Justin Drake Carroll Apple, Repair

What Should You Do if Your Apple Watch Is Not Charging?

Apple Watches have a battery life of about 18 hours when fully charged, according to Apple. The battery life factors in things like using apps, receiving notifications, and doing a 60-minute workout. But if your Apple Watch is not charging, these figures don’t count.

The problem could stem from something minor or more serious. Its common causes may include a broken cable, outdated software, and dirt/debris stuck in the watch. Either way, getting to the root of this problem can help you figure out a solution.

Most charging problems on Apple Watches are easy to fix. Here’s how to act to get your device’s power to its normal levels:

Make Sure the Apple Watch is Not Charging

If your Apple Watch doesn’t last about 18 hours on a full charge, it might have a battery life problem. In this case, it will display a red lightning bolt to indicate that the battery is low. And the moment you place it on a charging dock, expect to see the lightning bolt color changing to green.

Your watch may have the “green snake of death” when you place it on an Apple Watch charger. The “green snake of death” suggests that the battery is at a very low charge level. Charge the device for at least two and a half hours to fix this issue.

If the watch has a charging problem, it won’t display the green lightning bolt when you charge it. Instead, the red lighting bolt will appear on the screen persistently.

Check the Cable

Your Apple Watch will only charge if the connections from the charging cable to the wall outlet adapter are secure. Current will also flow to the device if the connections between the charging cable and charging dock are flawless. So, ensure that the plug and dock are free of cuts.

Place the charger on a different wall outlet or use a friend’s charge to see if the problem persists. It may suggest a broken Apple Watch or charger if it fails to work. Both sides of the charging system shouldn’t have any plastic wraps which get in the way of charging.

You can use another USB power adapter instead of the original cable. If it works, chances are that the original cable has a problem.

Restart Your Apple Watch

A forced restart can help remedy the charging problem if it stems from a software issue. It resets the operating system to fix any software glitches. The method also helps clear any issue causing your battery to drain power faster.

To force restart the device, remove it from the charger. You should then press and hold the side button and digital crown for ten seconds. And when the device displays the Apple logo, gently release both buttons.

Only force restart your Apple Watch if it isn’t responding. Please don’t do it while updating watchOS. Also, leave the watch on the charger for a while once it displays the Apple logo and the progress wheel.

Update the watchOS

A watchOS update can keep your Apple Watch free of bugs and security issues. Each update comes with the latest security enhancements and bug fixes for the watch model you are using.

Updating the operating system can help fix the charging issue if it comes from a software bug. To update watchOS 6 and above, choose General from Settings and then Software Update. Tap install if there’s an update, and stick to the instructions given.

If your watch runs on watchOS 5 or a previous version, open its app on your iPhone. Under My Watch, go to General and then Software Update. Agree to download the OS updates and follow the instructions.

Only update the watch when it has at least a 50 percent charge. If the charge is insufficient, place the device on a charger. It’s impossible to do the update with a dead battery on a watch that wouldn’t charge.

Unpair and Factory Reset Your Apple Watch

If the charging problem persists, unpair the watch from your iPhone. Doing this will detach the device from your iPhone.

To unpair, the Apple Watch, open the watch app on your iPhone and select the My Watch tab. Choose All Watches and tap the information icon next to the watch. The last step is to press the Unpair Apple Watch option.

After finishing this process, pair the watch to your iPhone to bring them together. It helps resolve the charging problem.

You may do a factory reset to help restore your Apple Watch to its default settings. It also wipes out your watch data but backs it up on your iPhone.

Open the iPhone Watch app and choose My Watch for the factory reset. From the General option, choose Reset and then tap the Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings option. Finally, input your passcode to confirm the factory reset.

Clean the Watch and Charger

Debris and dirt can keep the Apple Watch from connecting to the charger properly. Debris, in this context, includes layers of lotion, makeup, lint, or sweat. You can use a damp alcohol pad to wipe the device and dry it off with a soft, dry cloth.

Remove the plastic wrap on the charging disk and watch before cleaning them. You should also switch off the device and disconnect it from the wall outlet to prevent electrocution.

Look Online to See if the Problem is Widespread

If the Apple Watch problems started after a software update, you are likely, not alone. So, look online to see if other Apple Watch wearers experience the same problem. If this is the case, expect Apple to release a bug fix.

The best place to look online for help is the Apple Support Communities. The forum allows you to ask questions, find answers and connect with Apple customers worldwide. It also features tips and insights from experienced users of Apple products.

Looking for Apple Watch Repair?

The tips covered in this guide can help if your Apple Watch is not charging. Each focuses on getting to the root of the problem and fixing it. But if they don’t work, seek expert intervention.

