Apple begins free repair program for Apple Watch Series 5 and SE

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The repair program is only for models that have become stuck in Power Reserve mode.
Yesterday, Apple published watchOS 7.3.1 for the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE that allegedly patched the issue.
The update will not fix the problem for users who are already experiencing it, but it should prevent it from happening to additional users.

Apple today announced that they will be starting a free repair program for Apple Watch Series 5 and SE models that have become stuck in Power Reserve mode. Power Reserve mode strips the Apple Watch down to its bare bones in order to save battery, disabling almost every feature, including apps, messaging and calls. In Power Reserve, your Apple Watch and iPhone won’t be able to communicate, and you can’t access other watch features.

Yesterday, Apple published watchOS 7.3.1 for the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE. The release notes indicated that the update includes a fix to prevent a bug that caused those Apple Watch models to get stuck in Power Reserve mode. Importantly, Apple noted that this update will not fix the problem for users who are already experiencing it, but it should prevent it from happening to additional users.

Apple’s statement (shortened):

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. To check if your Apple Watch is affected by this issue, place your watch on the charger that you normally use, then wait at least 30 minutes. [We have] released watchOS 7.3.1, which prevents this issue from happening to other Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE devices.

If you’re experiencing this issue, you can now contact Apple Support and organise with them to mail your Apple Watch to an Apple Repair Centre for a free fix. If you own one of these Apple Watch models, we recommend updating it as soon as you can.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 16th February, 2021.

Flynn Lo Faro

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Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

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