Apple Watch 11 shows double the actual heart rate

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Level 1

4 points

Apple Watch 11 shows double the actual heart rate

My Apple watch 11 often shows double the actual heart rate. This happens frequently and usually goes away after 5 or 10 minutes walking. I see this issue posted frequently but really no ideas from apple except to say "heart rates vary". Trust me, I can tell from feeling my pulse that the watch bpm is double the actual rate. I have done all of the solutions to mitigate this problem that I can find online without success.

Thanks,

John

Apple Watch Series 11

Posted on Feb 4, 2026 6:12 AM

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Answer 1

steve626

Level 6

14,223 points

Feb 6, 2026 9:30 AM in response to JohnnyVol

I have the Series 11. It show the same heart rate as does the separate InstantHeartRate app and also agrees with what is measured during doctor visits. But one's heart rate can easily go up by 1.5x to 2x from "resting rate" to "walking rate." I exercise a lot and myy resting rate can be close to 40 bpm and when even a little active goes up to 60, 70, or more. One does not get an accurate rate from "feeling my pulse," some sort of sensor or instrument is really what is needed under controlled comparison conditions. You will need that anyway if you want to get Apple to replace the watch or do something about it.

Also, look carefully at the way the watch sits on your wrist/arm and see if something in that setup could be a factor.

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