Make Fruit Fixed your go-to shop for reliable and accurate Apple Watch repairs. Fruit Fixed professional technicians answer any questions you have about your watch. Get a custom estimate for your device today.

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

Android Repair: Tips to Help Diagnose Your Android Device Issues

More than 43% of smartphone owners in the United States have an Android, highlighting its immense popularity. Android use in the country increased in the 12 months between January and December 2022, while the market leader, Apple’s iOS, decreased.

There are many advantages to owning an Android smartphone. These include the customizable UI, open ecosystem, universal chargers, removable storage and battery, access to amazing Android widgets, and much more.

If you own an Android phone and are experiencing issues, it’s important to quickly diagnose the issue. In this blog post, we will highlight how you can diagnose your Android device issues and oversee or schedule quick Android repair.

Here at Fruit Fixed, we are experts at fixing Android phones. Our professional technicians will ensure that you aren’t disconnected for long and we offer a lifetime warranty that you can count on. Let’s get started with our diagnosis tips.

Diagnosing an Android Phone That Won’t Turn On

Undoubtedly, one of the most baffling and frustrating issues that occur with a smartphone is when it simply won’t turn on. It’s something that can easily send us into a panic, given how important smartphones have become in our lives, both in terms of work and pleasure.

There are a number of steps that you can take to try and diagnose/fix the issue. Let’s highlight some of these here.

Charge Your Phone

Let’s start with a very obvious one. Simply plug your phone into a charger and wait for a couple of minutes. Then, check to see if the battery icon is glowing red, which indicates a depleted battery.

You should also check your phone in a few chargers, just in case the issue is actually with the charger itself. If there aren’t any signs of life in your phone even after attempting to charge it, you should seek expert assistance.

Check the Battery Itself

Maybe the problem isn’t with your charger but actually with the phone’s battery. If you have a removable battery, take it out and perform a visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage or leaks before performing a power cycle by holding down the power button for thirty seconds.

If you aren’t able to remove the battery, simply perform a power cycle. Again, if nothing works here, then it’s time to look for expert support.

Looks for Signs of Damage

Many of us use phone covers these days, to protect our phones from damage. However, it’s not just a cracked screen that can occur as a result of sloppy handling, you may also cause damage that results in issues with its functioning.

Did you recently drop your phone or get it wet? Take a close look at your phone for any cracks or dents. This may be the reason behind your phone not working as it should.

Call Your Phone

This is another useful tip. Borrow a phone from a friend or family member and try to call your own number. You might find that while the phone itself rings, the screen won’t turn on (staying black). The likely diagnosis here is that there is an issue with the screen rather than the phone’s actual software.

Connect to a PC

What should you do if your phone isn’t responding to touches? A good idea is to try to force it to respond by accessing it via a PC. You can do this by attaching the phone to a computer using a USB cable.

See if you can charge your phone via your PC and try to restart the device by holding down the Power button to see if it responds.

Useful Apps to Check What’s Wrong With Your Android

If something isn’t working 100% with your smartphone, it may be difficult to understand the exact issue. Thankfully, there are a number of useful apps to check exactly what is wrong with your android.

One of these is Phone Check and Test, an excellent Android hardware-checking app. It gives owners a complete rundown of their phones’ hardware specifics and is straightforward to use.

Another good app is Phone Doctor Plus. It’s exactly like scheduling a virtual visit to a doctor, only this time it’s for your phone. By running through a series of system hardware checkups, Android owners can see what issues are affecting their phones. Phone Doctor Plus gets extra points thanks to its aesthetics and for providing an easy-to-use experience.

Other recommended apps to use include Dead Pixels Test and Fix, AccuBattery, Repair System for Android, Test Your Android, and Sensors. In the case of AccuBattery, phone owners are able to see where the battery is in its lifecycle.

These apps are a practical and quick way to try and diagnose any issues with your Android. Depending on the issue, you may need expert assistance—which is where Fruit Fixed comes in.

Schedule Effective Android Repair With Fruit Fixed

If you require Android repair, look no further than the team at Fruit Fixed. With our professional technicians, high-quality parts, and fast turnaround times (most repairs at completed in less than 30 minutes), we are confident that you will love dealing with us. 

Don’t let a faulty Android device ruin your day. It’s not just Android phones either; if it’s a tech issue, we’ll fix it. We fix Androids, iPhones, Macs, PCs, iPads, game systems, and more.

Simply click here to find the closest Fruit Fixed repair shop for you to get started today.

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops, Tablet

Microsoft Surface Book Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Are you looking for the perfect hybrid between a desktop and a phone?

