If your Apple Watch is taking a long time to charge after it has fully died, it could be due to a few potential issues.
This article highlights the possible reasons why this might happen and some solutions to help speed up the charging time.
Reasons For Apple Watch Taking Forever To Charge After Dying
- Low Power Mode After Deep Discharge: When an Apple Watch battery depletes completely, it goes into a low-power state, making it take longer to start charging at a normal rate. The initial “kickstart” to bring it back to life can take a while.
- Charger Issues: Faulty or low-power charging cables, adapters, or third-party chargers can significantly slow down the charging speed.
- Battery Health: Over time, lithium-ion batteries like the one in an Apple Watch degrade. A battery with lower health may take longer to charge, and may not hold a charge as well.
- Temperature: The Apple Watch battery operates best at room temperature. If it’s too hot or cold, it might charge more slowly to protect the battery.
- Software Glitches: Occasionally, software bugs can interfere with charging speeds, especially if it’s an older model running a newer OS version.
How To Fix Apple Watch Taking Forever To Charge After Dying
Fix 1: Let It Charge for a While First
If your watch is fully dead, leave it on the charger for at least 15–30 minutes before expecting it to boot up. Sometimes, it needs time to reach a minimal charge level.
Fix 2: Use Official Apple Charging Equipment
Use the original Apple Watch charging cable and adapter. Third-party chargers, especially low-quality ones, can charge more slowly or inconsistently.
Fix 3: Restart Apple Watch
After the watch turns back on, try restarting it to reset any potential software glitches that might affect charging.
Fix 4: Update Software
Ensure your watch’s software is up-to-date. Apple often releases patches that can fix bugs affecting battery performance and charging.
Fix 5: Avoid Charging in Extreme Temperatures
Charge your watch in a cool, room-temperature environment for optimal performance. Avoid charging in direct sunlight or in very hot or cold areas.
Fix 6: Check Battery Health
Go to Settings > Battery on your Apple Watch (or via your iPhone’s Watch app) to see your battery health status. If it’s significantly degraded, you might consider a battery replacement.
Fix 7: Clean the Charging Contacts
Dust or dirt on the charging contacts can interfere with charging. Wipe both the back of the watch and the charging puck with a soft, dry cloth.
Conclusion
If none of these steps help, and it continues to charge slowly, it may be worth visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider to check for hardware issues.
FAQs
Why does my Apple Watch take so long to start charging after it dies?
When an Apple Watch battery is completely depleted, it enters a low-power state that slows down the initial charging process. It may take time to reach a sufficient charge level before charging at a normal rate.
How can I tell if my charging cable is the problem?
If your Apple Watch charges slowly or not at all, try using the original Apple charging cable and adapter. If charging improves, the issue may be with the third-party charger or cable you were using.
What should I do if my Apple Watch isn’t charging even after trying different chargers?
Ensure that you are using certified Apple charging equipment and check for software updates. If charging issues persist, consider checking the battery health or cleaning the charging contacts.
How can I check the battery health of my Apple Watch?
You can check your Apple Watch’s battery health by going to Settings > Battery on your watch or through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. This will give you an indication of whether the battery may need replacement.
Is it safe to charge my Apple Watch in extreme temperatures?
No, charging your Apple Watch in very hot or cold environments can lead to slower charging and may harm the battery. It’s best to charge your watch in a cool, room-temperature area away from direct sunlight.
