Q: iWatch heart rate gives sporadic readings
I use my iWatch everyday to monitor my workouts and recently the watch has started giving crazy readings. It will start out normal and about 10 minutes into the workout it will say my heart rate is in the 40s. Then it will go up to 180+ and then back to normal for maybe 10 minutes. During this time it greys out for maybe 3-5 minutes and says measuring.... I have unpaired and reset and it doesn't ever fix it. It's very frustrating because when I do a 1 hour workout I should be getting an average of 140-160 heart rate and now I am getting 80-110.
Anyone else having this issue? Are there any fixes in the works?
Apple Watch, iOS 9.3.4
Posted on Aug 10, 2016 3:57 AM
Hi
Apple advises that, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for every.
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
Posted on Aug 10, 2016 5:38 AM