Unsupported Device while wearing my watch

Question

Level 1

4 points

Unsupported Device while wearing my watch

A couple of times in the past week I noticed my watch displaying the "unsupported device" message while connected to my charger. I've used this same setup since I purchased the watch last year with no problems. I thought that was odd. Now just a few minutes ago I was sitting on the couch having a glass of wine and looked at my watch (on my wrist all day long) and it displayed the "unsupported device" message. Well I don't think my arm or body is a charging device. Anyone experience this problem?

Posted on Mar 14, 2016 2:27 PM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Mar 15, 2016 12:51 AM in response to pje56

Hi

If you have not yet done so, it may help to update both your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software. Instructions are available here:

When charging your watch, check that:

All plastic wrap has been removed from both ends and both sides of the charging cable (check closely).

The back of your watch and the head of the charging cable are clean and dry (clean them with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth).
The charging head is properly aligned with the back of the watch, with the concave / curved side touching it fully:
Some watch docks, stands, cases or protectors might prevent proper contact.
You are using a genuine Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or an Apple certified magnetic charging module.
If you are charging your watch by plugging into mains power:
- Check that the USB connector on the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable is pushed fully into the USB Power Adapter.
- Try using different adapters from the following:
  - The genuine Apple USB Power Adapter that was supplied with the watch;
  - A genuine Apple 5W (iPhone) or 12W (iPad) USB Power Adapter;
  - Apple-certified (MFi) third-party 5W USB power adapter.
If charging via a USB port on a computer, ensure that you use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, the computer remains turned on and awake and the cable is plugged directly into the computer (not into, for example, an external keyboard).

It may also help to restart your watch: press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider, drag it to turn off (wait until it does), then press and hold the side button until you see the logo.

If the issue persists, contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch and power accessories checked under warranty:

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

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Answer 2

pje56 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 15, 2016 5:41 AM in response to Jonathan UK

I mentioned two issues:

1. Recently that I noticed a few times that the charging setup I've used since May 2015 resulted in the "unsupported device" message. Addressing the follow up answer:

1. Both my watch and phone are on the latest releases.

2. I've been charging my watch for nearly a year (the plastic wrap is off).

3. I've been using the USB power adapter that came with the watch.

I've seen similar erroneous "unsupported device" messages over the years with my iPhones when using a charging configuration that had worked for years (all Apple gear). So I attribute it to a software glitch (not necessarily a bug).

2. The other issue that I just experienced which had nothing to do with charging, (but the same error message) was the display of the "unsupported device" while I was wearing my watch. I wasn't charging it, I was wearing it. I had been wearing it for the past 10 hours (still a with plenty of charge).

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Answer 3

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Mar 15, 2016 6:06 AM in response to pje56

pje56 wrote:

I mentioned two issues:

My reply suggested checks and troubleshooting steps that may help to address both issues (which may be related, even though the message was also shown whilst you were wearing your watch).

pje56 wrote:

2. I've been charging my watch for nearly a year (the plastic wrap is off).

Each of the suggested checks is still advisable. Some others users, for example, have found they were charging their watches incorrectly. There may also be a new and/or intermittent issue with your watch, Magnetic Charging Cable and/or USB Power Adapter.

pje56 wrote:

3. I've been using the USB power adapter that came with the watch.

As suggested, try instead charging your watch - for example - using the Apple USB Power Adapter that was supplied with your iPhone.

If the issue(s) persist (either or both of them), contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch and power accessories checked under warranty:

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

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