Apple Watch Not Charging After Being Dead? 9 Fast Solutions

PDF download Download Article
Revive a dead Apple Watch battery
PDF download Download Article

It takes about 30 minutes for an Apple Watch to charge after it's dead. If your watch stays off for longer than that, it could indicate an issue with your charging cable or power source. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to turn your watch on again. Here's what to do if your Apple Watch is not charging after being dead for Series 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Why Won't My Apple Watch Charge?

If you're trying to charge your Apple Watch after it's been dead for a while, it won't appear to start charging instantly. Leave it to charge for at least 30 minutes using an Apple-certified charging cable and working power outlet.

1

Let it charge for 30 minutes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A dead Apple Watch will take some time to boot up again. Usually, you'll see a green lightning bolt on the screen while it's charging, or a red lightning bolt if it needs charging. If you don't see these icons, or if it's stuck on the charging cable icon, leave it alone to charge for 30 minutes to an hour before checking again. [1]
    2. Advertisement
2

Check the charging cable.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make sure you're using an Apple-certified charging cable. Some third-party cables are not compatible even if they say they are. Use the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable that came in your Apple Watch box. If needed, you can order a new one from the Apple website .
    • Also inspect both the end of the magnetic charger and the back side of your Apple Watch watch for any build-up or dirt preventing it from making contact. If you need to, you can wipe your Apple Watch and the charger clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. [2]
3

Use a different outlet.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Plug the cable into a different outlet. If you're using a wall outlet, try a different one. You can also charge an Apple Watch using a computer or laptop that's turned on, though it may take longer.
    • Check that the charging cable is plugged all the way into the USB power adapter or device.
    2. Advertisement
4

Force-restart your Apple Watch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown for 10 seconds. Hold the buttons simultaneously. This performs a force-restart.
    • You should see the Apple logo. If you don't, let it charge for another 30 minutes, and then try to force-restart it again.
5

Remove any cases.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take off the case or accessories. A bulky case may prevent the charging cable from connecting properly.
    • Additionally, remove any plastic covering that may have come with the watch or charging cable.
    2. Advertisement
6

Make sure the magnets align properly.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When the magnets are connected properly, you'll see the green charging lightning bolt. If the Apple Watch is completely dead, it may need to be manually held together until it turns on again.
7

Wipe down the charging cable and watch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Debris and dirt can build up on your watch. Clean both the back of your Apple Watch and the charger magnets with a dry, microfiber cloth.
    2. Advertisement
8

Check for water damage.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your Apple Watch recently made contact with water or sweat, or was left in a moist environment, leave it alone to dry completely for a few hours. Then, try again.
9

Contact Apple.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If the watch is relatively new, you may be covered under Apple's warranty. You can contact Apple on their website at https://getsupport.apple.com/ .
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell Which Type of Apple Watch You Have: 3 Ways
      How to
      Check if Your Apple Watch Is Authentic or Fake
      How to
      Get WhatsApp on Apple Watch
      Can You Find a Dead Apple Watch?
      Easy Ways to Get Snapchat on Apple Watch
      How to
      Charge an Apple Watch Without a Charger
      How to
      Change the Timezone on an Apple Watch
      How to
      Unzoom your Apple Watch or Turn off Zoom Completely
      How to
      Unlock Your Apple Watch If You Forgot the Passcode
      Easy Ways to Block a Number or Contact on Apple Watch
      10 Simple Fixes for Your Walkie-Talkie Not Working on Apple Watch
      Why is My Apple Watch Dying So Fast? Improve Battery Life
      How to
      Remove an Apple Watch Band
      Apple Watch Doesn’t Pair without an Update? Here’s What to Do
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108927
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108893

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement