Apple’s reputation for innovation was on full display when it introduced the world’s first smartwatch in 2014. While some doubted its necessity, the Apple Watch became a colossal hit and paved the way for a new market for Smartwatches.
One of the key attractions of the Apple watch is its charger which uses induction technology to charge the watch. However, in many instances, you might have to charge an Apple watch without a charger. But how?
Apple watch comes with a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch using magnets. This magnetic connection ensures a reliable and easy charging experience.
The Apple Watch charger employs inductive charging technology, which enables the wireless transfer of power from the charger to the watch using electromagnetic fields. By adopting this technology, Apple eliminates the need for an additional charging port on the sleek and seamless design of the Apple Watch.
But is it possible to charge an Apple watch without the conventional charger? Absolutely! So, whether you’re travelling, at work, or forgot your charger at home, the methods covered in this guide will save your day.
Let’s get going.
Can You Charge Apple Watch Without Charger?
Before proceeding further, let’s look at how the conventional charger works. Smartwatches are great, but unlike conventional timepieces, they require regular charging. The Apple Watch, in particular, lasts around 18-22 hours with mixed usage, necessitating charging every two days on average.
Every time your Apple watch is out of juice, a red lightning bolt symbol appears, signalling the need for charging. If you have the Apple Watch charger available, the process is straightforward.
But let’s agree we all forget our chargers at home or work, and for Apple Watch users, the limited battery life adds to the challenge. With just 18 hours of battery life, you may need to charge it almost daily if you are a moderate-heavy user.
Thankfully, many alternatives are available where you can charge an Apple watch without a charger. Yes, it may seem unconventional, but various workaround chargers are designed specifically for Apple Watches. These chargers offer the convenience of charging on the go, whether it’s by your bedside, at your workplace, or while travelling.
How To Charge Apple Watch Without Charger?
Let’s walk through some of the best alternatives for charging Apple watch without a charger:
1. Use Apple MagSafe Duo Charger:
Let’s start with the most reliable and recommended method for charging Apple Watch – the Apple MagSafe Duo. It’s an ideal option for individuals who own an iPhone and an Apple Watch. The MagSafe Duo Charger can conveniently charge your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods case, etc.
A steady and efficient charge is initiated upon contact by simply placing your devices on the charger. The charger also conveniently folds together, allowing for easy portability. While similar third-party chargers can be found online at a significantly lower price, those who prefer to stay within the Apple ecosystem may find the MagSafe Duo charger the best choice.
2. Wireless Powerbanks:
Another option is a dedicated wireless power bank tailored for the Apple Watch. If you are always on the move, it’s the must-have product for your watch.
These power banks have a sizable internal battery that can charge your watch multiple times. All you have to do is place the Apple Watch on the magnetic port, and the charging will begin. On average, the power bank can provide up to 50 hours of additional battery life to your Apple Watch, which is incredibly useful during travel or when you’re away from conventional charging options.
3. Magnetic Keychain Charger:
Keychain-style Apple Watch chargers are worth considering for those seeking a charger with a touch of style. These chargers are designed to be attached to a keychain, allowing you to hook them to any other keychain you carry conveniently.
While the battery capacity of these chargers is naturally smaller compared to power banks, their compact size and keychain attachment ensure that you always have a charger with you.
You can conveniently attach them with your home, car, or office keys, ensuring you’re never without a charger. With a capacity of up to 1000mAh, you can expect to charge your Apple Watch approximately 2-3 times.
4. Desk Charging Stand:
Are you one of those people who forget to carry their chargers to work daily? The solution is a three-in-one desk charger that will charge your Apple Watch, iPhone, and wireless AirPods case. Apart from the functionality, it’s a cool gadget on your work desk.
However, if you charge all three devices simultaneously, the charging speed may drop dramatically.
5. Portable Apple Watch Charger (Snap-in):
Snap-in Apple Watch chargers are an excellent choice for a convenient and portable charging option. These chargers feature a connector that easily attaches to the back of your Apple Watch, thanks to the magnets that cause it to snap into place automatically.
What makes these chargers even more appealing is their built-in USB-C or USB-A ports, allowing you to connect them directly to your computer or laptop while you work. You can also plug them into a power bank or a wall socket, enabling you to charge your Apple Watch without the hassle of dealing with a tangled mess of cables.
6. Smart Charging Case:
A smart charging case is the last alternative for charging an Apple watch without a charger. Although these chargers are not very common yet, you can find them online with thorough internet research. Considering their convenience and functionality, it can be one of the best methods to charge your Apple watch while on the go.
These charging cases have a built-in battery and a Micro USB cable. Similar to the cases designed for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, you place your Apple Watch inside the case, and it will initiate the charging process. In addition to providing a charging solution, these cases offer protection, preventing accidental drops and ensuring the safety of your valuable watch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, the Apple Watch line can only be charged using an Apple Watch charging cable or the MagSafe Duo charger meant for the Apple Watch.
Although the internet is flooded with various workarounds, you cannot charge your iPhone using an Apple Watch. Each device has its dedicated charging method.
No, charging the iPhone with an Apple watch or its charger is impossible. Although both devices support wireless charging, their charging mechanisms are completely different.
Charging an Apple Watch with an iPhone USB-C to Lightning charger is impossible since the two devices have different charging ports.
When the Apple Watch starts charging, it emits a chime sound (unless in silent mode), and a green lightning bolt symbol appears on the watch face.
No, charging an Apple Watch using a Lightning charger is impossible. Beware of misleading information suggesting hidden lightning ports on Apple Watch. Don’t tear down your watch and stick to conventional or wireless chargers.
Final Word:
While looking for an Apple Watch charger, I searched many websites claiming to provide workarounds for charging Apple Watch without a charger. While one suggested charging bands, the other recommended opening the watch back and finding the mysterious lightning port.
I strongly suggest you don’t fall for this misleading information and harm your watch. The chargers mentioned in this article are the only authentic alternatives to charge your Apple watch.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.
