If your Apple Watch Series 7 won’t charge, don’t despair. We’ve got all the fixes you need to get your smartwatch charging again.
While the Apple Watch Series 7 is a fantastic smartwatch, it’s not immune to fault. If your Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t charging, there’s no need for immediate panic. You might need to try another charger or perform a software update. In some cases, the device itself might be faulty, but hopefully this doesn’t apply to you—seeking repair can be a hassle, especially out of warranty.
Why Is My Apple Watch Series 7 Not Charging?
If your Apple Watch Series 7 won’t charge, it could be a software or hardware problem or something entirely different. The most common reason people find their Apple Watch Series 7 won’t charge is an obstruction preventing the charger from connecting with the watch. It’s also possible there is a software issue, and once that’s cleared out, the watch will begin charging again.
Finally, the problem of Apple Watch Series 7 not charging could be due to a defect, in which case, you’ll likely need to return the watch to Apple for a replacement or take it to a repair shop for a professional fix.
To help you out if your Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t charging, we’ve rounded up all the fixes to try. Follow these through in order and hopefully your Apple Watch Series 7 will successfully charge once more.
How to fix an Apple Watch Series 7 that’s not charging
1. Remove plastic wrap and accessories
If your Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t charging, check to see if you’ve removed all the plastic wrap from your device and charging stand. Also, remove your watch band and any other accessories to make sure they’re not getting in the way when you try to charge your device.
2. Update watchOS
In most cases, your Apple Watch Series 7 won’t charge because of software issues, which can typically be resolved by updating watchOS. To do this, open the Watch app on your iPhone. Tap the My Watch tab from the bottom menu and go to General > Software Update.
If there’s an update available for your Apple Watch Series 7, press Download and Install and wait for the process to complete. If there isn’t an update available, you’ll see this message: “Your Apple Watch Series 7 is up-to-date with all the latest bug fixes and security enhancements.”
3. Try Another Charger
If your Apple watch Series 7 still isn’t charging, check to see that you’ve fully plugged your charging cable into the power adapter, and that your adapter is securely connected to a power outlet.
Check the cord and adapter for any damage as well. And make sure you’re using the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable or the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable that came with your device.
Your Apple Watch Series 7’s charging issues may not be with the device itself, but rather the charger. Try powering the charger through a different power source (another USB port or wall socket).
If that doesn’t work, try using a different charger entirely. You might not have a spare, so see if you can borrow one from a friend before shelling out for a replacement.
4. Clean the Watch and Charger
Wireless charging technology is quite complex, so dirt or something else between the charger and the Apple Watch Series 7 can be the cause of your device not charging. As such, you should clean the Apple Watch and its charger.
First, turn off the Apple Watch, remove it from the charger, and remove the band. Take a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, lightly soak it with fresh water, and carefully clean the base of the device. Disconnect the cable from the power adapter and gently clean it. Dry both the Apple Watch and the cable with another cloth. Lastly, connect everything and check if the device is now charging.
5. Unpair Your Apple Watch
If you continue having issues, unpair and repair the Apple Watch from your iPhone. This restores your Apple Watch to its factory settings, though your iPhone will create a backup. To do this:
- Go to the iPhone Watch app.
- Tap the My Watch tab from the bottom menu.
- Select All Watches in the top-left.
- Tap the information icon next to your Watch.
- Press Unpair Apple Watch.
Once you finish this process, you can then pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone again by bringing the two devices close together. When done, see if your charging issues are resolved.
6. . Factory Reset Your Apple Watch
If you still can’t get your Apple Watch Series 7 to charge, try manually triggering a factory reset. This wipes your data from the Watch and sets everything back to default, just like unpairing does, but it’s worth trying this separately anyway.
To do this:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Select My Watch from the bottom menu.
- Go to General > Reset.
- Tap Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode to confirm.
Wait until you see that the Apple Watch is ready to pair again. But before you do that, try charging it. If it works, you should be able to pair it with your iPhone and your problem will be solved.
7. Make a Genius Bar Reservation
The Apple Store specialists have advanced diagnostic tools that can help determine why your Apple Watch Series 7 is not charging. To make a Genius Bar reservation, go to Apple’s website and click Get hardware help. You should take your charger with you in case that was what was causing the issue after all.
If your Apple Watch Series 7 is still under warranty and has no visible damage, you’ll have to wait at most 48 hours for a replacement. However, if your device is no longer covered by Apple’s warranty or has visible hdamage, and you don’t have an AppleCare contract, be prepared to spend some money on repairs. Depending on the model you own, it may even be cheaper to buy a new device.
Fixed Apple Watch Series 7 not charging
The Apple Watch Series 7 is an expensive device, so it’s important that you get the most out of it. If your Apple watch Series 7 suddenly stops charging, there are plenty of things you can try before thinking about a replacement. Hopefully this guide will help you enjoy your Apple Watch for many years to come