Can you charge an Apple Watch without a magnetic charger?

Dismal battery life is one of the most frequently lamented shortcomings of Apple’s smartwatches. In the past, users found creative ways to keep their Apple Watch turned on. But can you charge your Apple Watch without a magnetic charger? Find out how you can (and cannot) top up your go-to wearable.

Can you charge the Apple Watch without a magnetic charger?

A magnetic charger is required to juice up your device. Fortunately, each unit ships with one in its box. Plug the cable into a USB power adapter or USB port. Alternatively, you can use a magnetic charging pad, which can be purchased separately. This solution should help mitigate the fact that the Apple Watch drains its battery rather quickly. It is also safe to charge your Apple Watch overnight; however, by doing so, you will lose out on useful sleep-tracking data.

Does the Apple Watch have a hidden port?

You may have heard reports about a hidden port on older models of the Apple Watch. If you remove the strap from your Series 6, for example, you will see a port behind a small metal door. Supposedly, Apple used this for diagnostic purposes. However, the hidden port is distinctly missing from Apple Watch Series 7 and newer devices. You won’t find it on the pricey Ultra or Ultra 2 either, so any hopes of charging this way are fruitless.

Can you use a third-party charger?

You can find plenty of third-party Apple Watch chargers from retailers such as Amazon, though Apple recommends using branded or approved devices for the best results. Some options, such as the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 charging pad, can be found on sale right at the Apple Store.

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