Why is my Apple Watch battery dying so quickly?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

There are several factors that could contribute to your Apple Watch battery dying quickly. Let’s explore each one in detail:

1. Age of the Apple Watch: If you have an older model of the Apple Watch, it’s possible that the battery is simply deteriorating over time. Like any rechargeable battery, the capacity decreases with age, resulting in shorter battery life. If you’ve had your Apple Watch for a few years, it may be worth considering a battery replacement.

2. Pairing or software update issues: Sometimes, pairing issues or software glitches can cause excessive battery drain. If you recently updated your Apple Watch or paired it with a new iPhone, try restarting both devices and check for any pending software updates. This can help resolve any potential compatibility issues and improve battery performance.

3. Display settings: The Apple Watch’s display is one of the biggest power consumers. If you have the display set to always-on, it can significantly impact battery life. Consider changing the display setting to “Wake for 15 seconds” or “Wake for 70 seconds” instead. This way, the display will only stay on when you actively look at it, conserving battery power when not in use.

4. App notifications: Constant notifications from various apps can also drain your Apple Watch battery quickly. Take a look at which apps are sending you notifications and consider disabling them for the ones you don’t need. You can manage this through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone under the “Notifications” section.

5. Background app refresh: Some apps on your Apple Watch may be running in the background and consuming battery power unnecessarily. To prevent this, you can turn off background app refresh for specific apps. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to “General,” and then select “Background App Refresh.” From there, you can choose which apps should be allowed to refresh in the background.

6. Workout tracking: If you frequently use your Apple Watch for workout tracking, it’s important to note that this can significantly impact battery life. The heart rate sensor, GPS, and other sensors used during workouts consume more power. If you’re experiencing rapid battery drain, try disabling unnecessary workout tracking features or consider using a dedicated fitness tracker for intense workouts.

7. Bluetooth connectivity: The Apple Watch relies on Bluetooth to communicate with your iPhone. If the Bluetooth connection is weak or unstable, it can lead to increased battery drain. Ensure that your iPhone and Apple Watch are in close proximity and try resetting the Bluetooth connection by turning it off and on again in the Control Center of your iPhone.

8. Faulty hardware: In some cases, there may be a hardware issue with your Apple Watch that is causing the battery to drain quickly. If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still experiencing rapid battery drain, it may be worth contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store to have your device checked for any hardware defects.

Remember that battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, settings, and other factors. If you’re consistently experiencing significantly shorter battery life than usual, it’s worth investigating and trying these steps to improve your Apple Watch’s battery performance.