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charging cable icon on the iWatch

My new iWatch worked for a day, now the only thing on the display is a large icon showing the charging cable with a green lighting bolt. Anyone have this issue?

Apple Watch

Posted on Jul 12, 2015 8:20 PM

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Posted on Jan 11, 2017 5:47 PM

I had the same problem after leaving it uncharged for 10 days. Five days on various chargers didn't work. A few hours after I un-paired the watch from my phone (watch app on phone>information symbol next to the name of my watch>unpair) it came back to life. I don't know if this was a coincidence or not though.

Before it recovered I'd contacted apple support. I'd bought the warranty so was eligible for express repairs where they post out a replacement watch and you return your non-functioning one by mail. Excellent service!!!!

15 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2017 5:47 PM in response to snapav

I had the same problem after leaving it uncharged for 10 days. Five days on various chargers didn't work. A few hours after I un-paired the watch from my phone (watch app on phone>information symbol next to the name of my watch>unpair) it came back to life. I don't know if this was a coincidence or not though.

Before it recovered I'd contacted apple support. I'd bought the warranty so was eligible for express repairs where they post out a replacement watch and you return your non-functioning one by mail. Excellent service!!!!

Jul 12, 2015 10:19 PM in response to sberman

There is no indication the Apple Watch is charging. I have tried two chargers. The only thing on the display appears to be the Mag Safte charger - the round charger with w cord and a green icon in the middle of the round charger.


I tried the reset as indicated but cannot get the Apple logo to ever appear.

Jul 12, 2015 8:59 PM in response to snapav

It's called an "Apple Watch", not an "iWatch".


Is the Apple Watch currently charging? If not, reset it by holding both the digital crown and side buttons down for about 10 seconds till the Apple logo appears.


If the Apple Watch is currently charging, you may simply be showing the battery glance. Swipe Apple Watch from top to bottom.

Nov 8, 2016 12:00 PM in response to snapav

This one is easy. Because the battery in the iWatch has drained to very low and the USB plug that comes with the iwatch does not produce enough Amp to jump-start the charging process. So, by using an ipad or any greater than 2 Amp USB charger to charge your iWatch will solve the problem. Once you attached the connector to the iWatch, you will see the Apple Logo. Once it has reached enough battery level, it will start.

Mar 6, 2016 9:28 PM in response to eightyearmarineveteran

I had the same problem with the cable icon on my watch after leaving it idle for 2 weeks. I tried force starting the watch, charging it from different outlets / chargers...nothing worked. I then gave up and made an appointment to bring in the watch to an apple store, but they were full till the week after. While I was waiting for my appointment, I accidentally left my watch on the charger for like 2 days (I completely forgot it was on there), low and behold, the watch went back to normal!!

Nov 9, 2015 8:32 AM in response to Sir Peter

Sir Peter wrote:


Please help anyone


Hi


Your watch needs to be charged. As you have already tried to do that, you may have a faulty charging cable, adapter and/or watch. Before contacting Apple, check that:


  • All plastic wrapping has been removed from both ends and both sides of the charging cable (check closely on the head of the charger).
  • The back of your watch and the concave head of the charging cable are clean and dry (clean them with a lint-free cloth and retry).
  • The charging head is directly aligned with the back of the watch and touching it fully (some stands might hinder this).
  • You are using only the genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable.
  • If plugging into mains power, you are using a genuine Apple USB Power Adapter. Besides the adapter that is supplied with the watch, the cable can also be used with the Apple 5W (iPhone) or 12W (iPad) USB Power Adapter - test with these if you have them.
  • If charging via USB, ensure that you use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, the computer remains on and awake and the cable is plugged directly into the computer (not into, for example, an external keyboard).
  • If your battery is very low, you may need to wait for a few minutes before the green lightning bolt appears (confirming that charging has started).
  • Once charging has started, allow at least 2.5 hours for your watch to fully charge.
  • After charging, you may need to press and hold the side button to exit Power Reserve mode (the watch enters this mode automatically when the battery gets low).


Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch - Apple Support


If you have followed these steps - and have also tried restarting (or, if that doesn't help, force restarting) your watch ^ - and are still having problems, contact Apple Support - or make a Genius Bar reservation at an Apple Retail Store - with a view to having your watch and/or power accessories checked and, if necessary, replaced under warranty:

https://www.apple.com/support/watch/contact/


^ To restart : press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off, drag it to turn off (wait until it does), then press and hold the side button until you see the logo.

To force restart: press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, until you see the logo.

Mar 3, 2016 6:51 PM in response to snapav

So I checked the article reejo posted (Get help charging your Apple Watch - Apple Support) and after try my wife's power cord and charging my Apple Watch decided to turn back on.


Did you buy AppleCare? Hopefully you can switch cords like I did. If you're within the first year of purchase, you have manufacturers warranty and Apple will replace your cord if you either call AppleCare or make an Apple Store appointment. AppleCare can direct you making an appointment if needed. The Apple Store can also check to see if your cord is the problem or not.


If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them.


Hope this helps


User uploaded file

Jul 31, 2017 9:42 PM in response to snapav

My Apple Watch is also having the same issue. I took it to the Apple Service center & they told me to replace it with new one. Whereas I have to pay more than 70% of the money to get new one a

s it is not repairable and on 14 months of the purchase my watch is not under warranty.

This is something which I can't afford again for such premium gadgets.

charging cable icon on the iWatch

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