Apple Watch not charging? 7 fixes to try
2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Remove any plastic film from the watch and charger, clean both with a dry cloth, and make sure the charger is plugged into a wall adapter. Hold the side button and Digital Crown for ten seconds to force restart, then leave the watch on the charger for 30 minutes.
When an Apple Watch does not charge, the cause is usually the charger, the adapter or dirt between the watch and the puck.
Step by step
Check the plastic film
New watches and chargers have a clear film on the back of the watch and on both sides of the charger. Peel them off.
Reseat the watch
Take it off the charger and put it back so the magnets pull it into the centre. A green or red lightning bolt should appear.
Clean the contact surfaces
Wipe the back of the watch and the charger with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Check cable, adapter and socket
Plug the charger firmly into a USB power adapter in a wall socket. Try another adapter and another socket. Avoid computer ports and multi-socket strips for the test.
Take off cases
A thick case or screen protector that wraps around the back can stop the watch from sitting flat.
Force restart
Hold the side button and the Digital Crown together for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
Wait 30 minutes
A completely empty watch can show nothing, or a red bolt, for a long while before it starts.
Good to know
Use an Apple charger or one marked "Made for Apple Watch". Phone wireless pads do not charge a watch.
If the watch stops at 80%, that is Optimised Battery Charging. Tap the charging circle and choose Charge to Full Now.
If another watch charges on your charger and yours does not, your watch needs service.
Charging basics: how to charge an Apple Watch correctly.
In short: Remove film, clean, wall adapter, force restart, wait 30 minutes.
- Apple Support: If your Apple Watch won't charge or it won't turn on
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.