Level 1

29 points

Apple Watch Ultra Heart Rate During Workout

I’ve been having problems with my Apple Watch ultra. basically as seen in the photos I’ve attached, every workout I do starts with the Apple Watch reading my heart rate and then for the next 5-10 minutes it doesn’t read at all. I’ve looked everywhere and read different forums and tried every setting possibility out there but none of it seems to work because it looks like I’m the only one with this problem, I’ve tried loosing and tightening my strap but it doesn’t effect the process. I’ve came to conclusion that this is a bug in the workout app because the heart rate sensors work and as seen they read my heart rate through the other half of my workout.

if anyone else has this problem please let me know.

Apple Watch Ultra, watchOS 9

Posted on Dec 18, 2022 1:35 PM

Top-ranking reply

OmriShpigel Author

Level 1

29 points

Posted on Jan 10, 2023 8:03 AM

Hi everybody,

I know all of you are frustrated about the Apple Watch not being able to read your heart rate sometimes while working out, well after about two weeks of talking everyday with Apple support we have a conclusion and it’s a scientific one.

Apple’s heart rate sensors are one of the most advanced sensors in the world for a wrist watch and they read your heart rate using the veins on your wrist.

when you begin a run you’re cold which means your veins aren’t popped out yet which makes it difficult for the every wrist workout watch to indicate what your heart rate is. When being in a lower temperature area such as running outdoors it’s likely that in the couple first minutes of the workout your heart rate won’t be read because your body is still cold therefor your veins didn’t pop yet (this happens mostly in the winter and depends on where you live) I’ve talked with friends who own Garmin’s and Suunto’s and they’re experiencing the same problem too because of cold weather.

Please be advised that every person is different then the other and some people take longer time to warm up either because they’re more in shape and running a couple minutes won’t warm them up or that’s just how your body is.

What I can advise you before you contact Apple about a problem like this is to make a run indoors where it’s hotter then your outside temperature and run on a treadmill and you’ll be able to see that the Watch reads your heart rate easily, just make sure it’s strapped on as Apple advised while working out.

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274 replies

Tocavi

Level 1

8 points

Jan 8, 2023 2:50 PM in response to OmriShpigel

I have the same and frustrating problem. It only shows HR reading for a couple of minutes. Then it goes blank…if I stop it shows my HR. That it disappears again after a couple of minutes.

I will try to return (hopefully a refund a go back to my reliable series 7!) it I’ve tried everything from re starting it to re installing!!! NOT GOOD APPLE!

Jan 10, 2023 10:03 AM in response to OmriShpigel

the principle would be the same though until you warm up. If it was to do with vascularity, then you’d expect the reading to be hit and miss during the movement prep part of the resistance workout.

It recorded the whole session fine. Plus, my old Apple Watch never had an issue, with older technology.

OmriShpigel Author

Level 1

29 points

Jan 10, 2023 11:47 AM in response to AshMorley19

Well yeah it makes sense but it is harder to read heart in movement so I believe that has an impact on the results, if you have time and would like to help out some

people I would appreciate if you took a short run and sent the results here (preferably outside)

Tocavi

Level 1

8 points

Jan 30, 2023 1:38 AM in response to OmriShpigel

Yes I have then same problem and ilt is very fustrating and annoying!!! The explanation that under colder temps doesn't work is ridicolus. This is the whole marketing gimmick about this watch! "...meant for rougher sports and conditions..." I am trying to have it replaced and go back to my reliable SUNTO!

Tocavi

Level 1

8 points

Jan 30, 2023 1:42 AM in response to sohamsp14

Exactly the same problem!!! I am trying to return it and go back to my reliable SUNTO. This week end I raced a trail run in Spain (Rocacorba) and not having the feed back from my HR was moist enoying!!!

Feb 14, 2023 5:55 AM in response to OmriShpigel

Hi All,

I have the same problem. (Apple Watch Ultra)

I had been using the Garmin watch (Fenix 7x Solar, FR255) for 1 year. I don't have this problem with the Garmin watch.

This problem is only in Apple Watch Series.. Ultra, 7 .etc

It's a normal situation for Apple Watch this problem

I'm thinking of retry change Apple Watch Ultra with Garmin Watch..

Have a nice day.

OmriShpigel Author

Level 1

29 points

Feb 16, 2023 1:07 PM in response to LD150

I don’t understand you, this is a forum where people with the same problem talk to each other and possibly find a solution and out of disrespect you talk about unchecked facts and report comments which try to help people….

