The Apple Watch comes with a magnetic charging puck with a USB-C braided cable. With the increasing number of devices that we carry on a daily basis, comes the same amount of charging wires. This is why people, including me, are ever so thankful for the invention of wireless Qi chargers.
But while this wireless charging is compatible with most of our devices, I was left wondering if the same could work for my Apple Watch as well. So, let me break down whether the Apple Watch supports wireless charging or not.
Does the Apple Watch Work With Wireless Qi Charging Pads?
The Apple Watch does not support wireless charging with a Qi charging pad. Rather, it uses Apple’s proprietary magnetic charging puck, which has remained the same for all its models since their launch, with a few tweaks in the models starting Series 7.
The previous models had a USB-A to magnetic charging puck with a silicone wire, and starting with Series 7, the cable is now braided and has a USB-C port that enables faster charging.
Apple has introduced wireless charging for its other products, such as the iPhone 8 and above with its MagSafe charger, the Apple Watch remains limited to its magnetic charging tech.
Do Third-Party Wireless Chargers Work with the Apple Watch?
Apple does have a few certified options for MagSafe chargers on their website that are from third-party brands, such as the Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger or the Belkin Boost Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe.
These are multi-functional and can charge your iPhone or AirPods simultaneously with your Apple Watch. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you jump into the wireless charging bandwagon:
- The MagSafe chargers do not support fast charging for the Apple Watch.
- For fast charging, I advise you to use the charging cable with the magnetic pluck that comes with the Apple Watch.
- I only recommend you use Apple-certified MagSafe chargers for your Apple Watch as the other Qi wireless chargers are not compatible with the watch.
- Always monitor your Apple Watch for overheating, even with Apple-certified MagSafe chargers. While a slight warmth is normal, I would strongly advise you to stop using the MagSafe charger if it is overheating your Apple Watch to avoid any future damage.
- Do not be alarmed if your Apple Watch is taking longer to charge since the third-party chargers do not support fast charging for the Apple Watch.
- The Apple Watch will not work with standard Qi wireless chargers.
- Place the Apple Watch in either an upright or flat position to ensure the correct placement of the charger.
- Adjust the placement of the charger or lay it flat if you’re charging larger Apple Watches, such as the 44mm, 45mm, or 49mm.
- When charging the Apple Watch Ultra on a wireless charger, make sure you see the charging indicator to ensure charging. If not, try again, but this time, remove the bands before charging.
Wrap Up
While the Apple Watch does not support wireless charging, there are a few Apple-certified third-party MagSafe chargers that do work. Although they will charge your Apple Watch slower than the cable since they don’t support wireless charging, they do come in handy while traveling since they can charge two of my devices– either my phone, AirPods, or my Apple Watch simultaneously.
I will highly recommend only using Apple-certified MagSafe chargers for your devices to avoid any issues later on. To further improve your Apple Watch’s battery life, follow these tips.
Because of the convenience Qi charging pads provide, and looking at Apple adapting to this tech with their other devices, I do think they will make their future Apple Watch models Qi wireless charging compatible. Although we don’t know when that’ll be, I sure hope it’s not too long before we see this taking off.
