Don’t Run Out Of Time!: A Complete Guide to Apple Watch Battery Replacement
Time will continue moving much longer than your Apple Watch will. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get the full lifespan out of your Apple Watch battery.
Many people would simply sell/dispose of their Apple Watches once their batteries do not hold a charge anymore. What they don’t realize is that their watches just need a quick battery replacement!
There are many different ways of how to replace an Apple Watch battery, but we’re going to focus on three options in this article. Keep reading to learn all about an Apple Watch battery replacement.
Is Your Battery Worn Down?
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You’re probably reading this article because you’ve noticed that your watch isn’t holding a charge as well as it used to.
This is not a new issue, though. Apple was actually caught slowing down their older iPhones several years ago. They said it was to reduce the amount of random shutdowns and potential issues with battery health, but that did not fix the issue.
After the feedback, Apple launched the Battery Health feature. This feature is available on the Apple Watch WatchOS7 update (the latest update for the Apple Watch.) With this feature, you can get a personalized report of your device’s battery status. This reports including features such as a battery health percentage and tips for improving it.
To access the Battery Health feature:
- Open the Settings App.
- Tap on “Battery”.
- Tap “Battery Health”
If you access this screen and find that your battery health percentage is lower than 80%, it is time to start thinking about replacing your battery. We’ll go over the different routes you can take to do that next.
Apple Watch Battery Replacement Methods
There are several methods you can choose from when it comes to how to replace an Apple Watch battery. We’ll be going over three options, one of which requires more involvement than the others.
Based on your technical experience level and budget, you can decide which method is best for you!
Apple Store
The first method for Apple Watch battery replacement is at the Apple Store. If your battery health percentage is under 80%, then you are eligible for a battery replacement.
The cost of this service will vary based on what type of coverage you have. If your watch is in-warranty or you have Apple Care+, then this service is free.
If your watch is out of warranty, then there is a $79 service fee (plus shipping if there’s not an Apple Store near you.)
Apple Stores do take walk-ins for their Genius Bar services, but wait times can vary wildly and you may not be seen that day. In addition, Apple Stores do take appointments for these services, but you may have to book them far in advance.
The wait time and cost of the Apple Store method may be a dissuading factor for you. No fear- we’ll talk about another option next.
Do-It-Yourself
If you are already tech-savvy, then doing it yourself may be the best option for you. Once you have the parts needed the timeline is yours to create, which may be better for your schedule.
This process is not for the beginner, though, as it is quite involved and has some risky steps. You will want to follow a step-by-step guide very closely during this process to keep your Apple Watch operating correctly once you’re done.
There are multiple things to be cautious of when doing an Apple Watch battery replacement on your own:
- Take extra precautions if your battery is swollen. A swollen lithium-ion battery may catch fire or explode. If you have any doubts on your ability to do this, stay safe by taking it to a professional.
- Avoid twisting the digitized connectors, as they are quite fragile and expensive to replace.
- You will be using a sharp object to pry the watch open, so make sure to avoid accidentally cutting yourself or breaking the glass front.
The cost of this option can vary based on the specific parts you buy, but the cost of doing it yourself is still not much cheaper than the other options. Let’s talk about our last option next.
Repair Stores
The third and final option for replacing an Apple Watch battery is to take it to a repair store. These stores operate similarly to the Genius Bar, but are usually more affordable and flexible when it comes to time.
When searching for a repair store near you, you’ll want to make sure they are credible by reading the reviews. Additionally, since many of these stores fix multiple brands/types of products, you will want to make sure they do in fact fix Apple Watches.
Many of these stores also can provide price quotes before you even step foot in the store. For example, Fruit Fixed is a repair shop that offers smartwatch repair and can give quotes over the phone. This is an excellent option for those who want the most budget-friendly option for Apple Watch battery replacement.
If you and your Apple Watch battery are both on a time crunch, then a repair store might be the best option for you.
Don’t Run Out of Time
Getting an Apple Watch battery replacement can keep you on schedule for longer, and costs way less than buying a brand-new Apple Watch. With multiple options for repair, the process doesn’t have to be painful.
Interested in more how-to articles? Check out our website! We provide step-by-step guides for many different kinds of issues that you may be facing.
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