A dead or missing charging cable is one of the most common reasons a Haylou RS4 Plus ends up sitting unused in a drawer, so I focused this guide specifically on the charging accessory itself — what it looks like, how to use it correctly, and what to do when charging suddenly stops working.
What Charger Does The RS4 Plus Use
The Haylou RS4 Plus charges through a proprietary magnetic 2-pin USB cable, not a standard USB-C port on the watch itself. One end plugs into any standard USB-A or USB-C power source, while the magnetic end snaps onto the back of the watch, aligning with the two charging pins.
- Magnetic 2-pin charging dock, sold separately as a replacement part
- Standard input rating around 5V / 0.5-1A on most replacement cables
- Also compatible with the Haylou Watch 2 Pro, Solar Lite, and GST Lite, since these models share the same charging pin layout
How To Charge It Correctly
- Wipe the charging pins on the back of the watch with a dry cloth to remove sweat or dust
- Align the magnetic charger so it clicks into place flush against the watch back
- Plug the other end into a USB power source
- Confirm the charging icon appears on the watch display
Why Charging Might Stop Working
Most charging failures on the RS4 Plus come down to one of a few causes:
- Dirty contacts: sweat, lint, or corrosion on the pins is the single most common culprit
- Misaligned magnets: the cable needs to sit flush; even a slight tilt can break the connection
- Worn cable: after months of daily use, the magnetic connector can weaken and stop holding a solid contact
- Weak power source: some USB ports, particularly on older laptops, do not supply enough current for a full charge
Recommended charging practice is to avoid letting the battery run all the way to zero repeatedly, and to limit single charging sessions to around 80 minutes once the watch reaches full charge, which several retailers list as a manufacturer guideline for battery longevity.
Buying A Replacement Charger
Replacement magnetic charging cables are widely available from third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay, and most are cross-compatible across the RS4, RS4 Plus, Solar Lite, and Watch 2 Pro models since they use the same pin spacing. Confirm the listing specifically mentions RS4 Plus compatibility before ordering, since Haylou has used slightly different pin layouts across some watch generations.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Routine For The Charging Pins
- Power off the watch if possible before cleaning
- Dampen a cotton swab very lightly with isopropyl alcohol — avoid soaking it, since excess liquid can seep past the pins
- Gently wipe across both charging pins on the back of the watch
- Allow the area to dry completely for a couple of minutes before attempting to charge again
This simple routine resolved a stubborn charging failure on my own test unit after the watch had been worn during a particularly sweaty gym session the week before. It is worth doing every few weeks as routine maintenance rather than waiting until charging actually fails.
When To Suspect The Watch Itself, Not The Charger
If you have tried a fresh cable, cleaned the pins, and confirmed the power source works with other devices, and the watch still will not charge or hold a charge, the battery itself may be degrading. This is more common on units that are a year or more old, or that were regularly left fully depleted for extended periods. At that point, contacting Haylou support or the retailer directly is the more sensible next step rather than continuing to troubleshoot the cable.
Traveling With The RS4 Plus
Since the charging cable is fairly small and easy to misplace in a bag, I started keeping a spare in my travel kit after nearly leaving one behind at a hotel. Unlike USB-C or Lightning cables, the proprietary magnetic connector cannot be substituted with a generic cable you might find lying around, so a lost charger genuinely leaves the watch unusable until a replacement arrives. Ordering a spare in advance, rather than after the original goes missing, is a small step that avoids an annoying gap in wearing your watch.
Signs Your Charging Cable Needs Replacing
- The magnetic connection feels noticeably weaker or requires precise alignment to make contact
- Charging starts and stops intermittently even with clean pins and a good power source
- Visible fraying or discoloration near the cable’s connector end
Replacement cables are inexpensive enough that swapping one out preventatively, rather than waiting for a full failure, is a reasonable approach if you rely on the watch daily.
Alternative Charging Solutions
Some owners opt for a small magnetic charging stand or dock rather than a bare cable, which reduces wear on the connector by keeping the watch steady during charging rather than relying on a loose cable resting on a desk. These stands are third-party accessories rather than official Haylou products, but several are specifically designed around the same magnetic pin layout used by the RS4 Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a generic magnetic charger not made for Haylou?
Only if it is specifically listed as compatible with the RS4 Plus pin layout; generic magnetic chargers for other brands are not guaranteed to align correctly.
How long does a full charge take?
Most owners report a full charge from empty in under two hours, though exact timing depends on the power source used.
Why does my watch show it’s charging but the battery isn’t increasing?
This is usually a sign of a weak power source or a partially worn cable. Try a different USB port or a fresh replacement cable before assuming the watch itself is faulty.
Conclusion
Charging problems on the Haylou RS4 Plus are almost always mechanical — dirty contacts, a misaligned cable, or a worn-out charger — rather than a fault with the watch’s battery itself. Keeping the pins clean and using a properly rated replacement cable resolves the vast majority of reported charging issues.
I keep a drawer full of charging cables and old wearables specifically so I can compare new releases against what came before.
\n