DizzyM

Q: Why would my Apple Watch suddenly needs a charge AND refuse to keep a connection?

Tonight my AppleWatch went from 40+ percent to in need of a charge within 2 hours, and when I charge it, it refuses to keep charging. It acts as if I had put it on power reserve and keeps switching from a RED lightning bolt to green and back again.

Any ideas?

Apple Watch, watchOS 2.1

Posted on Apr 14, 2016 10:29 PM

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Q: Why would my Apple Watch suddenly needs a charge AND refuse to keep a connection?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 14, 2016 11:55 PM in response to DizzyM
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 14, 2016 11:55 PM in response to DizzyM

    Hi

     

    Try leaving your watch on the charger (undisturbed) for around 2.5 hours.

     

    After that time, if it has not already restarted automatically, try starting or, if that does not work, force restarting it:

     

    - Restart: press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider; drag it to turn off; press and hold the side button until you see the logo.

    - Force restart: press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for around 10 seconds, until you see the logo.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 14, 2016 11:59 PM in response to DizzyM
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 14, 2016 11:59 PM in response to DizzyM

    Once your watch has restarted, if you have previously used the Workout app or a third-party fitness app on your watch (for example, Strava), check for a paused activity in that app. Should you find one, end the activity in that app on your watch (not on your iPhone).

     

    It may otherwise help to close all open apps on your iPhone (double-click on the Home button, then swipe up on each app preview) and then restart both your iPhone and your watch. Turn both off together, then restart your iPhone first:

     

    - To turn your watch off: press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider; drag it to turn off.

    - To turn it back on: press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 15, 2016 12:22 AM in response to DizzyM
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 15, 2016 12:22 AM in response to DizzyM

    Other steps that may help to prevent the issue from recurring:

     

    If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software:

    - Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

    - Update the software on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

     

    Unpair and re-pair your watch. The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch when unpairing via the app. Choose to Restore from Backup when offered the option during set up. Most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions (eg Apple Pay cards, passcode).

    - Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support

    - Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support