Charging an Apple Watch can sometimes be a challenge when you don’t have access to its charger. But, these 7 methods will help you charge your Apple Watch without its original magnetic charger.
Although Apple smartwatches have good battery capacity, with extended usage the battery will eventually need to be charged.
Being able to charge an Apple watch without its own charger is important for many users. With this guide, you’ll be able to power up your smartwatch by Apple without a charger.
Note: These methods will work on all Apple Watch Series, including Series 3, Series 7, Series 8, and SE (1st generation).
Table of Contents
1) Use Wireless Power Bank For Charging
Using a Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is one of the most convenient ways to charge your Apple watch without its charger. Its built-in magnetic charger can easily connect to your Apple smartwatch. Just place your watch on top of the power bank and it will start charging wirelessly.
These Wireless Magnetic power banks are usually very slim and lightweight. You can easily carry them in your pocket and take them wherever you go to charge various devices including a Fitbit smartwatch.
A portable battery pack (power bank) is the best solution to charge your Apple Watch as you will no longer need the original magnetic charger to charge your watch.
You can check out these Magnetic Wireless Power Banks:
- ZEROLEMON Magnetic Portable Power Bank
- BoostCharge Pro Power Bank For Apple Watch
- VRURC Magnetic Wireless Power Bank
2) Use Hidden Apple Watch Ports
It’s not a secrete that earlier Apple Watch series had hidden ports located behind the strap, though Apple has now removed these ports. If you have an Apple Smartwatch Series 6 or an earlier model, you can take advantage of these hidden ports to charge your Apple Watch without its standard charger.
Many users claimed that these are diagnostic ports for troubleshooting purposes but they’re capable of conductive charging. But, how can you charge your Watch by Apple using these ports?
The Reserve Strap is the first third-party Apple accessory that uses these hidden ports to charge an Apple Watch. Purchase this strap from sellers who have it in stock and connect this strap with your watch to charge it without its own Apple magnetic charger.
These bands were equipped with built-in batteries to extend the smartwatch’s battery life, which proved to be quite effective.
Unfortunately, this battery band product was discontinued in 2016 after Apple changed the design of its smartwatch and removed this hidden six-pin port, however, Apple users are still missing this great product.
3) Use MagSafe Duo Charger
MagSafe Duo Charger, designed by Apple, is a flexible magnetic charger for charging your Apple Watch effortlessly. Purchase this charger from an Apple store and simply place your Apple Watch onto the charging disc. It will begin to charge without the need for the original Watch charger.
This MagSafe Duo charger is also capable of charging your iPhone (2-in-1 charger) at the same time which makes it a perfect companion for you.
It supports charging for all the Apple Smartwatch Series including Apple Watch Ultra and SE. You don’t need its box-packed charger to power up your smartwatch.
Whether your watch charger is missing, or you just want an extra charging option for your Apple Watch, this portable Charger is an ideal charger for you.
4) Use MagSafe Wireless Charging Stand
The MagSafe Wireless Charging Stand is an excellent alternative to the standard watch charger. It provides an easy way to charge your Apple Watch without the need for its native magnetic charger. Simply place your watch onto the stand and it’ll begin to charge instantly.
In addition to charging an iWatch, this wireless desk charging stand also allows you to conveniently charge your iPhone and AirPods at the same time.
Buying a MagSafe charging stand is a great choice if your watch charger is lost or damaged as it provides a reliable way to charge your Apple Watch without its own charger. It’ll work as a personal charging station to charge your devices.
There are many wireless charging stands available in the market. Some of the popular ones include:
- Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe
- Mophie 3-in-1 Stand for MagSafe Charger
- Belkin BOOST CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
5) Use Satechi USB-C Watch Charger
The Satechi USB-C charger is a small device that provides a convenient solution to power up your Apple smartwatch. Just connect it to any USB type C power source and place your Apple Watch onto its Magnetic charging dock to charge it which eliminates the need for an original charger.
As this Apple accessory comes with a USB-C connector so, you can connect it to your MacBook, iPad, or any other power source that supports USB type C connection. It uses inductive charging to juice up your Apple devices.
You will not need the original Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock anymore because it provides an easy and better way to charge your Apple Smartwatch. Moreover, you can charge your Apple AirPods as well.
You can order the Satechi USB-C Watch AirPods Charger from the official Apple website and enjoy a cable-free charging experience.
6) Use Insignia Magnetic Charging Cable
This Insignia Magnetic Charging Dongle comes with a USB type A connector and is designed to conveniently charge your Apple Smartwatch. It’s particularly useful when your original watch charger is lost or damaged. Just plug it into a USB port, place your Apple Watch on it, and your watch will start charging.
This compact charger can be connected to the USB port of your laptop or PC for easy charging. Also, you can plug it into any regular USB wall charger and connect that USB adapter to any power outlet available near you.
This Apple Watch accessory is especially useful when you don’t have access to your charger but need to charge your smartwatch. It just requires a usual USB connection to work.
Moreover, when you’re on the go, you can use this Insignia Charging Dongle to charge your Apple smartwatch without carrying the original bulky charger. You can use your phone charger as well to plug this device.
7) Use Magnetic Keychain Charger
Magnetic Keychain is a portable wireless charger for charging an Apple Smartwatch without the need for its own magnetic charger. It also has a small built-in battery that works as a power bank for your watch. Place your Apple Watch onto its surface and it’ll start charging wirelessly.
This tiny charger also has a keychain attachment so you can easily carry it around with your keys and charge your Apple Watch wherever you go, eliminating the need for an original watch charger.
