How to Charge Apple Watch with or without the Original Charger

Just unboxed your Apple Watch and puzzled by that little concave puck? You're not alone. Unlike the typical phone charger, the Apple Watch uses a unique magnetic cable that might throw you off at first. But don't worry, learning how to charge Apple Watch is easier than it looks. And here's the good news: you're not stuck with the puck either.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics and then go a step further to introduce other methods to keep your Watch powered up, from stylish wireless docks that tidy up your nightstand to portable options for when you're out and about.

How to Charge Your Apple Watch Easily (Step by Step)

Your Apple Watch is built to last around 18 hours with mixed use, which usually gets you through the day. But once that red lightning bolt shows up on the screen, it's time to recharge.

First, let's go over the two types of cables you'll come across. Series 6 or earlier models came with a USB-A Magnetic Charging Cable in the box. It charges at a standard pace, roughly 80% in about an hour.

With Series 7 and newer models, Apple includes a USB-C Magnetic Fast-Charging Cable, which can take your watch from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes, as long as you're using a USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and delivers at least 5W.

Here's how to charge your Apple Watch, step by step:

1. Plug in the charger: 1.Connect the USB-A or USB-C end of the cable to a compatible wall adapter. You can also plug it into a free port on your laptop or a portable battery pack. For faster USB-C charging, make sure your adapter supports USB-PD.
2. Attach the magnetic puck: 2.Flip your watch over so the back is facing up, then bring the concave end of the charging puck close to the back. The magnets will automatically snap it into place.
3. Look for the charging symbol: 3.A green lightning bolt should appear on the screen, confirming that the watch is charging. If your battery was fully drained, give it a minute or two.
4. Use Nightstand Mode (optional): 4.If you lay your watch on its side while charging, it automatically enters Nightstand Mode, turning the display into a mini bedside clock that shows the time, charging status, and any alarms you've set.

Can You Charge Your Apple Watch without the Original Charger?

Yes, you can charge your Apple Watch without the cable that came in the box, but it's important to use the right kind of replacement. The Apple Watch relies on that specific magnetic charging puck, so regular wireless Qi pads or magnetic iPhone stands won't do the trick.

There are plenty of third-party chargers available, but only those certified as Made for Apple Watch (MFW) will deliver the same reliable performance and fast-charging speeds as the official one. So, if your original charger is lost or broken, make sure the replacement is properly certified.

That said, certified third-party options can offer more flexibility and convenience. For example:

• Multi-device wireless charging stations: These combine Qi2 or MagSafe support and can charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all in one place—perfect for keeping your nightstand tidy with just a single power cord.
• Portable power banks with built-in pucks: Ideal for travel, flights, or outdoor adventures, since they don't require a wall outlet.

Tempting, right? Let's take a look at a few high-quality, MFW-certified options from Anker—each one thoughtfully designed to fit different needs and routines:

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)

If you're often travelling with your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) really changes the game.

Unfold this “macaron-shaped” charger and you see three clearly marked zones: a Qi2-certified 15W plate for iPhone, an MFW puck that matches Apple's own fast-charge spec for the Watch, and a central 5W Qi spot for AirPods.

Fold it the other way and the phone pad props up for StandBy Mode on your nightstand or an airplane tray; fold it flat and it shrinks to a jacket-pocket puck. Anker bundles a 40W USB-C wall adapter, so you really do replace three separate chargers with one travel companion.

What's good:

• True 15W snap-on Qi2 charging for iPhone (twice the speed of older Qi pads)
• Officially-certified MFW puck delivers Apple Watch fast charge—0–30 % in roughly 22 min on Series 9
• Folds into a tiny, 90 mm-wide disc, roughly the size of your AirPods case
• Hinged design converts to a stand for hands-free video or StandBy Mode
• ultiProtect and ActiveShield temperature sensors guard against over-heat and over-voltage

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1)

Picture the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1) as a deck-of-cards-sized slab that flips open into a little charging easel on your desk.

The custom aluminium Qi2-certified module keeps your iPhone locked on a 15W magnetic sweet spot, while a pivoting puck tops up the Watch and a recessed pad handles ear-buds.

