Can You Use an Apple Watch While Charging?

Everybody who owns one knows how valuable of a device the Apple Watch actually is. Whatever you use it for, the ridiculous amount of functions it has and its ability to do them all while taking up so little space is truly something special. However, it does have one weakness. The watch is on your wrist, not on a charger, so it will eventually run out of battery. 

So, can you use the Apple Watch while charging?

Unfortunately, Unlike other devices such as iPhones and iPad, the Apple Watch cannot be used while charging. 

Why can’t you use your Apple Watch while charging?

You might be wondering why most Apple products, such as the Macbook, iPhone, and iPad have the capability to be used while charging while the Apple Watch is not able to do the same thing. 

Well, it all has to do with the structure of the watch itself. You see, the Apple Watch charges via a magnetic charging circle on the underside of the watch, the same spot that is touching your wrist. The reason you can’t use it during this is that you won’t be able to put it on while the charger is connected. 

Apple knows this and has the watch go into what’s called “nightstand mode” as it is charging. This means it can only display the battery level, date, and time until it is disconnected from the charger. 

How long does the Apple Watch take to charge?

On average, it takes the Apple Watch about two hours to charge. This might seem like a long time, but most people simply charge their Apple Watches overnight. The charge will last most of if not all of the day in a well-functioning watch, so as long as you started wearing it with a full charge you should be good to go. 

Can you overcharge an Apple Watch?

You might be thinking: “I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to charge devices overnight.” It’s true that there are rumors of what’s called “overcharging” where you damage the battery, and therefore the device’s battery life if you keep it in the charger for too long. 

However, an Apple Watch battery in good shape will not be damaged by being charged overnight. This is because the charging will automatically stop when the device reaches full charge, not allowing too much power to enter the battery. 

If you’d prefer not to charge your watch at night, as you want to track your sleep patterns or health during sleep at night, then you’ll need to find another time to get the watch charged. It only takes around 2.5 hours for a full charge, and 90 minutes for an 80% charge.

Just putting it on your desk while working, or taking a short break from wearing it for a little bit is just fine. 

What about wireless charging?

You may have seen that iPhones, iPads, and many other devices can actually charge wirelessly. However, the Apple Watch is unfortunately not one of these devices, as it is incompatible with the Qi charging standard that is necessary for wireless charging. 

What about a charging band?

You may have heard rumors about technology being created that will allow you to use the Apple Watch while charging in the form of what’s called a charging band. This is a watch band that would also charge your Apple Watch while you’re wearing it, theoretically making your watch’s battery last for much longer. 

However, there are a number of reasons that Apple has never allowed third parties to supply this product, as it is a very bad idea. 

Firstly, the odds of you getting electrocuted or burned while the device is charging are quite high. Think about it, that much electrical charge right next to your skin is going to create a lot of heat. 

Secondly, the moisture on your wrist from sweat and natural oils on the skin is a very bad mix with a charging battery. This is just another reason that the idea of a charging band has never taken off, it’s just too dangerous. 


Short answer: no. It is unfortunately impossible to use your Apple Watch while it charges. However, this isn’t seen as a big deal by most Apple Watch owners, mostly because the Apple Watch is designed to be a portable device.

Other devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, can do most of the non-health-related functions of the Apple Watch while your Apple Watch charges, so it’s not like you’ll miss much in the 2.5 hour charging period. 

So, if you don’t want to stop using your Apple Watch, make sure you charge it overnight. If you want to wear it to track sleep activity, find a time during the day to charge it, because you’ll be unable to wear it while it’s charging. 

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