In a fast-paced world, taking your work with you can be unavoidable. Whether it’s catching up on work emails or making edits for a client, there will be times when you need to clock in outside of your usual working space. 20% of Americans work remotely, and more are prioritizing hybrid formats.

If you want a device that offers flexibility, the Microsoft Surface Book is a solid choice. This device is a powerhouse tool for productivity. It also comes with a pen and is a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.

However, the Surface book isn’t perfect, and there are common issues you may encounter. Luckily, most of these problems are easy to troubleshoot at home! Check out our list of the most common Microsoft Surface book problems and how to fix them.

No WiFi

Having no WiFi connection is one of the most frustrating problems you can encounter. Unfortunately, the Microsoft Surface Book isn’t immune to it, either.

The first thing you can do is check if other devices can connect to the WiFi. You can also try moving closer to your router and check if that fixes the problem. If you have an all-around WiFi issue, it may be time to call your internet provider.

You may also disconnect your device from the WiFi and try to reconnect it again. Make sure you didn’t type in the wrong password or have any typos. If that doesn’t fix the problem, run a network diagnostic.

Select the Start Menu and search for Network Problems. You should see an option that says Find and Fix Network Problems. Clicking this will give you instructions to start a diagnostic prompt.

Your Microsoft Surface Book will also look for any software updates and correct found issues. If you’re still having WiFi issues, you may be dealing with a component malfunction. Contact a Microsoft repair technician.

Touchscreen and Brightness Problems

If you have an unresponsive touchscreen, don’t panic. Ensure you have clean hands, as oily skin can interfere with your device’s sensor. It also helps to wipe down your screen with a lint-free cloth.

Touchscreen problems can also be a result of a software or hardware issue. You can fix this by going to the Start Menu and looking for the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit. If you can’t find it, you will have to install the diagnostic app from the Microsoft store.

Launch the ToolKit and type Touch Screen. Your device will check for overdue updates and prompt you to install them. If there are no updates available, the ToolKit will direct you to System Repair.

Answer the questions and follow the directions so the Diagnostic app can perform the needed tests. Your device will then repair any issues and prompt you to restart your Microsoft Surface Book. If this doesn’t work, your device will prompt you to schedule an appointment at a repair shop.

No Sound

No sound coming from your Surface Book’s system? It can be easy to forget if you’ve connected your device to Bluetooth headphones, so check that first. Confirm that you haven’t muted your Surface Book by pressing the mute key or adjusting the volume in Quick Settings.

If this doesn’t work, open the Start Menu and look for Fix Audio. You should see an option that says Find and Fix Problems With Playing Sound. Windows will then start an audio service, which should fix the sound issue.

If this doesn’t work, check for a Windows software update. You can also try restarting your device.

No Surface Pen Connection

The Surface Pen is a handy feature of the Microsoft Surface Book. However, it will sometimes have trouble connecting to the Surface Book. If you have an older pen model, check if you need to replace the batteries.

Newer versions like the Surface Slim Pen 2 will have a cradle, which charges the pen. Before you start running diagnostics, ensure that you have Bluetooth on.

If you’re experiencing connection issues with the pen, open Bluetooth and Devices. Select Pen and Windows Ink and look for Tactile Signals. Switch this on and your pen should connect to your Microsoft Surface Book.

Slow Start-Up

Does your Microsoft Surface Book feel slower than usual? Windows cleans up your disk through Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu. Your Surface Book can also help you clean up system files that could be bogging down your computer.

Go to the Start Menu and select Clean Up System Files. Your device will identify any unused or unnecessary files and prompt you to delete them.

It also helps to check your Task Manager to see which apps launch when you start up your device. You can enable or disable these apps to speed up your start-up time.

Microsoft Surface Book Won’t Charge

Any device will have a charging problem if the charging port is full of dirt and dust. If you don’t have a faulty charger, use an air blower or needle to poke out any debris stuck inside the charging port. You can also take your device to a professional cleaner.

Another issue that Surface Book users may encounter is the battery draining when it’s supposed to be charging or sleeping. If this happens, visit the nearest Microsoft store and get some help from an expert.

Screen Flickering

A flickering screen may have you wondering if you’ve broken your device’s LCD. This problem usually happens if you have a lot of activity on your screen. Many Surface Book users said that the problem lies with Hyper-V, which comes with Visual Studio.

If your screen is flickering constantly, try disabling Hyper-V. You can do this by typing the following into the search bar: dism.exe /Online /Disable-Feature:Microsoft-Hyper-V

Another solution is to change the resolution to something lower than the default 3000×2000.

Common Microsoft Surface Book Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are some of the most common Microsoft Surface Book problems and their solutions. When buying a new device, it’s always best to know what you’re getting into. The Microsoft Surface Book is a powerful device, but issues like battery problems or a flickering screen can be disheartening.