Its split-body heat-sink wicks warmth away fast, and the ActiveShield 2.0 firmware checks temperature three million times a day to protect your kit. When you're done, snap it shut and drop it in a coat pocket.

What's good:

• Ultra-compact (89 × 60 × 25 mm) yet unfolds to a stable nightstand
• Adjustable 60–70° phone hinge makes StandBy or FaceTime easy
• High-conductivity aluminium backbone keeps 15W Qi2 charging consistent
• ActiveShield 2.0 performs millions of temperature checks for safety
• MFW puck fills an Apple Watch Series 9 to ~47 % in 30 minutes when paired with the included 40W adapter

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch)

For days when wall sockets are scarce, this Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch) covers everything: a pop-out, MFW-certified puck that holds the Watch at any angle, a built-in USB-C cable, and a USB-C port—both capable of up to 30W output.

The LED screen shows remaining capacity at a glance, while a smart power-split delivers 30W wired plus 5W wireless simultaneously, so you can recharge your iPhone and Watch overnight in a tent. Despite the capacity, it's only 95 × 51 × 32 mm and flight approved.

What's good:

• Charges Apple Watch wirelessly and iPhone or iPad at 30W via USB-C at the same time
• Adjustable watch stand doubles as a travel kickstand
• Smart LED read-out for battery percentage and time-to-empty/charge
• 75% post-consumer-recycled housing keeps weight reasonable
• Recharges itself fully in about 1.5 h with a 30W PD charger, ready for two iPhone 15 Pro or up to 11 Watch refills

How to Maintain Your Apple Watch Battery for Longevity?

The Apple Watch is designed to last all day, but over time, battery health can decline if it's not looked after. Follow these smart habits below to help your battery stay healthier for longer:

1. Avoid extreme temperatures

Heat is one of the fastest ways to age a battery. Try to keep your watch in environments between 0°C and 35°C. Don't leave it in direct sunlight, on a hot dashboard, or in a steamy bathroom during charging.

2. Don't let it hit 0% too often

While it's okay occasionally, letting your battery drain completely all the time puts stress on the battery. It's better to recharge around 20–30% if you can.

3. Use certified chargers only

Stick to the original or Made for Apple Watch (MFW)-certified chargers. Cheap, uncertified options may charge slowly or generate excess heat, both of which can shorten battery life over time.

4. Enable Optimised Battery Charging

Your Apple Watch can learn your charging habits and slow down the final part of charging to reduce battery ageing. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and make sure Optimised Battery Charging is turned on.

5. Update your watch regularly

Battery performance improvements are often included in watchOS updates. Keeping your watch up to date ensures it's running as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion

So, now you know how to charge Apple Watch, whether you're using the standard magnetic cable or levelling up with something a bit more stylish or travel-friendly. Once you've found the setup that fits your routine, keeping your watch charged becomes second nature. And with a few smart habits, you'll also help your battery stay in good shape for the long run.

FAQs

Can I charge my Apple Watch with my iPhone charger?

You can simply plug the USB-A or USB-C end of the Apple Watch magnetic charging cable into the same USB mains adaptor that you use for your iPhone (5W, 12W, 20W or similar). The watch regulates the power it needs. What you can't do is clip a Lightning or USB-C cable straight into the watch—the concave magnetic puck is essential.

How do I charge my Apple Watch without the charger?

You can't charge the watch without a charger that contains the specialised magnetic disc. If you've mislaid the original puck, try borrowing a spare or pick up a replacement cable. You can also go for a third-party power bank or wireless dock that has the magnetic disc built in—just make sure it's “Made for Apple Watch” (MFW) certified, like those offered by Anker. Standard Qi pads or other improvisations won't work and may damage the battery, so stick to Apple-approved options.

Can I charge my Apple Watch with my iPhone?

Placing the watch on the back of any iPhone won't work—no model supports reverse wireless charging for Apple Watch yet. However, iPhone 15 and later models with a USB-C port can trickle-charge up to 4.5W if you plug the watch's USB-C magnetic cable into the phone, effectively using the handset as a small power-bank. Lightning iPhones cannot do this. Remember that whichever way you power it, the magnetic disc is still required.