Slow Charger? Your Apple Watch Now Has a New Warning for That

Apple Watch users are getting a new warning in watchOS 26 when charging speeds are unusually slow, a feature that follows a similar iOS 18 notification for iPhone when charging power is insufficient. When the watch detects a slower charging speed, it displays a “slow charger” message in Settings > Battery.

According to Apple, if your Watch detects that the charging experience could be improved, you’ll see that Slow Charger message, and this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your device or charger; it simply means the watch could charge faster with a higher-wattage charger.

Apple also notes that if your charger has more than one port, or you charge via a computer or USB hub, the maximum power output might be reduced, and charging through a USB hub or car charger may be slower than using a dedicated USB-C charger. For best results, the guidance is to connect the Apple Watch directly to a charger with a dedicated cable rather than routing through hubs or intermediary devices. 18 September 2025.