A red lightning bolt on the Apple Watch does not indicate that it is charging. In fact, it means the opposite. When you see the red lightning bolt symbol on the Apple Watch display, it means that the device has entered Power Reserve mode.
Power Reserve mode is a feature on the Apple Watch that is designed to conserve battery life when it is running low on charge. When the battery level reaches a critically low level, the Apple Watch automatically enters Power Reserve mode to extend its battery life and allow the user to continue using it as a basic timekeeping device.
In Power Reserve mode, the Apple Watch’s functionality is significantly limited. The only thing that is displayed on the screen is the current time, along with the red lightning bolt symbol. All other features and functions of the Apple Watch, such as notifications, apps, and health tracking, are disabled in this mode.
It’s important to note that the red lightning bolt symbol is not an indicator that the Apple Watch is actively charging. Instead, it is a visual representation of the device’s low battery status and the activation of Power Reserve mode.
To exit Power Reserve mode and restore the full functionality of the Apple Watch, you will need to charge it. Connect the Apple Watch to its magnetic charging cable or place it on a compatible charging dock. Once the device is connected to a power source, the red lightning bolt symbol will be replaced with the charging icon, indicating that the Apple Watch is actively charging.
The red lightning bolt symbol on the Apple Watch does not indicate that it is charging. Instead, it signifies that the device has entered Power Reserve mode due to a low battery level.