LD150

Level 10

100,149 points

Feb 17, 2023 12:47 AM in response to OmriShpigel

I must answer at least 50 questions a day and I have no memory of what you think I reported, but the decision to remove is entirely down to the moderators.

This forum (according to the ToU) is for

Questions about using apple products
Responses from other members
Personal experiences of members that may help a resolution.

Keep suggesting safe remedies and personal experiences within the ToU and you will not be moderated.

Make any complaints to https://apple.com/feedback

Feb 18, 2023 1:56 AM in response to OmriShpigel

This is totally wrong. Or, better, don’t justify Apple for such a poor performance. I own a new Ultra and a Garmin Epix 2 Sapphire. Ultra doesn’t perform at all as the Epix. Epix can track HR even in cold winter, and it tracks every second even without training, so veins poppin up is a problem just for this Ultra, not for every wrist sensor.

I’m into the Apple ecosystem since a life. I will stay into it, but I’m very likely to return the Ultra and keep my super performant Garmin.

Apple should make a free app for professionals which performs like Garmin connect, should use a strongest titanium and use trouble proof sensors.

Feb 18, 2023 3:08 PM in response to OmriShpigel

To Apple’s comment:

Is this your response? Seriously? So much for the rugged watch that works in the most extreme environments. My Garmin never had this problem. I’m ok with the HR taking a couple of minutes to kick in, but it often freezes up well into my run, even with temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. Do not advertise this as a watch for extreme sports.

Mar 3, 2023 11:03 AM in response to OmriShpigel

Ok, but why that doesn't happen with Garmin? I have a Garmin Fenix 7x Solar Sapphire bought before purchasing Apple Ultra and it has never let me down no matter what training I did (running, cycling, etc) or how cold it was outside? I didn't buy Ultra for scientific purpose but for my regular training considering I could benefit from cellular mode when I don't carry my iPhone with me.

helpx

Level 1

10 points

Mar 13, 2023 2:54 AM in response to sohamsp14

Thank you for the trick, I tried it several times now.

Unfortunately that does not solve the problem, it just alters it:

I do get a reading now every time, however the heart rate is wrong. For example, when I start running it starts with 159 bpm and stays high. That's why too high for me when I start running and breathe through my nose only.

After 600 to 800 meters then the heart rate suddenly drops to 135 to 145 bps, which is my typical heart rate when I do hear rate zone running.

The 800 meters are about the same time/distance where before I did not get any reading (when wearing the Watch on the outside of my wrist).

So that's even worse, I get readings that I cannot trust. Can I trust the other readings then? For me the Ultra has become a techno gadget that is not useful for sports when it comes to HR.

Options: Try the Watch 8 or go Garmin Watch. For now I am using a chest band again and using the Ultra as a Bluetooth receiver and display unit only. Very disappointing.

Tocavi

Level 1

8 points

Mar 13, 2023 7:36 AM in response to OmriShpigel

The issue with the faulty HR reading it is really disappointing and frustrating gafter spending €999!! I am surprised that this problem goes unnoticed by the numerous reviews from the social media "influencers". Also I am really upset that Apple is not addressing or commenting this problem...

I have gone back to my Sunto!

As far am I am concerned I am strongly recommended to all my contacts not to buy the Apple Watch Ultra.

Mar 20, 2023 3:49 PM in response to OmriShpigel

Came searching for an answer thinking I was the only one having this problem, obviously not. Extremely irritating spending this much money only to have a watch fail to do something so important in a product marketed as an adventure watch. My Fenix watches have never had any issue recording my heart rate over the last 4 years.

it’s a shame really. I really like the Ultra and the functionality, but need it to function as a fitness watch first and foremost.

OmriShpigel Author

Level 1

29 points

Mar 23, 2023 12:28 AM in response to OmriShpigel

Hello,

can anyone update me if the problem is fixed for them?

I’ve been running 3 times a week at high intensity levels and it seem that for the past month the Apple Watch reads my heart rate accurately and doesn’t miss a beat. (Maximum it misses is for maybe 30 seconds but then it recovers it, in its defense it happens mostly when I run downhill for a short time in rough terrain so my arms move fast and my whole body has a stronger impact then on Asphalt when running on a neutral elevation.)

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Apple Watch Ultra Heart Rate During Workout