Battery Issues

[Randy C]

My Series 7 watch began draining its battery in 4 to 6 hours about 6 weeks ago. I've worked with Support repeatedly through this time. I went through persons who suggested I delete any function that might drain the battery and use it just as a watch with always on off.

I was patient, or at least persistent, and eventually I found a person who was willing to do more than run diagnostics on the battery condition. We spent hours on the phone and uploaded data twice to send to the engineers. The first time they said there was no problem, but on the second they said this was a "known issue" that they were working on. Not much help and it is actually getting worse.

I actually bought a second new Series 7 (heart issues) and it immediately began doing the same thing. I read a thread elsewhere that the issues began with an update for Watch OS in the Spring (April or May). I've read here that some OS9 beta users are having this problem, which makes me fear this is not a short term issue.

Are others experiencing this and do you haver any insights? For now I have two watches that are bricks.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

My S6 works fine after the latest update with no battery or performance issues your describing. I don't use betas so I can't give an opinion on that subject..

 

[Randy C]

My S6 works fine after the latest update with no battery or performance issues your describing. I don't use betas so I can't give an opinion on that subject..

Does your S6 have cellular service? Someone suggested something may be using the service in the background.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Does your S6 have cellular service? Someone suggested something may be using the service in the background.

I do not and cellular can cause excessive battery drain especially if it's constantly trying to stay connected to a weak signal or searching for one.. Do you live or spend a lot of time in an area with poor cell signals?

 

[Randy C]

I can see the antenna from where I sit, so that's not it. The actual cell usage is nominal, but IF staying connected was the problem it wouldn't show that in usage. I'm trying it now with cellular turned off as a test.
thanks.

 

[doktordirch]

Did you find any solution to the battery issue?
I have a Watch SE from april 2021. I have had a battery issue for 2-3 days with fast drain of the watch which definately was not there before. Talking 6 hours of time after a full charge.
As far as I can google other people have the same issue and it probably comes from watchOS v8.7.
I cant remember exactly when I upgraded my watchOS to version 8.7 but it has been in the last few weeks 'ish. That may have started a rush of bad stuff beyond the battery drain:
- Issues with the code constantly asking which provoked me to un-pair/pair several times, reinstall from iCloud backup and finally reinstall from scratch.
- Problems syncing podcasts.
- Pulse not being registered and not working at all.
I havent followed my issues 100% but the battery issue has been there since September 10th.

Does your watch register your pulse?

 

[Randy C]

No, mine is still not even worth using as a door stop. I want through all the same steps and more to no avail. I sent in log data from mine and the engineers (after 4 days) replied that it was a "known issue." Nothing more.
It probably would track my pulse, but they had me turn everything off to save power. I've even tried using it without pairing to my phone. Nothing helps.
One sympathetic rep suggested that Watch OS 9, which come out this month, might help. I've checked the threads from beta users though and battery drain improvements don't appear to be part of the update.
I tried emailing Tim Cook, but they apparently no longer have executive complaint monitors for that address.
All very sad. I've ordered a Fitbit.