Ilka Boogaard1

Q: Apple won't fix my watch. What can I do?

Apple watch does not read my heart rate properly. It will drop to a 40 HR read in the middle of an intensive workout all the time. And no... I do not get dizzy, turn white or feel faint when that happens. The watch is snug, I have reset, restarted, unpaired, and paired again freshly. It has been to the Apple store once and was send on to a repair center from which it was returned without being fixed. A week or so later I contacted online support with the same issue. We went through steps to try to fix it and since we were unable to, it was once again send out for repair. Now, I just received an email that my watch is being returned to me unfixed since service could not duplicate the problem.

 

I had this problem once with a refurbished iMac that they made me turn it to a repair service 3 times, before finally replacing it with a new one. I bought my first Apple computer, a Macintosh Performa in the 90's (along with an Apple printer, Apple scanner and Apple External hard drive), so I am obviously a die hard Apple fan, but this is ticking me off.

 

ARGGGG!!!! Anyone have a suggestion as what do now? I am not buying a new watch!

Posted on Aug 4, 2016 9:03 PM

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Q: Apple won't fix my watch. What can I do?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Aug 5, 2016 2:32 PM in response to Ilka Boogaard1
    Level 7 (33,775 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 5, 2016 2:32 PM in response to Ilka Boogaard1

    Hi

     

    Apple advises that, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for everybody.

     

    For the best performance from the heart rate sensor during workouts, Apple suggests that you consider tightening your watch band beforehand and loosening it again afterwards.

     

    The sensor is also likely to give better results for workouts that involve rhythmic (eg running) rather than irregular (eg boxing) movements. Other issues that can impact sensor performance include skin perfusion and wrist tattoos.

     

    If your workouts involve flexing your wrists (such as when lifting weights, for example), it may help to move your watch a little higher up your arm, away from the flexing joint.

     

    More information:

    Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

     

    If you continue to experience issues, for more consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your watch:

    Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Ilka Boogaard1,

    Ilka Boogaard1 Ilka Boogaard1 Aug 5, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (30 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 5, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    So I replied to Jonathan's post. But Apple just send me an email telling me they removed my post because

     

    "We removed your post Re: Apple won't fix my watch. What can I do? because it contained a poll or a petition. We understand wanting to share experiences, but these forums are meant for technical questions that can be answered by the community."

     

    Huh? Not sure how to rephrase it either. Maybe... I have an issue with the watch not reading the heart rate correctly, but it is probably a common flaw or is there something I can do without hooking up an external heart rate monitor.

     

    Oh man... how Apple has changed over the last 20 years, I miss the old Apple!

     

    <Edited by Host>

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Aug 5, 2016 3:27 PM in response to Ilka Boogaard1
    Level 7 (33,775 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 5, 2016 3:27 PM in response to Ilka Boogaard1

    Some other users have reported experiencing similar issues.

     

    However, as I hoped to explain in my previous reply, various factors can affect the performance of the built-in heart rate sensor and, even under ideal conditions, it may not deliver accurate results all of the time for everyone.

     

    Your watch has already been inspected by Apple, so - other than the suggestions in my previous reply - your best option for more consistent results would be to pair your watch with an external heart rate monitor.