About Apple Watch charge speeds
Learn how to improve the charging speed of your Apple Watch.
Make sure you're using the right charging accessories
For fastest charging, use a USB-C Power Delivery charger and the USB-C Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable that came with your watch.
With watchOS 26, if your Apple Watch detects that your charging experience could be improved, you'll see a Slow Charger message in Settings > Battery. This doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with your Apple Watch or charger; it just means that your watch could charge faster by using a higher-wattage charger.
How to charge your Apple Watch faster
Here are a few more ways to speed up charging.
Connect the charging cable directly to a dedicated charger
Charging is fastest when you connect your Apple Watch charging cable directly to a dedicated USB-C charger.
If your charger has more than one port, or if you charge with a computer or USB hub with other connected devices, the maximum power output might be reduced. Charge ports in USB hubs or cars also might charge slower than a dedicated USB-C charger.
Use the charging cable that came with your Apple Watch
Charging speed might be slower if you use a charging cable that came with a previous version of Apple Watch.
Avoid charging in extreme temperatures
Apple Watch charges fastest in a normal room-temperature environment. If your watch is charging in temperatures that are too high or low, it can reduce charge speeds to protect the battery's lifespan.