You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Squiggly charge cord image

apple watch shows image of a squiggly charge cord. Won't charge or reset. Help.

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 8:02 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 8, 2016 12:01 PM

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.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 8, 2016 12:01 PM in response to DSchaefer

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.

Jan 16, 2017 12:32 PM in response to DSchaefer

My watch does this as well. Have charged it with different chargers, different cables, my computer, an iPhone charger block, iPad charger block, have held down both buttons for a hard restart for over 30 seconds but it always comes back to that stupid squiggly line battery icon. It does show the green lightning cable when charged to power but I can't escape this screen. Apple is continuing to grow in disappointments lately.

Oct 8, 2015 8:09 AM in response to DSchaefer

That indicates that your watch battery is very low and needs to be charged. 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 Apple Watch and the concave head of the charging cable are each 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 is touching it fully (some stands might hinder this).
  • You are using only the genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable.
  • When 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.
  • When charging via USB, ensure that:
    • You use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port.
    • The computer remains on and awake.
    • The cable is plugged directly into the computer (not into, for example, an external keyboard).
  • If your Apple Watch is out of battery power, you may need to wait for a few minutes before the green lightning bolt appears (confirming that charging has started).


Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Jul 21, 2016 9:23 AM in response to Peloquin1981

Peloquin1981 wrote:


This is not a charging issue but an error ...


It is normal for that symbol to be shown when the battery charge has reached a very low level. It does not necessarily indicate a faulty product, even when charging has already been attempted.


If the watch cannot be charged successfully, it is certainly possible that the cause may be a fault with one or more of the components (USB power adapter, charging cable or watch). However, it could instead just be due to an issue with how the watch is being charged.


More information:

Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If your Apple Watch won't charge or it won't turn on - Apple Support


If the issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps, a user should certainly next contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having their watch and power accessories checked (under warranty, if eligible) - as you have done:



To check your warranty status (the serial number is on the back of your watch):


https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

Squiggly charge cord image

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