A depleted Apple Watch battery can leave you stranded if you rely on it for various activities. Many wonder if they can charge an Apple Watch with an iPhone without the original charger.
If you face such a problem, this article answers whether you can charge your Apple Watch with your iPhone charger or ports. We’ll also look at alternative ways to charge your watch. Let’s get started!
Can You Use Your iPhone to Charge Your Apple Watch?
Yes, you can charge your Apple Watch with an iPhone if you use an iPhone 15. The latest iPhone model has a USB-C port that supports small devices with a Power Delivery of up to 4.5 watts. This makes the Apple Watch compatible with the iPhone 15’s charging capabilities.
The USB-C introduction replaces the lightning port available on iPhone 14 models and below. Besides the Apple Watch, the iPhone 15 allows users to charge other devices like the AirPods.
iPhone 15’s USB-C also brings convenience to Apple users, as they only need a single charging cable for their iPhone, iPad, AirPods, and other Apple devices.
Despite the change in the charging port, it’s important to note that the iPhone 15’s USB-C port has USB 2.0 charging speeds — the same capabilities as the older iPhone models’ lightning ports.
However, the good news is that it has USB 3.0 transfer speeds, which is faster than the iPhone 14’s lightning transfer speeds of USB 2.0.
Find out which Apple Watch models have a USB-C cable on Apple Support.
How to Charge Apple Watch With an iPhone 15
Charging your Apple Watch with the iPhone 15 charger follows a straightforward process. All you need is your Watch’s type-C magnetic charging cable.
Your phone must have enough power before you start the process. This ensures you don’t drain it while powering the Apple Watch. A fully charged iPhone 15 can also speed up the charging process.
Here are steps to charge an Apple Watch with an iPhone 15:
Step 1: Connect the Apple Watch Charger to the iPhone’s “USB-C Port”
Step 2: Place the Apple Watch on the Charger’s Magnetic Section
Step 3: Ensure the Watch Is Charging
The watch should start charging immediately. A charging failure can be due to the cable’s poor connectivity to your iPhone 15.
Here are more details about which Apple Watch models have a USB-C charger from Apple Support.
Is There Another Way to Charge an Apple Watch?
If you don’t have an iPhone 15, various alternative ways can help you charge your Apple Watch. These methods come in handy when there’s no electricity or a nearby power outlet and when outdoors.
Did your Apple Watch acquire some scratches while you’re outdoors? Discover some effective Apple Watch scratch repair tricks here.
Here are alternative ways to charge an Apple Watch:
Method 1. Using a Powerbank
A power bank is a great way to charge an Apple Watch, especially when traveling or during leisure such as hiking. You’ll need the original Apple magnetic charger and the power bank.
The connection process involves inserting the charger’s USB output and attaching your Watch to the magnetic area. Power the portable charger to start powering up your watch.
However, there are modern power banks specifically made for charging Apple Watch. Their price differences depend on power capacity, charging speed, and durability.
Here are several quality power banks for Apple Watch charging:
- Belking Portable iWatch Charger.
The Belkin charger has a 2000 mAh capacity. It is a wireless version with LED features that indicate the remaining power. - Newdery Portable Apple Watch Charger.
The charger is convenient for travel as it has no wire attachments. You can easily attach its USB output to your power bank and start charging your watch. - Iwalk Portable Apple Watch Charger.
This portable device has a 9000mAh capacity, proving its capability to fast charge a fully depleted Apple Watch. Like the Belkin version, it has LED lights to show its remaining power capacity. - LVFAN Apple Watch Charger.
LVFAN has a USB-C port and a 4000 mAh for ample charging. - VRURC Magnetic Charger.
VRURC’s 10,000 mAh capacity guarantees reliable Apple Watch charging. It’s also compatible with iPhones and AirPods.
Method 2. Using a Wireless Dock
Another reliable method of charging an Apple Watch is to use designated Apple charging docks or pads (you can buy a charging dock from Apple’s official store). These are portable magnetic gadgets on which you can place your watch to charge wirelessly.
Wireless docks are rechargeable, so you can always charge them at home and bring them with you when you go outdoors.
Several brands like Belkin, Spigen, and Anker offer excellent wireless Apple Watch charging docks. Remember to check the devices’ compatibility with your watch.
Note: You should charge the wireless dock so it’s ready during emergencies.
Here are more ways to charge your Apple Watch without a charger.
Method 3. Through a MacBook
If you still lack a reliable charging option, you can use your MacBook. Connect your Apple Watch charger to your Mac’s compatible ports to start charging. Ensure the laptop is on and awake for a successful charging process.
You can use a powered USB adapter (like this one from Apple’s app store) if your Mac has limited ports. This also helps you connect your Apple Watch and other devices like an earlier iPhone or Airpods. Make sure the hub is powered to provide enough power.
Get more details on charging using a MacBook from Apple Support.
You Can Charge Your Apple Watch With the iPhone 15
Apple has enabled charging the Apple Watch with an iPhone by adding a USB-C port to the iPhone 15. The addition of the port has raised questions from users and experts, as it goes against the usual iPhone charging port. Nonetheless, the initiative delights many Apple Watch users.
If you’re not using the latest iPhone, you can depend on power banks, wireless pads or docks, and MacBook devices as alternative charging options.
