The Apple Watch is a popular wearable device that has become an essential part of many people’s lives. While the device is known for its impressive features and functionality, its battery life can be a concern for some users. In particular, if you forget to bring your Apple Watch charger, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are alternative methods to charge an Apple Watch without its original charger.
In this article, we will explore three official and recommended methods to charge an Apple Watch without its charger, as well as some unofficial and untested methods that some users have reported success with. We will also discuss the precautions to take when charging an Apple Watch without its charger to ensure the device is not damaged or voided of its warranty.
Table of Contents
How To Charge Apple Watch Without Charger
Using an iPhone
If you have an iPhone, you can use it to charge your Apple Watch without its charger. Here’s how:
- Turn on your iPhone and make sure it has enough battery life.
- Put your Apple Watch on the back of your iPhone.
- Wait for a few minutes, and your Apple Watch should start charging.
It’s important to note that this method can be slow and may not charge your Apple Watch as quickly as the original charger would. Additionally, the iPhone must be turned on and have enough battery life to charge the Apple Watch.
Using a Wireless Charger
Using a wireless charger is another way to charge your Apple Watch without its charger. Here’s how:
- Make sure you have a compatible wireless charger. Apple Watch Series 3 and later models are compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers.
- Place your Apple Watch on the wireless charger, with the watch face up.
- Wait for a few minutes, and your Apple Watch should start charging.
Some recommended wireless chargers for Apple Watch include the Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock and the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad.
Using a Portable Power Bank
Using a portable power bank is another alternative method to charge your Apple Watch without its charger. Here’s how:
- Make sure you have a portable power bank with a USB port.
- Connect the USB port of the power bank to the USB end of the Apple Watch charging cable.
- Connect the magnetic end of the charging cable to your Apple Watch.
- Turn on the power bank, and your Apple Watch should start charging.
One of the benefits of using a portable power bank is that it provides a portable and convenient way to charge your Apple Watch on the go. However, it’s important to note that the power bank may not be able to charge the Apple Watch as quickly as the original charger, and the charging time may vary depending on the power bank’s capacity.
Using USB-C to Apple Watch Charging Cable
If you have a USB-C to Apple Watch charging cable, you can use it to charge your Apple Watch without its charger. Here are the steps:
- Plug the USB-C end of the cable into a USB-C port on a power source, such as a laptop, a USB-C wall adapter, or a USB-C power bank.
- Connect the magnetic end of the cable to the back of your Apple Watch.
- Wait for a few minutes, and your Apple Watch should start charging.
It’s important to note that using a USB-C to Apple Watch charging cable may not provide the same charging speed as the original charger, and the charging time may vary depending on the power source’s capacity.
Precautions to Take While Charging
- Overcharging an Apple Watch can damage its battery and reduce its overall lifespan. Always disconnect the watch from the power source when it’s fully charged.
- Charging an Apple Watch in very high or very low temperatures can damage its battery or cause it to malfunction. It’s best to charge the device in a moderate temperature range.
- Dust, dirt, or debris can accumulate in the charging area and prevent proper charging. Clean the charging area regularly to ensure proper connectivity.
- Water can damage the device or cause an electric shock. It’s important to keep the watch and charger away from water and other liquids while charging.
FAQs
Is there another way to charge an Apple Watch?
Aside from using the original charger that comes with the device, there are alternative ways to charge an Apple Watch such as using an iPhone, a wireless charger, or a portable power bank.
Can you charge Apple Watch with a non-Apple charger?
It is possible to charge an Apple Watch with a non-Apple charger, but it is not recommended. Non-Apple chargers may not provide the same charging performance or voltage, which could damage the device or void the warranty.
Can you charge Apple Watch with an iPhone charger?
Yes, you can charge an Apple Watch with an iPhone charger by connecting the watch to the iPhone’s power adapter using a USB cable. However, the charging speed may be slower than using the original Apple Watch charger.
Can you charge Apple Watch with your iPhone?
Yes, you can charge an Apple Watch with your iPhone by using the watch’s Magnetic Charging Cable and connecting it to the iPhone’s power adapter with a USB cable.
Why is my Apple Watch only showing a red lightning bolt and the time?
When an Apple Watch displays a red lightning bolt and the time, it means that the watch battery is critically low and needs to be charged immediately.
Why won’t my Apple Watch turn on?
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on, try charging it first. If the watch does not respond to charging or powering on, it may be a hardware issue and may require repair or replacement by an authorized Apple service provider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a highly functional and popular device, but it requires regular charging to maintain its performance. Although the device comes with a charger, there are alternative ways to charge it without the charger. These methods include using an iPhone, a wireless charger, a portable power bank, a USB-C to Apple Watch charging cable and a magnetic USB charge.
However, it’s important to note that using non-Apple chargers or cables may damage the device or void its warranty. If you encounter any charging or power issues with your watch, it’s best to seek assistance from an authorized Apple service provider. With the recommended charging methods and proper care, you can ensure that your Apple Watch stays charged and functional for a long time.
I’m a writer, artist, and designer working in the gaming and tech industries. I have held staff and freelance positions at large publications including Digital Trends, Lifehacker, Popular Science Magazine, Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN, The Xplore Tech, and others, primarily covering gaming criticism, A/V and mobile tech reviews, and data security advocacy.