Apple watch keeps pausing during workouts

My watch keeps pausing constantly during workouts. It fits snugly and auto-pause is turned off. I read in earlier posts to go to General and make sure wrist-detection is on, but I can't find anything that says Wrist Detection. I have an Apple Watch Series 6, 11.3.1. Is there anything else I can try?

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 11

Posted on Mar 16, 2025 5:19 PM

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Posted on Mar 18, 2025 12:03 PM

You may be flexing your wrists too much or wearing gloves hitting the side button and crown pausing the workout.

I know, I've done this many times.


Try reversing the watch and wear the digital crown towards your elbow.

You can change the orientation in the watch app>General>Watch Orientation>

6 replies

Mar 17, 2025 12:11 PM in response to elizabeth9679

Does this happen during all workout exercises, or just a particular one?


Did you already try to force restart your watch by pressing and holding the Digital Crown and the Side button together for about 10sec, until the Apple logo comes back again?


If this does not work, unpairing the watch would be the next step, to rule out a software issue:

Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support


Mar 17, 2025 1:45 PM in response to elizabeth9679

I came across some discussions, where weight lifting caused the workout to pause for no apparent reason.

You should let Apple know directly about this issue by using the Feedback link, as this is the only way to reach them.

The more users do that, the more likely the issue will be noticed by Apple Techs and hopefully fixed in an upcoming update.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

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Apple watch keeps pausing during workouts

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