It supports all Apple Smart Watch models, from Series 1 through 8, SE, and Ultra models.
If you’re looking for a portable wireless charger that can charge your Apple Watch, then this Magnetic Keychain charger is one of the convenient options for you instead of using a traditional cable charger.
Is It Possible To Charge an Apple Watch Without the Magnetic Charger?
The magnetic charger that comes with a watch is the ideal solution for the charging process, however, it may get lost or damaged.
Then, the question arises, can I charge my Apple Smartwatch without its own magnetic charger?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to charge your Apple Watch without its charger. There are several alternative solutions for charging your smartwatch such as using a Wireless power bank, MagSafe Duo Charger, Wireless Charging Stand, Magnetic Keychain charger, and more.
Although it’s advised to use Apple-Branded products for fast and reliable charging and to avoid quick battery degradation, these solutions are also very effective in case of emergency charging needs.
How to Know If My Apple Watch Is Charging?
If you’re a new smartwatch user, then you might be wondering how to know if your Apple Watch is charging or not.
When you place your Apple Watch onto its charger, it’ll show a green lightning bolt symbol on its display which indicates that it’s charging. Also, you’ll hear a chime sound when it gets connected to the charger.
Additionally, on an iPhone, you will notice a small lightning icon within the battery widget. You’ll notice an increment in battery percentage as well.
If you notice all these signs, then it means your Apple Smart Watch is connected and charging properly.
Can I Charge My Apple Watch Using iPhone Charger?
In the absence of the original Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, you might wonder if you can use your iPhone charger to charge your Apple Smartwatch.
The answer is,
No, you can’t charge your Apple watch with an iPhone charger because they don’t have any charging port that can support USB-C to lightning cable. Wireless iPhone chargers are also not compatible with an Apple Watch. Apple smartwatches can only be charged with a magnetic connection.
So, you’ll need to use other methods to power up your smartwatch
How to Charge an Apple Watch With Wireless Charger?
If you have a Wireless charger with MagSafe support, you easily use it to charge your smartwatch.
Simply connect your MagSafe Wireless Charger to a power source and then, place your Apple Watch on its magnetic area. The Wireless Charger will start charging your watch wirelessly.
Make sure the watch is properly connected to the charger and you’ll see a green lightning icon on its display indicating that it’s charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Other Ways to Charge an Apple Watch Without Charger?
If you don’t have access to your Apple Watch Magnetic charging cable, you can use alternative ways to charge your smartwatch, such as Wireless Magnetic Power Bank, Satechi USB-C Watch Charger, MagSafe Duo Charger, Insignia Magnetic Charging Dongle, or a Magnetic Keychain Charger.
Can I Use Power Bank To Charge My Apple Smart Watch?
Yes, you can charge your Apple Watch using a power bank as long as it supports Wireless Magnetic Charging. Normal power banks without wireless charging support can not be used for charging Apple Watches as they are only compatible with magnetic connections.
How to Reset Apple Watch Without a Charger?
You must remember your Watch passcode to reset it without a charger. Now, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch > General > Reset > Erase All > enter your passcode to reset your smartwatch. You don’t need a charger in this process to perform a reset operation.
Can I Use Third-Party Chargers To Charge an Apple Watch?
Although Apple suggests using the official chargers, it’s not necessary. There are many reliable third-party chargers available that are compatible with Apple Watches and at half cost as well. You can also use those 3rd party chargers to charge your Apple Watch.
Can I Charge My Apple Watch With Lightning Cable?
No, you can’t charge your Apple Watch with a lightning cable as it doesn’t come with any charging port. The Apple Smartwatches are only compatible with magnetic connections. You’ll either need its own charger or MagSafe Duo Charger to charge your Apple Watch.
Where is The Hidden Charging Port on an Apple Watch?
If you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or an earlier model, you can find a hidden port on its backside right behind the strap. However, starting from Series 7, Apple has made changes to the design of its Watch and removed those ports. So, you’ll not find these ports anymore in the latest models.
Can an iPhone Wirelessly Charge an Apple Watch?
As iPhone devices don’t support the reverse Wireless Charging feature, so, you can’t charge your Apple Watch with an iPhone wirelessly. You’ll either need the original Apple Watch charger or other third-party wireless chargers with MagSafe to charge your Apple Smartwatch.
How to Update an Apple Watch Without a Charger?
To update your Apple Watch, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch > General > Software Update > tap Install. Though it’s advised to connect your Watch to a charger while updating, it’s not mandatory if the watch has enough battery. You can update it without a charger.
Can I Charge an Apple Watch with USB Cable?
As Apple Watches don’t have any USB-C or USB-A ports so, you can’t charge your Apple Watch with a USB cable or USB power adapter. They only support wireless magnetic connection for charging.
How Long Does an Apple Watch Battery Last?
In general, the battery life of an Apple Watch does vary depending on usage, but on average, it can last up to 18 hours of battery life before it needs to be recharged which is enough to last the whole day.
Conclusion
No matter what model of Apple Watch you own, there are always some methods that exist to charge it without the original charger. However, its official charger is still the most reliable way to maintain battery health.
Apple also introduces its own wireless chargers from time to time that can be used as an alternative to the original watch charger like MagSafe Duo Charger, which can charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time
MagSafe Duo Charger that can charge both your Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously. Moreover, you can contact Apple Support for taking further professional assistant.
So, with these easy wireless charging solutions, you should be able to keep your Apple Watch always charged and ready to get the most out of its features.
