An Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) that will not charge or turn on has a short list of causes, and Apple's page puts them in order. The magnetic charger and the back of the watch must be clean: sweat, lotion and dust on either interfere with charging, so wipe both with a soft lint-free cloth. Remove any plastic film left on the back of the watch or the charger.
The checks in more detail
Plug the charger into an Apple adapter or a good outlet rather than a computer port, and place the watch on it; a charging symbol shows. Then force restart: hold the side button and the Digital Crown for at least ten seconds until the Apple logo appears. Try a second charger or cable if you can. A watch that charges only in one position, or that shows a red lightning bolt, is low on power and needs a longer charge.
The SE 2 charges with the magnetic charging cable that came with it, and an older cable that is frayed or has a bent pin ring fails more often than the watch. The charging puck should sit flat on the back of the watch and attract it firmly; a charger that does not grip is worn. Charge on a hard, flat surface rather than a bed, and keep the watch out of direct sun, since a hot watch pauses charging.
Another SE 2 specific point is that the watch's charging contacts are a flat disc on the back, and a screen-protector style back film or a worn case can lift the watch from the puck; take off any cover on the back and set the watch flat. If the watch has been repaired by a third party, a poorly fitted back can leave a gap. Try the watch on a second Apple charger in a different room, so that you rule out the outlet, and watch for the green lightning symbol.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Dirt on the charger or watch back
What separates it The watch does not start charging
How to confirm Wipe both with a lint-free cloth
- 2
Plastic film left on
What separates it No contact
How to confirm Remove it from both sides
- 3
A weak power source
What separates it Slow or no charge
How to confirm Use an Apple adapter and a wall outlet
- 4
A frozen watch
What separates it The charger shows but the watch is dark
How to confirm Force restart
- 5
A faulty charger or watch
What separates it None of the above helps
How to confirm Try another charger, then contact Apple
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether a charging symbol appears
- The charger and adapter used
- Whether the back is clean
- Whether it was wet
Try in this order
0 of 11 completedClean the back and the charger
ReversibleUse a soft lint-free cloth.
Remove any film
ReversibleFrom the watch and the charger.
Use a wall adapter
ReversibleNot a computer port.
Wait for the charging symbol
ReversibleA red lightning bolt means very low.
Force restart
ReversibleHold the side button and Digital Crown ten seconds.
Try another charger
ReversibleIf you can.
Check the charger's grip
ReversibleThe puck should snap firmly to the back; a weak magnet means a worn charger.
Charge on a flat surface in the shade
ReversibleHeat pauses charging, so move the watch somewhere cool.
Inspect the cable
ReversibleLook for fraying or a bent connector and replace a damaged cable.
Remove any back cover
ReversibleAnd set the watch flat on the puck.
Try a second charger and room
ReversibleTo rule out the outlet.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Contacts
- Skin oils and lotion block charging.
- Force restart
- It also wakes a frozen watch.
- A hot watch
- Heat pauses charging until it cools.
- Cable wear
- A frayed cable is a common cause.
- Cleaning
- A damp cloth removes sweat residue; dry the contacts afterwards.
- Back contact
- A film or gap stops the magnetic charge.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the watch will not charge on a second charger, contact Apple Support
- !If it overheats, stop using it
- !If the display stays dark after a force restart, book service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why won't my Apple Watch charge?+
Dirt, film or a weak source.
What does the red lightning bolt mean?+
The battery is very low.
Can I use a third-party charger?+
Use a certified one.
How long to charge?+
A couple of hours for a full charge.
Why does charging pause?+
The watch is too hot.
Can I use the Apple Watch charger on a computer port?+
A wall adapter is more reliable.