How do I keep my Apple Watch battery healthy?

Answered by Tom Adger

To keep your Apple Watch battery healthy and maximize its lifespan, there are a few things you can do. I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible.

1. Adjust display settings: One of the biggest battery drains on any device is the display. To conserve battery life on your Apple Watch, you can adjust the display settings. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Display & Brightness, and reduce the brightness level. You can also enable the “Wake Screen on Wrist Raise” option instead of constantly tapping the screen to wake it up.

2. Optimize notifications: Notifications can be useful but receiving excessive notifications can drain your battery quickly. Consider disabling unnecessary notifications or managing them more efficiently. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Notifications, and customize which apps can send notifications to your watch.

3. Use Power Saving Mode during workouts: If you frequently use your Apple Watch for running or walking workouts, enabling Power Saving Mode can help preserve battery life. This mode disables the heart rate sensor, which consumes a significant amount of power. To enable Power Saving Mode, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Workout, and turn on Power Saving Mode.

4. Disable Always-On Display (if applicable): If you have an Apple Watch Series 5 or later, it comes with an Always-On Display feature. While it’s convenient to have the time always visible, it can drain the battery faster. If you’re concerned about battery life, you can disable this feature by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then My Watch > Display & Brightness, and toggle off the “Always On” option.

5. Adjust haptic feedback: Haptic feedback provides physical notifications through vibrations on your wrist. While it’s useful, reducing the intensity of haptic feedback can help save battery life. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Sounds & Haptics, and adjust the Haptic Strength slider to a lower level.

6. Keep software up to date: Apple regularly releases software updates for the Apple Watch, and these updates often include optimizations and bug fixes that can improve battery life. Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then My Watch > General > Software Update.

7. Manage background app refresh: Some apps on your Apple Watch may be running in the background and consuming unnecessary battery power. To manage this, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > General > Background App Refresh, and disable it for apps that don’t require constant updates.

8. Restart your Apple Watch regularly: Restarting your Apple Watch can help clear any temporary glitches or processes that may be affecting battery performance. Simply hold down the side button until you see the Power Off slider, then slide it to power off. After a few seconds, press and hold the side button again to turn it back on.

9. Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact the performance and lifespan of your Apple Watch battery. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme heat or cold for extended periods. For example, don’t leave it in a hot car or wear it while swimming in cold water.

10. Use Airplane Mode as needed: If you find yourself in a situation where you need to conserve battery life, enabling Airplane Mode can be an effective option. This disables all wireless connections, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which can significantly reduce power consumption. Swipe up from the watch face to access Control Center, then tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Apple Watch battery remains healthy and lasts longer. Remember that battery life can vary depending on usage and individual settings, so it’s important to find the right balance for your needs.