Smartwatches have become essential gadgets for many Canadians. They help track our health, monitor workouts, manage daily tasks, and even keep us connected. But there’s nothing more frustrating than noticing your smartwatch battery is draining quickly, leaving you scrambling for a charger mid-day. If you’ve found yourself wondering why your trusty wearable just won’t hold a charge like it used to, you’re not alone.
It’s a pretty common issue that can happen for a variety of reasons. The good news is that in most cases, it’s easy to fix. Whether it’s adjusting a few settings or updating your software, many battery drain issues can be solved without having to replace your device. But sometimes, a watch is truly at the end of its life. If that’s the case, e’ll also talk about how to know when it’s time to upgrade to a newer model, and one with better battery life.
Ready to make your smartwatch last longer between charges? Let’s dive in.
Common reasons your smartwatch battery drains quickly
Understanding why your smartwatch battery drains fast is the first step to solving the problem. Let’s break down some of the most common culprits behind rapid battery drain.
Always-on display usage
One of the coolest features on many smartwatches is the always-on display. It means your watch face is visible all the time without needing to raise your wrist or tap the screen. While super convenient, this feature uses a lot of battery power because your screen is constantly lit, even if it’s dimmed. If your watch is constantly displaying the time or other info, the battery is working overtime to keep that screen awake. Go into settings and turn off the always-on display if there’s an option to do so, at least on days or at times when you don’t need it.
Too many background apps running
Like smartphones, smartwatches can run several apps in the background. Some apps constantly refresh, check for notifications, or use data, all of which can lead to faster battery drain. Even apps you don’t actively use might be running without you knowing. This is especially so if you opened it and never closed it when you were done, like a workout app or music. If you’re dealing with fast battery drain, it could be because of apps are running in the background more than necessary. Check periodically which apps are running and shut them down if you don’t need them to extend battery life.
Frequent GPS and heart rate tracking
Smartwatches are great for health tracking, but constant use of GPS and heart rate sensors can really wear down your battery. When you’re using features like workout tracking, navigation, or continuous heart rate monitoring, your watch’s power consumption spikes. Using GPS for a walk, run, hike, or cycle will inevitably drain the battery more quickly. Other features like continuous Sp02 monitoring can do the same. Many smartwatch apps allow you to toggle this on or off to extend the life per charge.
Old software versions
Running outdated software is a less obvious but common cause of poor battery performance. Smartwatch manufacturers regularly release updates to improve battery efficiency, fix bugs, and add new features. If you haven’t updated your watch in a while, it might be missing out on important smartwatch battery optimization improvements. Check the companion app for software updates or ensure you update your watch as soon as a notification pops up about one being available.
Faulty battery (hardware issue)
Sometimes the problem isn’t something you can fix through settings or software. After extended use, the physical battery inside your watch, or any electronic device for that matter, will degrade. It’s possible the battery can develop faults as well. This is a hardware issue and can cause your smartwatch battery to drain fast regardless of your usage habits. If your watch is a few years old or has been exposed to extreme conditions, the battery itself might be the culprit. Check warranty coverage, and if it’s still within the warranty period, have the battery checked. If not, you might need to consider a battery replacement or, more than likely, a new watch.
Easy fixes to improve smartwatch battery life
Now that we know what could be causing the battery drain, let’s look at some practical and easy fixes you can try today.
Adjust screen brightness and timeout settings
Your watch’s screen is one of the biggest battery consumers. Along with turning off the always-on display, simply lowering the brightness and reducing the time the screen stays on after use can save a surprising amount of power. Try setting your screen timeout to the shortest comfortable duration and keep brightness at a medium or low level.
Disable unnecessary app notifications
When it comes to apps, it’s not just about ones running in the background. Apps that send notifications keep us connected but also drain the battery because your watch lights up or vibrates each time you get one. Review your notification settings and disable those you don’t need on your wrist. Fewer interruptions mean less battery use. You can also put the watch in Do Not Disturb mode during certain times of the day, which will temporarily halt notifications.
Update your smartwatch software
Check for the latest software updates regularly. Installing updates ensures you benefit from bug fixes and battery-saving optimizations. Most watches allow you to update over Wi-Fi or through the companion smartphone app. Note that the watch will likely have to be on its charger for the update to work, or at least have sufficient battery power, so wait to do this when you’re at home or at your desk.
Use battery saver or low power modes
Many smartwatches offer a battery saver or low power mode that limits background activity, dims the screen, and disables non-essential features. Activating this mode can extend your watch’s battery life when you know you’ll be away from a charger for a while.
When it might be time to upgrade
Sometimes, no amount of tweaking can fix a smartwatch’s battery woes. Here are some signs it might be time to consider a new model.
Signs your battery is permanently degraded
If you’ve tried all the tips above and your battery still drains fast, it could mean the battery’s health has declined significantly. Older lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, meaning they hold less charge and run down faster. In such cases, replacement batteries may not be practical, especially for slim, sealed smartwatch designs.
Charger issues
Don’t discount the possibility that the issue is with the smartwatch’s charger and not the watch itself. Most smartwatches come with proprietary charging pucks, and sometimes, these can be faulty. It’s possible the outlet you’re using is faulty, too. If you’re using a third-party charger or charging cable, that could be a culprit as well. Try a different charger if you have access to one, plugged into a different outlet to eliminate that possibility.
Limited compatibility with new features or apps
As smartwatch technology advances, older models may no longer support the latest apps or features designed to improve battery efficiency. Sometimes, the smartwatch does technically support the latest software upgrade, but it won’t run as well with all the taxing new features. Upgrading to a newer smartwatch can give you access to better hardware, enhanced sensors, and improved smartwatch battery optimization technologies.
What to do when your smartwatch battery keeps draining
Most smartwatch battery drain issues can be solved by making a few simple adjustments, as noted above, like tweaking display settings, managing background apps, updating software, or using power-saving modes. It’s definitely worth trying these steps first to improve smartwatch battery life and get the most out of your current device.
However, if your watch’s battery continues to drain fast despite your efforts, or if the battery has permanently degraded based on running through the checklist noted above, it might be time to consider upgrading. Newer smartwatch models often come with better battery technology and smarter power management, so they last longer between charges.
Looking for a smartwatch with better battery life? Explore new smartwatch arrivals at Best Buy Canada, as well as older classics, and find a model that fits your needs and keeps up with your busy lifestyle.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
