Google's won't-charge article works in five steps. First check the remaining charge and the time on the charger: a Pixel Watch 3 41mm takes about 24 minutes to reach 50 percent, 35 to reach 80 percent and 60 to reach 100, the 45mm about 28, 50 and 80 minutes, and a Pixel Watch 2 about 30, 43 and 75 minutes; when the watch is off and has charged for at least 10 to 30 minutes, press the crown to see the status. Second, use only the charger that came with it: the USB-C fast charging cable for the Pixel Watch 2 and 3.
Reverse wireless charging from a Pixel phone is not supported. Third, remove the watch entirely and place it so the charging points align with the pins and the crown faces the same direction as the charger's cable; the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 fit only one way and will not charge if placed wrongly, and the back and pins must be clean and not stuck or damaged. Fourth, update the firmware. Fifth, check the screen for charging signs; if it stays blank after 10 more minutes properly seated, contact support. Battery Defender pauses charging at 80 percent after 4 days on the charger.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Pixel Watch (Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2) will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The watch is on the dock the wrong way round
What separates it There is no charging animation because the watch is on the dock the wrong way round
How to confirm Align the four points with the pins and face the crown the same direction as the cable
- 2
A non-supplied charger
What separates it The charging is slow or absent because a non supplied charger is in use
How to confirm Use only the supplied cable, as Google says
- 3
Dirt on the back or pins
What separates it The charging is intermittent because of dirt on the back or the pins
How to confirm Clean the back and the pins with a lint-free cloth
- 4
Battery Defender is holding at 80 percent
What separates it The watch stops at 80 percent after days on the charger
How to confirm Remove and replace the watch to charge past 80 percent
- 5
A wet watch
What separates it Charging is blocked or unsafe because the watch is wet
How to confirm Dry it before charging, and then try the charger again
- 6
A fully drained battery
What separates it The screen stays blank because of a fully drained battery
How to confirm Let it charge 10 to 30 minutes then press the crown
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the screen shows on the charger: nothing, a charge animation or a notification
- Which cable and power adapter you used and the crown direction
- Whether the watch is wet, or whether the back and pins look dirty or damaged
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the battery
ReversibleSwipe down and read the level next to Settings; press the crown after 10 to 30 minutes if it is off.
Use the right charger
ReversibleUse only the supplied USB-C fast charging cable on a Pixel Watch 2 or 3.
Reseat the watch
ReversibleRemove it, then place it so the charging points align with the pins and the crown faces the cable direction.
Clean the back
ReversibleClean the back, by wiping the back of the watch and the pins with a dry lint free cloth.
Update
ReversibleUpdate, by updating the Pixel Watch firmware once the watch has charged enough to do so.
Wait
ReversibleWait, and give it 10 more minutes on the charger before you decide it will not charge.
Contact support
ReversibleContact support, and if nothing shows, contact Google with the model number of the watch.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Charge times by model
- Google's article: Pixel Watch 3 41mm about 24 minutes to 50 percent, 35 to 80, 60 to 100; 45mm about 28, 50, 80; Pixel Watch 2 about 30, 43, 75; the original Pixel Watch about 45, 75, 110.
- Chargers by model
- Pixel Watch, 2 and 3 use the supplied USB-C magnetic cable; the 2 and 3 also need the four pins aligned; the 4 and 5 use the Quick Charge Dock.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the watch shows nothing after 10 more minutes seated correctly on the supplied charger, contact Google support
- !If the watch is swollen or hot, stop charging and contact Google
- !If it charges but the battery falls quickly, use the battery drain page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Charge times per model, compatible charger, alignment, firmware and screen checks.
Charging steps, moisture, Battery Defender and the causes list.
Keeping the back and pins clean and not cleaning while charging.
Restart and hard reset for a watch that will not start.
The Pixel Watch line and its generations.
Exact questions
Common questions
How long does a Pixel Watch 3 take to charge?+
Google lists about 24 minutes to 50 percent, 35 to 80 and 60 to 100 on the 41mm, and 28, 50 and 80 minutes on the 45mm.
Which charger do I need?+
Only the supplied cable for the Pixel Watch 2 and 3.
Why will it not charge at an angle?+
The Pixel Watch 2 and 3 fit only one way; align the four pins and the crown direction.
Can I charge from my Pixel phone?+
No. Google says reverse wireless charging from Pixel phones is not supported.
What is Battery Defender?+
If the watch stays on the charger for 4 days or longer, Google pauses charging to protect the battery; remove and replace it to charge past 80 percent.
Does the Pixel Watch 4 differ?+
It uses a Quick Charge Dock and shows on-screen alerts about charging problems.
Can Google repair the battery?+
Google does not repair a Pixel Watch 3, it replaces it.
What does replacement cost?+
Preferred Care is $4 a month or $89 for two years plus a $49 service fee.