I love the way my Apple Watch helps me stay connected, track my health, and respond to calls and messages easily.
However, like all electronic devices, it needs a good battery to work. An Apple Watch’s battery life varies based on how you use it and which model you have.
For example, the Series 6 is built to last up to 18 hours on one charge. You only need to attach it to the magnetic charger to power it up, which is easy and convenient.
But, here’s the question we will be focusing on in this article – Is leaving your Apple Watch on the charger for days safe?
I know that sometimes we might get carried away with our daily tasks and forget to unplug our watch from charging.
The first time it happened to me, I got super worried because I didn’t know if my watch’s battery life would be affected.
To satisfy my curiosity, I researched on the topic, and here are my findings.
Charging Apple Watch
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Once the red icon appears on the screen of your watch, it’s time to take it off and charge it. The charging process is simple and straightforward.
You can either use the normal Apple Watch magnetic charging cable, fast charging USB-C Cable, or a charging dock plugged into a USB power adapter to charge your watch.
The charger attaches to the back of the watch because it has magnets. This connection ensures that the charger stays securely in place.
Once connected, you’ll see a green charging icon on your watch’s screen. You’ll also see the current battery percentage. Slowly, the watch will keep charging, adding one battery percentage at a time until it reaches 100%.
The charging will stop automatically at this point after which you should disconnect the Apple Watch immediately.
Because I’m using the Apple Watch Series 8, the fast charge works perfectly for me. It’s way faster than the normal magnetic charging. My watch goes from zero battery percentage to 80 in about 45 minutes which is incredible.
If you’re using an Apple Watch Ultra or a later model, your battery can go from zero to 80 percent in just an hour. However, bear in mind that fast charging may not work when it’s very cold or hot.
Also, if your iPhone’s cellular data is connected to your Apple Watch, keep the phone close when you’re fast charging. Now, let’s see what Apple recommends when charging the watch.
Apple’s Recommendations for Charging the Watch
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As I have mentioned previously, the way you charge your Apple Watch heavily affects the battery’s life. A healthy battery ultimately ensures optimal performance. Here’s what Apple suggests:
1. Charge your Apple Watch in a well-ventilated environment
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I have noticed that extreme temperatures generally affect the battery performance of any gadget, an Apple Watch included. In this case, you should never expose your watch to either very hot or cold environments when charging it.
From my research, I discovered that the Apple Watch generally operates optimally in temperatures between 32° to 95°F (0° and 35°C) and the storage should be between -4° and 113°F (-20° and 45°C).
Whenever your watch is overheating, a red thermometer will display on the screen. Don’t hesitate to remove the charger. It will turn off within seconds.
Then, place the watch in a cooler area and allow it to cool down. Once it’s cooled, it will turn back on, and then, you can resume charging it.
You should also make sure that you’re not exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods as it can cause overheating and could pose a risk of skin irritation or injury when you wear it.
It can also speed up the battery’s aging process, making it last less time before needing a recharge.
Aside from that, ensure that you’re not wearing your Apple Watch during the charging process. It’s normal for the watch, its power adapter, and its charging cable to warm up when plugged in. However, it should never be in prolonged contact with the skin while charging.
2. Turn off your background apps
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A lot of us are used to leaving apps open on our smartphones when charging them. We don’t really realize how much time it takes before the phone is fully charged.
The same thing also happens when you’re charging an Apple Watch. If you want your watch to charge effectively, Apple recommends that you close unnecessary background apps so it doesn’t weigh down the processor and also down the charging process.
Having multiple apps running while charging the phone can also cause overheating which can even damage your watch. So, always make sure that you close unnecessary apps, as well as reduce the screen activity of your watch when charging it.
If you don’t know how to do this, just follow the steps below:
- Go to the “Settings” area on your Apple Watch
- Navigate to General > Background App Refresh
- Then turn off the Background App Refresh
Or you can scroll down and selectively disable app refresh for specific apps. It’s as easy as pie. The goal here is to optimize your watch’s battery performance and ensure that apps don’t drain unnecessary power while charging.
3. Charge your Apple Watch regularly
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Contrary to what you may be thinking, regular charging will not damage your battery. In fact, Apple recommends that you charge your watch as often as you use it.
Someone asked on the Apple Support community page if regular charging affects the watch’s battery capacity and Apple replied in the negative. It went ahead and recommended overnight charging so that you can have a full battery to kick-start your day.
Also, make sure that you’re using the required charger for your Apple Watch.
Leaving Apple Watch on Charger for Days
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I combed the Apple Support Community page and discovered that it’s perfectly fine to leave your Apple Watch on charger for days. The battery will not suffer any harm from regular charging.
Apple even stated that charging will stop immediately when the battery is fully charged and will start again if the battery goes down.
What does that tell you? Leaving your Apple Watch on the charger for days is generally safe and will not damage the battery. So, there’s no need to panic.
A user asked, “Will it hurt to leave an iWatch on the charger overnight?”
Here’s the response recommended by Apple, “Not a problem. The watch controls its charging and will trickle or stop charging when the battery is topped up, the power adapter and cable just deliver the power.”
Another user inquired if it’s okay to leave her Apple Watch on the charger for days so that the watch is charged and ready to use whenever she decides to wear it.
A user replied, “Technically, you could leave it on the charger indefinitely, since the device only accepts a charge when needed, but why leave it on that long?”
So go ahead and charge your watch whenever you want. An Apple Watch can never be overcharged just like your iPhone.
Apple Watch Charger Safety and Handling Instructions
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The Apple Watch’s battery isn’t the only component that should be handled with care. There are also safety and handling instructions you should follow to ensure safe and effective charging.
The first one is that the charger should not be attached to anything but the Apple Watch as it was built specifically for it. That’s why you cannot use an Apple Watch charger to charge your iPhone.
You also can’t use any other charger aside from the Magnetic USB-C cable to charge your Apple Watch. The charger usually comes with the watch. So, be sure to use the original one to avoid damaging your watch.
Aside from that, Apple recommends that your charger should remain in well-ventilated areas when charging your watch. If the charger gets too hot, it might blow up and cause severe damage.
Try not to cover them when they are charging or plugging into power sources. Also, the charger or the charging cable should be placed on a flat surface during the charging process.
Overall, make sure that you handle your charger with care to prevent bending or damaging the cable, connectors, or the charger itself.
Following the above safety and handling instructions will ensure that your charging cables remain in good condition and last you for a long time. At least, you get your money’s worth.
Conclusion
Leaving your Apple Watch on the charger for an extended period is generally safe and won’t harm the battery.
The watch automatically stops charging once it’s full. Make sure to follow Apple’s recommended charging safety guidelines such as charging in a well-ventilated area.
Following these safety and handling instructions will help keep you safe. It will also ensure the longevity of your Apple Watch.
Scott L. Macarthur is a marketing consultant and an online author. He is mostly engaged in providing his expertise to startups and SMBs. He is also an author on TheNextWeb.