Most Apple Watch models ship without a charger in the box

Apple stopped including chargers with most Apple Watch purchases around 2021. When you open a new Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra, or Ultra 2, you'll find the watch itself, a band, and documentation — but no charging cable or power adapter. This applies whether you buy directly from Apple or through a retailer.

The one exception is the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), which does include a USB-A to USB-C charging cable in the box. If you own an older Apple Watch from 2020 or earlier, it likely came with a charger, but newer models assume you either already own one or will purchase it separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra, and Ultra 2 do not include a charger; only the SE (2nd generation) includes one in the box.
  • You need a USB-C power adapter and the correct charging cable for your watch model, which you may need to buy separately.
  • Older Apple Watch models from 2020 and earlier came with chargers, so you may already own a compatible cable.
  • Third-party chargers work with Apple Watch, but using Apple's official cables reduces the risk of damage to the watch's charging contacts.

Which Apple Watch models come with chargers

The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is the only current model that includes a charging cable. It comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, which you can plug into any standard USB power adapter you may already own.

If you have an Apple Watch Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, or any Ultra model, no charger is included. The same is true for the original SE (1st generation). These watches use a magnetic charging puck that connects to a USB-C cable, but Apple does not pack that cable with the watch.

Watches from 2020 and earlier — Series 5, Series 4, Series 3, and older — came with chargers in the box. If you're upgrading from one of these models, you may be able to reuse your old charger, though the connector type varies by model year.

What charger you actually need

The charger you need depends on which Apple Watch you own. Series 7 and newer models use a magnetic charging puck with a USB-C connector on the cable end. Series 6 and earlier use a different magnetic puck design that is not compatible with newer watches.

You'll also need a power adapter — the brick that plugs into the wall. Apple does not include one, so you can use any USB-C power adapter you already own from an iPhone, iPad, or other device. A 5-watt adapter works fine; you don't need anything more powerful.

If you don't have a USB-C adapter at home, you can buy Apple's official charging cable and power adapter as a bundle, or purchase third-party options from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. Official Apple cables cost around $29 for the cable alone, or $39 for the cable plus a power adapter.

Whether your old charger will work

If you're upgrading from an older Apple Watch, check the model you're replacing. The magnetic charging puck changed design between Series 6 and Series 7, so a charger from a Series 6 will not work with a Series 7 or newer. The cable connector itself is the same USB-C standard, but the magnetic puck shape is different.

If you're upgrading from a Series 7, 8, or 9 to an Ultra or Ultra 2, the charger is fully compatible — all three use the same magnetic puck design. The same applies if you're moving between any two watches from Series 7 onward.

Third-party chargers and safety

Third-party chargers work with Apple Watch and are generally safe if they come from a reputable manufacturer. Brands like Anker, Belkin, and others sell Apple Watch charging cables that function identically to Apple's official version. The magnetic connection is the same, and the USB-C standard is universal.

The main risk with very cheap third-party chargers is poor build quality that can damage the watch's charging contacts over time. The magnetic puck on your watch has small metal pins, and a charger with loose connections or poor alignment can cause corrosion. Buying from a well-known brand reduces this risk significantly.

If cost is a concern, a third-party cable from a brand with good reviews is a reasonable choice. If you want maximum assurance, Apple's official charger eliminates any compatibility questions and comes with Apple's warranty.

Where to buy a charger if you need one

Apple's official charging cable and power adapter are sold on Apple.com, in Apple retail stores, and through authorized retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. You can also buy just the cable without the power adapter if you already have a USB-C wall plug.

Third-party options are widely available on Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Search for "Apple Watch Series [your model] charger" to find cables designed for your specific watch. Read the reviews to confirm other users report compatibility with your model before purchasing.

If you bought your watch from a retailer other than Apple, you can still buy the charger anywhere — there's no restriction on where you purchase it, and the charger works with any Apple Watch of the same generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone charger to charge my Apple Watch?

If your iPhone charger is USB-C and your Apple Watch is Series 7 or newer, you can use the same power adapter. However, you still need the Apple Watch-specific magnetic charging cable — you cannot plug the watch directly into a USB-C port. The magnetic puck is required.

Will a Series 6 charger work with a Series 9?

No. The magnetic charging puck design changed between Series 6 and Series 7, so they are not compatible. You will need a charger designed for Series 7 or newer to charge a Series 9.

What if I lost my Apple Watch charger?

You can buy a replacement from Apple, an authorized retailer, or a third-party manufacturer. Make sure you know your watch model and generation before ordering, since the charger type varies. Most replacements arrive within a few days if ordered online.

Does the Apple Watch Ultra come with a charger?

No, the Ultra and Ultra 2 do not include a charger in the box. They use the same magnetic USB-C charging puck as the Series 7, 8, and 9, so you can use a charger from any of those models if you already own one.