Apple Watch Not Charging Properly? You May Be Eligible for a Free Repair

This week Apple released a minor watchOS update specifically addressed at users who have been experiencing specific charging problems with some Apple Watch models, however it turns out that the software fix may not work for everyone, and therefore the company has also instituted a free repair program.

The problem in question has to do with Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE models sometimes failing to charge when they enter Power Reserve Mode, and appears to only have started around the time that watchOS 7.2 was released.

According to a new support document published by Apple, the problem only affects “a very small number of customers,” but unfortunately if you’re one of those people, it can be pretty frustrating as it effectively turns your Apple Watch into a brick — since it can’t charge while in Power Reserve mode, it also can’t be taken out of Power Reserve mode.

While the watchOS 7.3.1 update released yesterday should prevent this problem, it’s also not going to help for users who have already fallen victim to it and found themselves with a dead Apple Watch, as you obviously can’t install an Apple Watch update if you can’t power your device on at all.

The good news, however, is that if you find yourself in this scenario, Apple will allow you to mail your affected Apple Watch in for a free repair.

How to Know If You’re Facing This Problem

Firstly, Apple notes that the problem only affects the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE, so if you have the latest Apple Watch Series 6, or an older Series 3 or Series 4, you don’t need to worry.

Further, since the problem seems to have been introduced around the time of watchOS 7.2, you shouldn’t run into it if you haven’t updated your Apple Watch to these more recent versions.

That said, if you want to get on board with all the fun stuff in watchOS 7.3, you can now jump right up to watchOS 7.3.1, after which you can easily confirm if your Apple Watch is affected by the problem.

First place your Apple Watch into Power Reserve mode, if it isn’t already:

1. From your normal watch face, swipe up to bring up Control Center.
2. Tap on the battery percentage button.
3. Slide the Power Reserve slider from left to right.
4. Tap Proceed to confirm.

Your Apple Watch face should disappear to be replaced by a simple green digital clock in the top-right corner.

Once your Apple Watch is in Power Reserve mode, all you need to do is place your Apple Watch on the charger you normally use and wait at least 30 minutes to see if it charges.

Under normal circumstances, once your Apple Watch detects that it has sufficient charge, it should exit Power Reserve mode and start up normally. If it fails to do this, even after 30 minutes, that indicates that it’s not charging properly, and you should contact Apple Support to arrange to mail it in for repair.

With many Apple Stores only beginning to reopen in a limited manner, it’s unclear whether you would be able to get this issue resolved by making an appointment at a local Genius Bar, as Apple’s support document only mentioned the option to mail your Apple Watch in for repair.

That said, if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your Apple Watch, you may be eligible for Express Replacement Service, in which case you won’t have to live without your wearable for any longer than necessary, as Apple can ship you a new Apple Watch before you need to return your old one.