The short answer: On average, you can expect your wear os smartwatches to last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on how heavily you use them.
Smartwatches are basically tiny computers strapped to your wrist. Because their batteries are incredibly small and they are constantly exposed to sweat and the elements, they usually last about 2 to 4 years. Eventually, they either refuse to hold a charge for a full day, or the waterproofing wears out.
Why Do Wear OS Smartwatches Break Down?
Tech doesn't last forever. Over time, these devices naturally wear down from daily life. Here is what usually kills them:
- Tiny Batteries: Because the battery is so small, charging it every single night wears it out much faster than a large tablet battery.
- Waterproofing Wear: Over time, hot water, soap, and pool chemicals slowly eat away at the rubber seals that keep the watch waterproof.
- Sensor Grime: Sweat and dead skin cells can gunk up the heart rate sensors on the back, causing them to read your pulse inaccurately.
Signs It's Time to Upgrade
Don't throw your wear os smartwatches away prematurely! You'll know it is actually time to replace them when you start dealing with these frustrating issues:
- Your watch dies before you even finish your workday.
- The screen randomly flickers or you notice foggy condensation trapped under the glass.
- It stops tracking your heart rate or steps accurately.
Because you likely charge your smartwatch alongside your phone every night on your nightstand, upgrading to a multi-device wireless charging pad can declutter your bedside table and keep both devices topped up easily.
Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wear OS Smartwatches
To make your smartwatch last, keep it clean. After a sweaty workout or swimming in a pool, rinse the watch off with clean, cool tap water. Never press the buttons while the watch is underwater. Most importantly, take the watch off before you get into a hot shower or sauna—hot steam can easily sneak past the water seals and ruin the electronics inside. If you want the battery to last longer during the day, turn off the "Always-On Display" feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the battery replaced in my smartwatch?
Usually, no. Smartwatches are glued together incredibly tight to keep water out. Opening them to replace the battery almost always destroys the waterproofing, making it better to just upgrade to a new watch.
Ready for a Reliable Upgrade?
If your current device is finally failing, don't waste your money on junk. Check out our tested buying guide for the Best Smartwatches to find a replacement that will actually last.
Read the Best Smartwatches Guide