Heart rate stops working during a workout

I was complaining about the support with all these reasons but eventually what helped me was to tighten it a bit more using a nike style bracelet (not really comfortable but at least working, can't get it right with other bracelets) then to wear it a bit higher, right after the wrist bone. Only during workouts of course. I think moving the arm while running coupled with sweat causes the malfunctioning.

Two years later with the 2G apple watch, I have the same issue. It starts working after I dry my wrist and the watch sensor off after a workout. It's really annoying and seems to be the only way to get an accurate reading. I've tried to adjust between different positions on my wrist and different tensions on the band, but end up with the same bug that you experienced back in 2015.

Hi

Apple advises that, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for everybody.

For the best performance from the heart rate sensor during workouts, ensure that you wear your watch snugly (but not too tightly) on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests that you consider tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards:

Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support

The sensor is 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:

• Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support
• Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple Support

For any workouts that 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.

It may also help to check that the back of your Apple Watch is clean (along with your wrist, which I'm sure is the case):

Cleaning your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you experience issues with recording your heart rate during workouts, then, for more consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your Apple Watch:

Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you are concerned about a possible hardware defect with your Apple Watch, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Select your country for Apple Watch service and repair information

Same problem. I posted this exact thing yesterday and got the generic not useful response from apple support that I am wearing it wrong. The sensor is not working or its a software issue. Fortunately I have a garmin I am wearing on my other wrist which captures my heart rate perfectly from start to finish. I will try the reset and repair today but as of now apple watch for working out is a big no no.

Same issue here, heck... I’ve looked at my watch during cardio only to find the heart rate at a lower level than my resting heart rate. Very annoyed with this as my sole purpose for the Watch was to track fitness

Interesting... I wish I would have researched a little better before jumping on the Apple bandwagon. I’m going to try the reset BS which seems to be default for Apple issues then I’ll use my Apple Care and if all else fails I’ll look into other options.

Aggravated

Definitely happening to me, too. The heart rate during a workout (like outdoor run or outdoor cycling) will appear to have worked normally for a while then there won't be a reading for a couple minutes, then something that appears close to half or 2/3 of the actual heart rate, then no reading for a minute or so then back to working normally.

I have the exact same problem during outdoor cycle. Sure wish Apple would step up and acknowledge this problem and suggest a fix.

A couple of people have reported this, or very similar. If you've tried the usual (reset the watch, re-pair with the phone etc), there's no current solution. It would be worth reporting it to Apple support - the more reportds they get, the more likely they are to fix it

I have read that the heart rate App does not work when the arm is moving, this came about with the Apple Watch update. So, according to the article I read what is happening is normal, with the Watch OS 1.0.1. Read this on 9to5Mac web site.

Just finished a support call. They really want to push the "you're wearing it wrong" angle. All roads lead to "unpair your phone then set up your watch again from a backup," which buys them some time if nothing else because once you start that process there is nothing they can do for a while. I've reset and paired my watch again. Will have to take it for a run this evening to see if the issue is still there. If it is, I have a case number so I can resume the "troubleshooting" process with another Apple support agent.

Here is an article that agrees with some of the statements in this thread

http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/02/the-apple-watch-as-a-fitness-device/?utm_cont ent=bufferb9a5e&utm_medium=social&utm_so…

I suggest reading the whole article

NO, it is also Shopping while doing a workout. I just reported this in another posting. Just today i had the problem with a cycle workout.

Total 60 min

messurements (up to 12 a min) while 35 minutes

no messurements within 25 minutes !!!!!

This is far away from usable at all.

I love the watch, but i am very disapointed about this. It is one of the main and most important features of the watch and does not work at the moment.

I have made an interesting discovery.

In one of my passt posting i critisised the fact that the HR monitor only recorded max. 55 % of the workout minutes.

Now i more or less accidently found out a very interesting behaviour during the past days of making workouts.

Two times i used a sun blocker and realized that there was no gap in recording HR during workout.

First time i thought it was just a lucky day, but now after the 4th workout with using a sunblocker on my wrist and getting 99 % of the minutes recorded a HR for every single minute for me it is a prove that sunblocker somehow increases positivly sensibility of messurement. Maybe the sunblocker effects the consistency of the skin in a positive kind, such as tatoos do effect it in a negative way.