Apple Watch is a handy device that helps you stay connected and track your health. However, battery life can sometimes be a concern, especially if you use it extensively throughout the day.
Extending your Apple Watch’s battery life doesn’t require complicated tricks. Simple habits and settings adjustments can make a big difference.
This guide will walk you through easy steps to help your watch last longer between charges.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Apple Watch without constantly worrying about recharging it.
Quick Note Before You Begin
Before trying to extend your battery life, make sure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Software updates often include improvements that can help with battery efficiency.
Also, check that your watch’s battery health is good by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the battery is degraded, performance and battery life may be affected.
1. Adjust Screen Brightness
The screen is one of the biggest battery users on your Apple Watch. Lowering the brightness can help save power.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to Brightness & Text Size.
- Drag the brightness slider to a lower level that is still comfortable for you to see.
Why this helps: A dimmer screen uses less energy, especially when you glance at your watch frequently throughout the day.
2. Use a Simple Watch Face
Watch faces with many colors, animations, or complications (small widgets) consume more battery.
- Press firmly on your current watch face.
- Swipe and choose a simpler face like Numerals or Modular Compact.
- Customize it to show only the most essential information.
Why this helps: Animated or complex watch faces require more processing power and screen updates, draining the battery faster.
3. Limit Background App Refresh
Apps running in the background can use battery by updating content even when you’re not using them.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Background App Refresh.
- Turn off Background App Refresh completely or disable it for apps you don’t need updating constantly.
Why this helps: Fewer background updates mean less power consumption, extending your watch’s battery life.
4. Turn Off Always-On Display (For Supported Models)
If you have an Apple Watch Series 5 or later, it might have an Always-On Display feature that keeps the screen dimly lit even when your wrist is down.
- On your watch, go to
Settings > Display & Brightness. - Tap on Always On and toggle it off.
Why this helps: Turning off Always-On Display prevents the screen from drawing power continuously, saving significant battery life.
Alternative: You can also set it to show fewer details when Always-On is enabled for a balance between battery and usability.
5. Reduce Notifications
Every time your watch receives a notification, the screen lights up and vibrates, which uses power.
- On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
- Go to Notifications.
- Disable notifications for apps that are not essential.
Why this helps: Less frequent notifications mean fewer screen activations and vibrations, conserving battery.
6. Enable Power Saving Mode During Workouts
When tracking workouts, the watch uses GPS and the heart rate sensor, which consume a lot of battery.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to Workout settings.
- Turn on Power Saving Mode.
Why this helps: Power Saving Mode disables the heart rate sensor during walking and running workouts, extending battery life without losing basic tracking.
7. Use Airplane Mode When Needed
If you don’t need to be connected for a while (e.g., during meetings or flights), turning on Airplane Mode can save battery.
- Swipe up on your watch face to open Control Center.
- Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode.
Why this helps: Airplane Mode turns off wireless radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), reducing power usage significantly.
8. Restart or Force Restart Your Watch
Sometimes, battery drain happens due to a temporary glitch or app misbehavior.
- To restart, press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider. Slide to power off, then press and hold side button to turn it on.
- To force restart, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for about 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Why this helps: Restarting can clear minor software issues that might be causing excessive battery drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my Apple Watch battery last?
Apple Watch typically lasts about 18 hours on a full charge with normal use. However, this can vary based on settings and usage.
Why is my battery draining so fast?
Common reasons include high screen brightness, many notifications, background apps, and using features like Always-On Display or GPS frequently.
Can I replace the Apple Watch battery myself?
No, Apple Watch batteries are not user-replaceable. If battery health is low, visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for replacement.
Does turning off Wi-Fi save battery?
Yes, if you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, turning Wi-Fi off can save battery by preventing your watch from searching for networks.
Is Low Power Mode available on Apple Watch?
Yes, starting with watchOS 9, Apple introduced Low Power Mode, which reduces background activity to extend battery life.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and your Apple Watch battery still drains quickly, it may be a sign of hardware issues or battery aging.
Visit the official Apple Watch support page for diagnostics and service options.
You can also contact Apple Support directly or schedule a Genius Bar appointment for professional assistance.
Conclusion
Extending the battery life of your Apple Watch is mostly about managing screen brightness, notifications, and background activities. Simple adjustments like lowering brightness, using simpler watch faces, and enabling power-saving features can make a noticeable difference.
Remember to keep your watch updated and monitor battery health regularly. By following these steps, you can enjoy your Apple Watch’s features longer without frequent charging.
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