Apple Announces Complimentary Repairs for Malfunctioning Apple Watches Unable to Charge While in Power Reserve Mode
If you've got an Apple Watch Series 5 or SE that refuses to charge after activating Power Reserve mode, Apple's got your back. The tech giant acknowledged a few users encountering this problem, primarily on watchOS 7.2 and 7.3, in a recent support document.
Power Reserve mode, with its distinctive red lightning bolt, helps extend battery life by limiting your watch's features to just the time. Your Apple Watch will disconnect from your iPhone during this mode, meaning your fitness tracker and messages will temporarily cease functioning.
Apple released watchOS 7.3.1, hoping to prevent further instances of this issue. Sadly, if your device is already affected, this update won't restore its charging capabilities. Nonetheless, future users should remain unaffected by this odd quirk.
Fear not, as Apple offers a simple method to verify if your watch is affected. Plug your Apple Watch into its usual charger, then leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes. If it still falls short of juicing up, contact Apple Support for a free mail-in repair.
Apple will examine your device once it receives it, ensuring it's eligible for the complimentary fix. When it comes to charging, Apple advises cleaning the port and pad with a soft cloth, verifying all connections, and occasionally restarting or upgrading your watch’s software.
In case you’re having issues beyond regular charging problems, you can reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. There are even third-party repair shops you can consult, should your handset have outlived its warranty period.
Though Power Reserve mode doesn't directly impact charging, troubleshooting general issues and reaching out to Apple support should prove helpful when dealing with any charging-related concerns.
Despite the release of watchOS 7.3.1, some Apple Watch Series 5 or SE users with watchOS 7.2 or 7.3 still experience the problem of their watches not charging after activating Power Reserve mode. The future users, however, should not encounter this issue due to the tech giant's acknowledgment and potential fixes. To check if your watch is affected, follow Apple's method by leaving it on its charger for 30 minutes. If it still doesn't charge properly, consider reserving a mail-in repair through Apple Support, using the unique identification number 1846247720.
