Is it normal for a renewed Apple Watch Series 7 to show low capacity?

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Level 1

10 points

Is it normal for a renewed Apple Watch Series 7 to show low capacity?

I recently purchased a renewed Series 7 watch from Amazon. It seems to work fine and holds a charge all day and night. I charge it in the morning when it is about 20%. So, I am happy with the watch.

But- the battery health says it needs service and the capacity is showing 78%. l think I understand capacity but I do not understand the criteria Apple uses to say it needs service. Does it just display the message after capacity drops to a predetermined level or over a certain time? Or, are there other criteria that it uses before it sends the message. In my mind, I expect a "used" watch to have a lower capacity as the battery has aged. I paid a much lower price for it over a new watch and this is my first introduction to the Apple watch.

Should I return the watch? Or, if I am happy with the way it charges and holds a charge during the day, should I care? I appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks

Mark

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Battery health says to service battery at 78% capacity

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 7:37 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Zachyy

Level 6

14,224 points

Sep 21, 2025 7:43 PM in response to Markcw98a

When the battery health hits 80% or below, you are suggested to have the battery replaced because its capacity has significantly reduced and thats when the service suggested message will appear. It typically drops about 1% a month under average use.

If the Watch is working fine now you can continue to use it, but as soon as you experience slowdowns, unexpected shutdowns, or other issues you should have the battery replaced immediately. It will be about $100, so depending on how much you paid you can determine if it's worth keeping or returning.

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

61,562 points

Sep 21, 2025 7:45 PM in response to Markcw98a

Once it drops below 80%, then it is recommended to get the battery replaced. You will start to experience more problems such as:

Watch not holding a charge
Watch shutting down
Poor performance
Not charging to full capacity
Worst case scenario is the battery will start swelling which may cause additional hardware damage.

The cost for a battery is about $99 and you should only get it done by Apple or Authorized Apple Service Provider. What you do is up to you, but plan on getting that battery replacement at some time in the near future.

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Answer 3

Sep 21, 2025 7:40 PM in response to Markcw98a

Your Apple Watch will say it needs service when battery capacity drops below 80%. If you are satisfied with the watch’s battery life then you don’t need to service it.

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Answer 4

Markcw98a Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 22, 2025 5:03 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thank you for the quick response. That is what I thought and I appreciate the symptoms to watch for as the battery degrades further. My wife has a similarly purchased watch, which has worked fine. I think she might be just over the threshold, around 82%.

Not sure what I plan to do right now but battery replacement might be the choice- when and if it gets bad. It is still lower than a brand new watch. Or- return, but really like how the watch works.

Thanks again.

Mark

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