Most Apple Watches ship without a charger in the box
Apple stopped including chargers with most Apple Watch models starting in 2021. If you buy a new Apple Watch Series 9, Series 8, Ultra, or Ultra 2, you will receive the watch itself and a USB-C magnetic charging cable, but not the power adapter that plugs into the wall. You have to buy the adapter separately or use one you already own.
The only exception is the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), which does include a USB-A to USB-C charging cable in the box. This cable works with any standard USB power adapter you may have from other devices — a phone charger, tablet charger, or computer charger will all work.
If you already own an Apple Watch from an older generation, check what came with it. Watches sold before 2021 typically included a power adapter in the box, so you may not need to buy one at all.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch Series 9, Series 8, Ultra, and Ultra 2 come with a magnetic charging cable but no wall adapter, so you must purchase one separately.
- The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) includes a USB-A to USB-C cable that works with any standard USB power adapter you already own.
- Older Apple Watch models sold before 2021 came with a power adapter in the box, so check your original packaging before buying a new one.
- Any USB power adapter rated for at least 5 watts will charge your Apple Watch, including chargers from phones, tablets, or computers.
Which power adapters work with your Apple Watch
The charger you need depends on which Apple Watch model you own. For Series 9, Series 8, Ultra, and Ultra 2, you need a USB-C power adapter. Any adapter that outputs at least 5 watts will work — this includes most phone chargers made in the last five years. If you have a recent iPhone, iPad, or MacBook charger, it will charge your Apple Watch.
For the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), you need a USB-A power adapter because the cable in the box has a USB-A connector on one end. Again, any 5-watt adapter or higher will work. These are extremely common — you likely have several around your home already.
Do not use adapters rated below 5 watts, as they charge very slowly and may not work reliably. Adapters rated higher than 5 watts are fine and will not damage the watch.
Where to buy a charger if you need one
Apple sells official USB-C power adapters on their website and in their retail stores. A 5-watt adapter costs around $19 to $29, depending on whether you want just the adapter or a cable bundled with it. A 20-watt adapter costs slightly more but charges faster.
Third-party manufacturers like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics sell USB-C adapters that work with Apple Watch and cost less than Apple's official versions. These are safe to use as long as they are rated for at least 5 watts and have good reviews from other buyers.
You do not need to buy an Apple-branded cable or adapter. Any USB-C or USB-A adapter from a reputable manufacturer will charge your watch the same way. The magnetic charging cable itself rarely fails, so you usually only need to replace the power adapter.
How to tell what came in your original box
If you are not sure whether your Apple Watch came with a charger, check the original box or the paperwork inside. The contents list on the box will say "USB-C Magnetic Charging Cable" or "USB-A to USB-C Cable" depending on your model. If a power adapter is included, it will be listed separately.
You can also look up your specific watch model on Apple's website. Go to the product page for your model year and scroll to the "In the Box" section. This tells you exactly what should have come with it.
If you bought your watch used or secondhand, the original box may not be available. In that case, you can identify your model by going to Settings > General > About on the watch itself, which shows the model name and year.
Charging your Apple Watch without the original cable
If you have lost or damaged the magnetic charging cable that came with your watch, you can buy a replacement cable separately. Apple sells official replacement cables for around $29. Third-party magnetic charging cables from brands like Anker also work and cost less.
The magnetic charging cable is specific to your watch model — a cable for Series 9 will not work with an older Series 3, for example. When you buy a replacement, make sure it matches your watch generation.
If you need to charge your watch right away and do not have a cable, some Apple retail stores can lend you a charger temporarily while you wait for a replacement to arrive. Call your local store to ask if this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone charger to charge my Apple Watch?
Yes, if your iPhone charger is USB-C. Most recent iPhones come with a USB-C power adapter, which works with Apple Watch Series 9, Series 8, Ultra, and Ultra 2. If your iPhone charger is the older USB-A type, it will not work with these models unless you also have the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with your watch.
What if I lost the charging cable that came with my watch?
You can buy a replacement magnetic charging cable from Apple or third-party manufacturers. Make sure the cable matches your watch model — cables are not interchangeable between different generations. Third-party cables are usually cheaper than Apple's official version and work just as well.
Is it safe to use a third-party charger instead of Apple's?
Yes, as long as the charger is from a reputable brand and rated for at least 5 watts. Third-party USB-C and USB-A adapters will not damage your watch. Avoid very cheap adapters with no reviews or unclear brand names, as these may be unreliable or unsafe.
Do I need a special charger for the Apple Watch Ultra?
No, the Ultra uses the same magnetic charging cable and USB-C power adapter as the Series 9 and Series 8. Any 5-watt USB-C adapter will work. The Ultra does not require a different or more powerful charger.
Can I charge my Apple Watch with a wireless charger?
No. Apple Watch does not support wireless charging pads. You must use the magnetic charging cable that comes with the watch or a compatible replacement cable. The magnetic connector is the only way to charge an Apple Watch.