these guidelines and troubleshooting can help you identify what is going on with your Apple Watch to address the problems accurately.
Why Do Apple Watches Charge Slow?
The newest series of the Apple Watch, series 7, was unveiled for the first time in 2021. It can do a lot of amazing things. For example, you can use it as a heart monitor, fitness tracker, and even a Magic Band for Disney-goers.
And one of the most significant pulls of the latest version of the watch was a faster charging time. This change means users can get far more features to reduce waiting time. However, some users have pointed out there are still issues with battery charging time. So, how can we fix this consistent issue with the Apple Watch?
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You Aren’t Using The Right Cable
Because the Apple Watch comes with a USB-C cable, some users think any other cable that classifies as USB-C can be effective at charging the watch. This assumption simply isn’t valid. The Magnetic Fast Charging Cable offered by Apple is the best way to charge your Apple Watch quickly.
Using any other cable when trying to charge your Apple Watch can slow down charging times and impact the overall battery life and quality. This reasoning is why it’s always good to stick to the product’s charging cables, as other cables may cause issues.
You Aren’t Using The Right Adapter
It’s no secret. Sometimes, keeping track of all the cables and adapters linked to your Apple products can be a giant pain. To reduce confusion, an option is to switch to a duo or 3-in-1 charger. However, if you are using a cable, never mix and match adapters.
You may be confused and get the wrong one because you don’t get a power adapter when purchasing an Apple Watch. According to Apple, the best adapter to use in this case is an 18W or a 20W power adapter for a USB-C cable. This choice will help charge the Apple Watch significantly faster. But always make sure to buy an adapter that Apple recommends.
A Forced Restart Is Needed
Sometimes, a forced restart can resolve glitches in the Apple Watch software. This move can often lead to optimized charging time and improved battery life. If you’re already using the correct cable and adapter, you may want to try this option out. To force-restart your watch:
- Hold down the Digital Crown and Side Button simultaneously.
- Keep holding the buttons down for around 10 seconds.
- When you see the Apple Logo on the screen, you can release the buttons.
- Connect your Apple Watch to the cable and let it charge before starting it up again.
Use The Right Charging Placement
If you are looking to have the best charging results, you need to place your Apple Watch correctly. For example, you should put the charger in a well-ventilated room, as humidity and other environmental components can damage it. Consider a few tips for managing this charging experience better.
Keep the charger on top of a flat space, so the Apple Watch doesn’t just slide off. The great thing is that the charging cable is supposed to snap right onto the back of your Apple Watch, although you should make sure this aligns every time. Keep an ear out for the friendly chime when the Apple Watch starts charging so you know it is correctly connected.
The Cable And Adapter Need Cleaning
If you’ve been using the adapter and cable for a long time, it may be time to clean it up. After using the charger, you may notice dirt gathering within the charging port. Cleaning your cable and adapter involves the use of a gentle method with a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
Do not let water enter the cable, and always unplug it before starting any cleaning. If there is serious dirt on the accessories, you can also have them professionally cleaned.
It’s Time To Plug-In
Because you are using a USB-C port cable, you may think it’s good to charge your Apple Watch via other devices regularly. The practice of using a laptop or computer to charge your watch should be avoided. The reasoning behind this is that using a secondary device will lead to slow charging times and impact the health of the Apple Watch.
You Need To Practice Battery Hygiene
Here are some tips that can extend your battery life and improve health:
- Try not to drain your battery completely, especially frequently.
- Start charging at 10-20%, and don’t overcharge it too often.
- Don’t mess with the calibration of your Apple Watch battery.
- Avoid the use of knock-off chargers that can drain your battery life.
- Keep an eye on battery health through your Settings App.
Conclusion
Maintaining the health of your Apple Watch battery is one of the biggest keys to charging it faster. It’s always important to keep in mind the tips for good battery health, as issues with battery health can affect charging time.
You may have a defective watch, charging cable, or adapter. In some cases, you may even have to get your battery replaced. However, these troubleshooting tips will extend your battery life and improve your experience with the Apple Watch. If you are following all of the recommended practices and continue to see problems, you can reach out to Apple Customer Support for help.