Serious issue with wrist detection, stand time and unlock (not tattoo related)

Thanks for the update.

I had the exact same issue, and here is my update:

I actually sent the watch away to Apple, but they returned it saying they "could not reproduce the problem." This made sense since it has been an intermittent issue.

I brought it back to the Apple Store Genius Bar (my 4th visit with this issue), and they were able to reproduce the issue in the store (I should also note that I tried on their watches on my wrist and Wrist Detection worked fine, they also tried on my watch, and it wouldn't work for them either). Instead of send it away again, the manager said he would waive the expired return period and allow me to return the watch for a full refund (amazingly nice guys and great service). I have a new, identical watch on the way now (they're allowing me to keep the malfunctioning watch until the new one arrives).

In the meantime, I occasionally try to turn Wrist Detection back on to see if it will work, and just a couple days ago, it started working again (without any software resets or anything of the sort).

This is further confirmation of the likely fact: it IS a hardware problem and intermittently works/doesn't work independently from doing any restores or resets.

I will watch closely once I get my new, identical watch. If I don't have the same problem, then it is hardware-related. If I DO have the same problem again with the new watch, then my guess is that it could be an issue with my skin and wearing the watch too tightly or perhaps some physical change to the skin under the watch after extended use.

If you are experiencing identical symptoms we have experienced (and you don't have any tattoos), you should probably direct Apple to this post. Hopefully they'll eventually discover what the problem is to give better service when customers experience it.

Hi likeafox, any update with the new watch? Mine only gets notifications with wrist detection off (after ok for a week) but I had other two watches with the same issue which makes me wonder it's a software issue. Very upset!

Is your new watch fine? I'm on the same boat 😟

My new watch has been working fine. No problems yet after three weeks (my first watch worked fine for a month before I had the problem with wrist detection). I even restored my backup on the new watch with no changes and it's been working fine (the old watch started working again the last week I had it, FYI).

For me, it seems like it was a hardware issue, but if you've tried multiple watches and consistently experience the problem, it has to be a:

1) Software issue.

2) Physical issue with your wrist.

3) Hardware issue with every single watch you try on

IF the problem ever resurfaces for me, I'll post here and tell you all about it.

For me, it seems like it was a hardware issue, but if you've tried multiple watches and consistently experience the problem, it has to be a:

1) Software issue.

I still wonder if that´s the case...I hope so.

2) Physical issue with your wrist.

I guessed this too but watch still does not work (sensors) on my girlfriend´s wrist so it´s still a mystery to me.

3) Hardware issue with every single watch you try on

Maybe yes but it´s too much bad luck don´t you think?

IF the problem ever resurfaces for me, I'll post here and tell you all about it.

Please do that although I do hope there´s no much issues.

I'm having this exact issue. I'm headed back to the Apple store for the 3rd time!

Same issue

truest one wrote:

I'm having this exact issue. I'm headed back to the Apple store for the 3rd time!

Didn't they gave you another one?

No they haven't replaced it. They sent it off to get "checked" again. They keep saying it could be software related but they don't give me any further info. We wI'll see if they find anything.

I got a call from my local Apple store, they have a new watch waiting for me to pick up. Either it was a hardware related issue with the sensor, or they were tired of me coming to the store to get the watch looked at. Hopefully this new watch solves my issues.

truest one wrote:

I got a call from my local Apple store, they have a new watch waiting for me to pick up. Either it was a hardware related issue with the sensor, or they were tired of me coming to the store to get the watch looked at. Hopefully this new watch solves my issues.

Thanks for the update. I´m almost sure it´s a hardware issue.

hi - did you ever get a fix for this as I'm having the exact same problem as you can see in the YouTube link I have posted, they sent my watch away and came back a week later it seemed to work for 1/2 a day then defunct again, what is also interesting is when I do unlock my watch I can take it off and swop wrists which kind of tells me there is a hardware issue and on the flip side of this is Apple pay security so if someone were able to get a hold of my watch they could in theory go spend my cash

<Link Edited by Host>

They ended up giving me another watch. The third and final time I went in the Apple Store with video evidence and a written paragraph of what I was experiencing. I told them that if they returned it and said nothing was wrong with it, that would be a big problem because the watch is not working as designed and it's still covered under factory warranty. Once again, they gave me another watch and all has been working ever since. Good luck! Let us know how it works out for you!

Just a quick update several months later.

My replacement watch has not had this issue even one time since being replaced. If anyone is experiencing this issue, refer to this post and hopefully you can reproduce the issue in the store for the Apple employee. If you want to be 100% sure, perhaps take a video clearly demonstrating the issue since it can be intermittent.

Apple will likely replace your watch and all will be well.

Cheers!

Thanks am taking video as I have a new 42mm apple watch sport that locks constantly on my wrist. I tried several fixes including unpairing and resetting the watch. Nothing has worked, now I am waiting for an appointment with the local apple store.

The apple support person (John) I spoke with on the phone suggested that I turn the lock off, but I would like to be able to use apple pay.

My son has a 38mm watch and his runs perfectly.

I've tried different bands, wearing it tighter and looser, on the inside of my wrist, checked and rechecked all the settings, unlocked watch put it on- turned off phone wifi turned wifi back on. Nothing works and I do not have tattoo.

My watch has the same issue with other family members wearing it.

Any other ideas?