Are you in need of repair for serious issues? Contact us today!

Justin Drake Carroll MAC

Mac Repair: What to Do When Your Mac Screen Becomes Unresponsive

Macs are becoming increasingly popular, and one of the reasons users prefer them over PCs is that they rarely have technical problems. However, it’s not unheard of for a Mac screen to freeze or become unresponsive. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t fret! 

This post will help you fix a faulty Mac in no time using short and simple troubleshooting instructions. Keep reading for some expert Mac repair advice!

What Causes a Mac Screen to Freeze?

There are several reasons that a Mac may become unresponsive or freeze. Yet, usually, this happens when your Mac’s processor is working too hard because you are running too many apps or browser tabs. If that’s not the case, the issue may be due to:

  • Not having enough free space on your hard drive
  • Failing to update your macOS
  • Malware
  • Hardware problems

No matter the reason, we’ll help you fix the issue by working through the following steps!

Force Quit Frozen Apps

If you suspect a specific app is causing your Mac to freeze, try to determine which one is the culprit. Contrary to common belief, apps that are working in the background can be at fault, making it tricky to know which app you need to force quit. 

Here’s how to force quit an app:

  1. Press Command + Option + Esc
  2. When the Force Quit menu appears, pick the app you want to close
  3. Click the Force Quit button 

If the issue occurs often, your best bet is to keep an eye on which apps you are using when it happens. Then, you can better pinpoint which app is making your Mac unresponsive.   

Change Your Startup Settings

If you’re simply running too many apps at once, you can quit all of them. It’s also a good idea to reduce the number of apps that launch when you start your Mac. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Apple menu
  2. Click System Preferences
  3. Press Users and Groups
  4. Click Login Items to see all the startup programs
  5. Select the app you want to remove 
  6. Click the minus button to get rid of it

After following these instructions, your Mac will have less work to do upon startup, preventing it from freezing. 

Uninstall Unresponsive Apps

If a specific app continues to be unresponsive, force quit isn’t going to solve your issues. It’s best to uninstall the app altogether and try reinstalling it. This will likely fix any bugs that are causing the program to crash or freeze your Mac. 

Clear Space on Your Disk

Having a full disk can also cause your Mac to be slower than usual and freeze up. If you’re not sure whether your disk is near full capacity, here’s what to do:

  1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner 
  2. Choose About this Mac
  3. Select Storage

Here you’ll see how you’re using the storage space on your Mac and how much you have free. It’s best to periodically remove any programs or files you aren’t using, but if you still need more space, it’s time to use iCloud to store files that take up precious space on your Mac. Doing so will give you more space on your disk, and your Mac will run a lot faster.

Tidy up Your Desktop 

Every item on your desktop is also an image, and every time you start your Mac these have to load. Your crowded desktop can lead to issues, such as unresponsiveness or slowness. Thus, it’s best to keep your files in folders or delete them once you’re finished with them. 

We recommend spending a few minutes at the end of the week to do some digital housecleaning. 

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

On Intel Macs, the SMC is responsible for power management, fan control, and other tasks. If you’re having issues with your Mac freezing and have already tried the troubleshooting suggestions we’ve mentioned, resetting the SMC might work. 

  1. Start by shutting down your Mac and disconnecting everything except the power cable
  2. Press and hold the power button + Control + Shift + Option for roughly 10 seconds
  3. Now turn on your Mac

Keep in mind that if you have an M1 Mac, you can’t reset the system management controller. 

Reset Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM )

Another thing you may wish to do if you have an Intel Mac is reset the NVRAM. The following steps can help:

  1. Restart your Mac
  2. Press and hold Command + Option + R + P
  3. Wait 20 seconds until you hear the startup ding or the Apple logo appears 

For M1 Mac users, the system will reset the NVRAM automatically if it sees the need, so there’s no reason to worry about this step.

Scan for Viruses

If you can’t pinpoint any other causes for your unresponsive Mac, malware is likely slowing it down. To find out whether or not this is the case, you’ll have to run a virus scan. 

We recommend taking your Mac to a certified repair technician if you’re not sure how to scan for viruses on your own. The repair shop will not only scan for any viruses or malware but they can also other issues that are making your Mac screen unresponsive. 

Get Help with Your Mac Repair

Sometimes, Mac repair requires the help of experts! So if after working through these troubleshooting steps you still notice your Mac is slow, freezing, or unresponsive, we recommend taking your Mac to a certified repair technician in your area. Having a faster Mac will be way worth the minimal repair cost! 

If you live in Virginia, don’t hesitate to contact us at Fruit Fixed. We can repair your mac in less than four hours, and you don’t even need an appointment!