Apple Watch 7 Charging Slow? (Like Very, Very Slow?)
Last updated on December 21st, 2021 at 04:22 am
Posted in Bug Fixes by Patricia on December 2, 2021Is your Apple Watch 7 charging slow? Does your device require up to 3 hours to fully charge? That’s really slow especially if you’re using fast charging hardware. This seems to be a common issue, even after updating to watchOS 8.1.1!
Apple Watch 7 Charging Slow
Apparently, the Series 7 charging issues don’t seem to stop! After the widespread charging bug that caused the 2021 Apple Watch models to unexpectedly stop charging, users now report that the AW7 simply charge too slow.
The issue occurs on both GPS and GPS + Cellular models that are updated to watchOS 8.1.1.
The problem has been initially reported by Toss on our watchOS 8.1.1 review page:
“I have apple watch 7 GPS only and I have same charging issue. It charges unreally slow, 10% in 20 minutes, 100% in 3 hours. I use original apple watch 20W Type C adapter. I am very sad and disappointed.”
and confirmed by Htra:
“My watch series 7 LTE got 3 hours to charge from 13% to 100% with charger 20W although it’s running watchOS 8.1.1. I contacted apple support and they said my watch still in perfect condition. I’m really disappointed with this charging speed. (It’s slower than my friend’s watch – Apple SE) :(“
What’s Your Apple Watch 7 Charging Time?
Is your Apple Watch 7 charging slowly too? How long does it take to charge from 20% to 100%? What power adapter are you using?
Please confirm this issue using the comments section. We’re planning to send feedback to Apple and are currently assessing how widespread this issue is. Do mention what Apple Watch model you’re owning and what watchOS version it’s running!
How To Fix Apple Watch 7 Slow Charging
Until the problem is acknowledged by Apple and a fix included in a future software update, here is what you can do:
1. Force Restart Apple Watch
You can apply the universal fix and see if a fresh start will help your Series 7 to charge faster:
- Simultaneously press & hold the Side Button + Digital Crown until the Apple logo is displayed on the screen.
- Be patient until the Watch reboots.
- Snap it to the MagSafe charger. Does it charge at normal speed?
2. Turn Off Bluetooth
Shana reported that she managed to fix Apple Watch stops charging by disabling Bluetooth on the paired iPhone:
“I was having the same problem with charging stopping after 5 mins. I realized that when I turn off the bluetooth option on my phone my watch stays charging now.”
You can try the same and let us know if it helps. Bluetooth can be turned off from the Control Center. You should turn it back ON once charging completes. Does it help?
3. Change Charger
Another workaround requires you to try using a different charger. If you have one from an older Apple Watch model try to use it. Does it make any difference?
(Update, December 17): Apparently, the recently released watchOS 8.3 update causes issues when charging Apple Watch with third-party chargers, like 3-in-1 units. Affected users report that charging occurs normally with the original MagSafe cable shipped in the box!
“watchos 8.3 bricked my third-party charger. I can only charge my aw with the original MagSafe puck!”
Are you experiencing the same? Please use the comments section and provide feedback, including Apple Watch model and the name of the charger that’s charging Apple Watch very slow!
Tip: If your original AW charger is broken or you’ve misplaced it, you can buy a new one easily from Amazon:
- Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable
Fact: You need the Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter to complete your fast charging package. - Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable (to USB) – this is the regular charger shipped with Apple Watch Series 6 and earlier
or
Fact: You can pair it with the Apple 12W USB Power Adapter.
Disclaimer: iPhoneTricks.org has an affiliate partnership with Amazon. If you purchase a product after clicking the above link, you will help us receive a small commission that allows us to cover website costs.
Apple Watch 7 Fast Charging Not Working
The irony of the situation is that the Series 7 is the first model that supports fast charging. With the appropriate hardware the new watches should charge from 0 – 80% in 45 minutes, and overall 33% faster than the Series 6.
However, in the above mentioned situations this clearly isn’t the case and the users are experiencing the opposite. Could the Apple Watch 7 slow charging could be caused by a fast charging glitch? A protection that’s triggered and makes the watch charge very slow in order to avoid overheating, for example?
Have you managed to fix Apple Watch 7 slow charging issue? Do you have a better solution? Use the comments section.
Related: The Series 7 is scratching very easy! Check out these reports along with photos of day-one scratches. Learn how to prevent them!
AW7 suddenly charges very slowly since yesterday. After updating to 8.3 from 8.1, and multiple hard reboot, issue remains the same. I’m using 45mm GPS.
Thanks for the feedback Lor. Can you try to force restart Apple Watch while the MagSafe puck is attached to it? Does it make a difference?
watchos 8.3 bricked my third-party charger. I can only charge my aw with the original MagSafe puck! :(
Thanks for the feedback Henry. Yes, it seems that there is a problem with third-party Apple Watch charger after watchOS 8.3 update. We’re still researching this issue and will update with more info when available.
I have series it 6 charges slow. Just purchased series 7 this week. Charges even slower. i am using the new charger with so called faster charge technlogy
I di da hard reboot. I do not notice a change
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the feedback Heidi. This is a known bug. Apple should address it in an upcoming software update.
i had the apple watch 6 and upgraded to the 7 , massive mistake i have tajken 2back to store due to it taking 3 hours to charge and my 3rd watch is even worse. im now on 3 and half hours charging with stuck at 97%
Apple has just released watchOS 8.4 with a fix for AW charging issues. Does it help your watch?
Just bought my Apple Watch series 3. I’ve never had a watch and wanted to buy an older series to see if I even liked the watch. I’ve had it on the charger from 7pm-9:00 am (14 hours) and it’s only at 73%. Is this normal?
I have AW 7 and the original MagSafe puck, it takes about 3-4 hours to charge the watch. Regardless of hard reset or not.
watchOS 8.4 has been released with a fix for the AW charging problems. Please update and let us know if it helps!
I recently bought series 7 and it takes 2:45hours to get fully charge. I use 30W adapter. Please suggest if I have to get it replaced from apple Center or it’s just a bug which can be resolved by upcoming update !!!! :(
watchOS 8.4 has been released today with a fix for the AW charging issues. Please update now and let us know if it helps!
I have same issue with super slow charge over 3 hours to 100% on apple series 7. Charged perfect until I updated software and I’ve installed a couple updates since it started charging slow. Up to version 8.4 now and problem still occurs. Tried changing charging cable and docks but same results. Hope they fix this soon I’m kinda pissed it’s a brand new product.
Apple Watch 7 9.2 is still slow charging 30% in 1.5 hours.
Have you tried to unpair and re-pair to iPhone?
Watch was working fine until 8.4 update. Now battery drains really fast and it takes hours to charge.