If you’ve got yourself an Apple watch, then in most cases you should be enjoying it, if overall customer feedback is any indication. Apple has seen some great market penetration with this product, and sales show no signs of slowing down. There are a few problems that consumers sometimes report with Apple watches, though, and the device not charging is foremost among them. We’re going to talk about some reasons that your Apple watch might not be charging, as well as what you can do to fix the issue.
If the Watch Won’t Charge, Look for the Lightning Bolt Icon
First, you can look on the Apple watch’s display to see if there is a little lightning bolt symbol in the upper left-hand corner. If there is, that means that the watch is at least aware that it’s plugged in, and it’s trying to charge. If you see that icon and the watch isn’t charging, then it’s probably a software issue. If it’s plugged in, but that icon is not showing up, then a hardware issue is more likely.
Your Apple Watch Won’t Charge, and You Don’t See the Lightning Bolt Icon
Let’s say that your watch is plugged in, but it’s not charging, and the lightning bolt charging icon isn’t visible on the display. Since that indicates a hardware issue, the first thing you should check is whether the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable is plugged all the way into the USB Power Adaptor. Then, you should check to make sure that the adaptor is plugged all the way into a wall outlet.
Try Different Outlets to Get the Apple Watch to Charge
If everything is plugged in securely, but there’s still no lightning bolt icon, try some different power outlets. If you’re in your home, go to a separate room and try an outlet there, or go to another floor if that’s an option for you. If you’re out somewhere trying to charge the watch, then go to a different location and use an outlet there instead. 
Your Apple Watch Not Charging Might Be Because of Third-Party Equipment
You should also be sure that you are using the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable and the USB Power Adaptor that came with the watch. If you try to use a third-party option for either of these devices, then the result might not always be what you were hoping.
There are replacements for both of these devices that you can find online on sites like Amazon, or you can buy them in stores. They might be cheaper than getting the genuine Apple product. However, there is no guarantee that they are going to workas well. They might cause your watch to charge slower than you would like, or not at all.
Check for Damage to the Apple Watch if it Still Won’t Charge
Next, you can look at the watch, the Charging Cable, and the USB Power Adaptor to see if some external damage is visible with any of them. If the watch’s display is cracked or there’s something else noticeable about it, then likely that is the cause for it not charging. Think back and try to remember if you dropped the watch, stepped on it, or anything along those lines.
The same goes for the accessories. Look them over for damage. In the case of the Charging Cable, you’re looking at whether its integrity is maintained. Is it frayed at all? Has a pet been chewing on it? With the USB Power Adaptor, are the prongs bent? If so, then you’re going to need to get replacements for them. Don’t use a third-party retailer. Get the real thing if you want to be sure of a positive result. 
As for the Apple watch itself not charging because it has been damaged, if that seems to be what’s happening, you’ll need to take it to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar. The employees there can look it over and determine what needs to be replaced. If the watch is under the factory warranty, then this should not cost you anything. If the warranty has expired, that cost will come from out of your pocket.
Check for Any Plastic Wrap on the Apple Watch’s Charger
Strange as this may sound, a matter as simple as some plastic wrap being left on either side of the Apple watch’s charger could be what causes it not to charge. If your watch is new and you’re trying to charge it for the first time, that might be the problem. Check for remaining plastic wrap, and it any is on there, peel it off.
If Your Apple Watch Won’t Charge, Try Cleaning It
Next up, you can try cleaning the back of the watch and the charger. Is there any visible accumulation of gunk or grime? Is there any food-related mess that has made the watch or charger sticky? Take a clean cloth and wipe it off carefully. Don’t use any chemical solvents that could damage the device’s delicate components.
Try a Friend’s Accessories if the Apple Watch Still Won’t Charge
If the watch still won’t charge, and you think it’s an issue with the accessories, then you need to try replacing them. If you don’t want to pay for new ones, though, then you might have some luck borrowing a Charging Cable or a USB Power Adaptor from a friend or a relative. Just make sure that the ones they have are the same generation as your Apple watch, and that they’re not cheaper third-party replacements.
Force Restart Your Apple Watch if It Won’t Charge
The one other thing you can try is force restarting your Apple watch. To do so, press and hold the Digital Crown of the device along with the Side button for at least 10 seconds. Release both buttons when the Apple logo comes up on the screen. Remember to take the watch off the charger before you do this. The device won’t execute a force restart while attached to the charger.
If none of these possible fixes have worked, then you should take your watch to an Apple Store and get it checked out, even if there is nothing visibly wrong with it. If it won’t charge, then it’s of little use to you. You won’t be satisfied with its operation until you get to the bottom of what’s happening with it.
