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Can you charge the Google Pixel Watch 2 on a Pixel Watch charger?
Did you get a Google Pixel Watch 2? If you upgraded from the first-generation Pixel Watch, chances are you still have the charger. And while you will get a charging cable in the box, you likely want to know if you can also continue using your old charger. Can you charge the Google Pixel Watch 2 on a Pixel Watch charger? Let’s find out.
QUICK ANSWER
You can not charge the Google Pixel Watch 2 on a Pixel Watch charger. The Pixel Watch 2 uses a proprietary charger. You will need a Pixel Watch 2 charger to charge a Pixel Watch 2. Likewise, the Pixel Watch 2 charger won't work with a first-generation Pixel Watch.
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Can you charge the Pixel Watch 2 on a Pixel Watch charger?
Sadly, you can’t charge a Pixel Watch 2 with a Pixel Watch charger. We tested this, and the magnets won’t even align. Additionally, there are four physical pins that need contact for the accessory to charge. The newer charging mechanism is more similar to what we’ve seen in other smartwatches like the Fitbit Sense 2.
The Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch use completely different charging technologies, so you won’t be able to use the older charger with the newer Pixel Watch 2, even if you manage to hold the device in place forcefully.
Does the Pixel Watch 2 have wireless charging?
The biggest reason you can’t charge the Pixel Watch 2 on a Pixel Watch charger is that Google no longer uses wireless charging. The company has moved to pin charging, and did away with Qi support. This also means you can’t use other wireless chargers to charge a Pixel Watch 2.
While this may seem like a step back, Google claims pin charging produces less heat. Heat can affect internal components and battery performance over time. Switching away from wireless charging arguably makes the newer smartwatch more durable. Wireless charging also happens to be slower. The Pixel Watch can get from zero to 100% in 110 minutes. The Pixel Watch 2 accomplishes the same in 75 minutes. And in our Pixel Watch 2 review, we actually found it to be faster than advertised.
If you absolutely want wireless charging, you can check out our Pixel Watch vs Pixel Watch 2 comparison to see if you’re better off with the older accessory. Alternatively, you can find non-Google options in our list of the best Google Pixel Watch 2 alternatives.
Can you reverse wireless charge a Pixel Watch 2?
Because the Pixel Watch 2 doesn’t support wireless charging, you can’t use reverse wireless charging with it. You can, however, use reverse wired charging if you have a phone that supports the feature. Just plug the Pixel 2 charger using the USB-C port and charge away!
FAQs
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with a charging cable in the box. It’s a USB-C to four-pin connector. A charging brick won’t come in the box, though. If you need one, here is our list of the best wall chargers.
Yes. The Pixel Watch 2 comes with an IP68 rating. It is water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
The Pixel Watch 2 charges at 2.5W speeds. This is relatively slow, but the battery is also only a 306mAh one. It should take 30 minutes to reach 50%, or 75 minutes to charge fully.
If you end up getting a Pixel Watch 2, we also have a list of the best Pixel Watch 2 cases. Look at it if you want to protect your expensive accessory. We also have a guide on what to do if you encounter any Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 problems.