Charging controller initializing failure AppleWatch update 26.2

watch charging irregularity after update

• The watch enters deep discharge recovery (red circle + red bolt)

• It only begins charging after unplugging/replugging

• It does NOT start charging automatically when placed on the puck

• The issue began immediately after watchOS 26.2

• Battery health is normal

• Two certified chargers behave identical

charging controller initialization failure

Feature Request: Apple Watch needs a “Check Connection” alert when charging fails (watchOS 26.2)

After updating to watchOS 26.2, my Apple Watch has repeatedly failed to start charging overnight. The charging indicator does not appear, and the watch remains on the puck all night without charging. I’ve tested this with two certified Apple chargers and the same power brick that charges my iPhone perfectly.

The issue is intermittent and only resolves temporarily after unplugging/replugging or resetting the watch. Battery health is normal.

The real problem is that the Watch gives no indication that charging has failed.

There is no alert, no vibration, no “charger not recognized,” no “check connection,” nothing. The watch simply sits there and I wake up to a dead device.

Given the price of the Apple Watch and the importance of reliable charging, there should be a clear on‑screen message such as:

“Charging not detected — check connection.”

This would prevent users from discovering in the morning that the watch never charged at all.

This is a basic user‑experience safeguard that already exists on iPhone and other Apple devices. The Watch should not silently fail to charge.


Posted on Dec 25, 2025 2:33 AM

Reply
2 replies

Dec 25, 2025 5:18 AM in response to sailsmart22

If you use the Feedback link, you can tell Apple directly about your wishes for future watchOS updates.

This is the only way to reach them, as Apple does not follow theses user to user communities.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple


Did you also erase the watch and pair it again as a new device, without using the latest backup?

You will only lose your created Watch faces and may have to activate the cards in your Wallet app again.

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Charging controller initializing failure AppleWatch update 26.2

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.