Plus the best charging stations
The Apple Watch is one of the most advanced wearables out there, passing any Fitbit or smartwatch on the market. On average, a single charge of the Apple Watch should last 18 hours. The charge will last through a typical day of heavy use, but if you moderate your use to only a few basic tasks—checking steps and text messages, for instance—you can potentially get two days of use out of a single charge.
There are several ways to charge your Apple Watch, but the easiest way is to use the included cable that comes with your Apple Watch (Amazon, Best Buy).
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How To Charge Your Apple Watch
The basic white charger provided with the watch has two sides: a flat one, and one that bows inward. The side with the depression is the one you want to attach to the backside of your watch. Once aligned, magnets will snap the two of them into place. As long as the charger is plugged into your computer or power brick, the watch will begin to charge your Apple Watch right away.
You’ll know the watch has started to charge because it will make a chime. If it’s in silent mode, you will see a lightning bolt appear on the front of your watch. This will be either red or green, depending on how badly the watch needs power. In some cases, the lightning bolt might not appear at all for several minutes until the watch has enough charge—in this case, you’re likely to see an Apple logo.
Once you see this lightning bolt symbol, all you have to do is wait. The watch is charging.
Charge Time Requirements
There are several ways to know how much charging time is left. On average, the Apple Watch takes two hours to fully charge. If you’re in a hurry, 1.5 hours will bring it to 80% charge.
To check how much time is left, first look for the charging icon in the top-left corner of the screen. It resembles a progress bar and gives you a rough look at how far along the charge is. On the other hand, you can add a battery icon to the face of the watch itself that will give you an actual percentage amount rather than a numberless bar.
Charge Your Apple Watch Without The Charger
You can charge your Apple Watch without using the standard charger. There are several third-party “stations” on the market that allow you to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods all in one place.
Although these devices are different, they follow the same basic idea. Each one will have a designated area for their device. Read the instructions provided and place your Watch on the proper charging pad.
If you don’t have the instructions, don’t worry. In most cases, the difference in size between the three devices these stations can charge makes it obvious which one goes where. These stations are great for organizing all of your devices in one place, but be wary when purchasing. Make sure the station you buy allows the correct power throughput for each device.
The Best Apple Charging Stations
If you’re interested in picking up a charging station for your iPhone and Apple Watch, these are some of the best options on the market.
Belkin iPhone + Apple Watch Charging Stand
Belkin’s two-in-one charger has a clean and modern look and lets users charge all modern iPhones and Apple Watches at the same time. The charger has a built-in magnetic charging pad for Apple Watches and a Lightning Connector for iPhones.
The most interesting feature of this charging stand is the adjustable Lightning Cable that lets users extend or retract the cable length to fit most cases.
Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad presents a stylish, simple look and allows you to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. The Mophie charger is designed to tackle cases up to 3 millimeters thick and has fast-charging capabilities that will bring your devices up to full in no time at all.
It has a suede top that protects your devices while they charge, but all this class comes with a high price tag – $112.
Mercase Aluminum Universal Desktop Stand
If you’re looking for a two-in-one charger on a budget, the Mercase Aluminum Universal Desktop Stand is a great option. At just $16, the case is far cheaper than competitors but still has a solid construction.
Your Apple Watch charges at the top of the case, while your phone sits sideways with only a small lip holding it in place. This makes this case the perfect option for watching movies or YouTube on your phone while it charges.
What is your charging station to charge your Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments below.
