The Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE were inflicted by a charging issue related to Power Reserve mode. Apple tried to fix it with a recent software update, but if that doesn’t work the company is offering free repairs for the smartwatches.
Apple has published a support document detailing a new repair option for the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE. In that support document, the company confirms that if your smartwatch is in Power Reserve mode, and the smartwatch is stuck in that mode after you’ve tried to charge it, the company’s new software should fix the problem. However, if the watchOS 7.3.1 software update doesn’t work, you can get the watch replaced.
Per the support document:
A very small number of customers with Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE models running watchOS 7.2 or 7.3 have experienced an issue with their watch not charging after it enters Power Reserve.
Apple also says in the support document that folks with an Apple Watch Series 4 or Apple Watch SE should put their smartwatch on the charger you “normally use” and wait 30 minutes. If the watch won’t charge, then contact Apple Support on the matter and get your mail-in repair for free.
If you have an impacted smartwatch, go take advantage of Apple’s repair program to get your watch replaced.