With the launch of watchOS 10, Apple Watch users experienced a significant change – their device’s battery was seemingly capped at 80%. This was a decision made by Apple to extend battery longevity but left many users wanting to charge to the full 100%. Fortunately, there’s a way to unlock that extra 20%.
Apple’s Battery Dilemma
Apple’s approach to battery management for the Apple Watch has been somewhat uncertain over the years. First, with watchOS 7, they introduced an optimized charging mode, preventing the watch from consistently reaching 100%. Then, with watchOS 10, they set a strict limit of 80%. These changes aimed to prolong battery life but left some users feeling restricted.
How to Unlock 100% Battery
For those who prefer not to sacrifice that 20% of battery life, there’s good news. Apple has made it easy to charge your Apple Watch back to 100%. Ensure that the Optimized Charge Limit mode is active, which was introduced with the latest major system update. To activate it, simply charge your watch and notice the loading ring icon with an open space. This indicates that the optimized charging mode is on.
When your watch is charging, tap the battery widget icon in the upper left corner of the screen. This is when you’ll see two options: “Fully charge the battery” or “Dismiss.” Select the former, and your watch will charge to 100%, as you desire. Keep in mind that this configuration isn’t permanent and only applies to the current charge cycle. When you unplug and recharge the watch, you’ll need to repeat the process.
Alternatively, some Apple Watch models offer a menu option to permanently disable the optimized charging limit. To access this, go to Settings, navigate to the Battery section, and find the Battery Health option. Depending on your watch, you might see options to disable the optimized charge limit and battery optimization individually or together. You can make a permanent change or opt to revert to the optimized limit until the next day.
In cases where these options aren’t available, you can use the previously described method to charge your Apple Watch to 100% as needed.