heart rate (ppm) cut in half

Coming back to this question after two years where I used all the different Apple watches so far, it is sad to say that heart rate reading during workouts hasn’t improved at all for me. In rest the readings are consistent and trustworthy, but during workouts the readings are still often cut in half or there’s a time out of many minutes without any reading at all. Very disappointing!

I have exactly the same problem, especially with my heart rate cut in half. To add further, once in a while during my cycling work out the heart rate is greyed out. It will take a minute to catch up and show a proper reading.

It's very common for me too. Some days my Watch will track my Scosche Rhythm+ monitor within a few beats for an hour session, and the next day it's all over the place. Hopefully HR monitoring will improve over time with newer software. I bought the cheapest version on purpose too, anticipating hardware improvements in the future.

I think this HR monitoring issue is more common than generally reported. I have experienced the same variability since I began using the Apple Watch, and Apple Care/Apple software engineers are working with me to attempt to understand the source of the problem. To that end, Apple has placed a 'profile' on my Watch which allows them to see what is going on behind the scene during Workouts. I assume Apple will not have a solution until the Watch OS2 becomes available, but rest assured that they know there is an issue and they certainly seem determined to understand and fix it.

So far for me Watch OS2 hasn't brought a solution to this issue. Still often 'cut in half' readings, although not really cut in half (before: 140->70, now: 140->90). On the other hand, I notice far more and longer greyed out heart rates. It will take up till 3 minutes before catching up!

I purchased Apple watch primarily to track my heart rate while playing tennis. Chest monitors (with Garmin) became unhinged by bra interference when serving, overheads, etc. My interest was in finding an accurate heart monitor without a chest strap... alas the Apple watch. Initially I compared heart rate readings with my Garmin while playing tennis and the readings were consistent. Perhaps I didn't compare devices long enough because I'm now on my second Apple watch and still have same problems: 1) using "OTHER", my heart rate drops connection at higher BPM readings -- completely disengages for minutes or drops in half, say 190 to 82 and then takes 3-10 minutes to re-establish connection at seemingly proper level. I know my heart rate runs high (can get to 200, and yes I've had medical review by Boston Marathon cardiologist, so not to worry,) but heart rate readings are precisely why I wanted the Apple watch -- to monitor my heart during workouts. Alas, it's the one app that doesn't work well for me.

Reading posts online, I can see that I am not alone with this issue. Last week my local Apple store replaced my first watch and nothing has improved, so I must concluded it is a failure in optical readings. I do hope Apple put resources behind finding a solution. This watch can be a super tool for people taking control of their health and building awareness and motivation for exercise, but ONLY if it works! Thanks for putting this issue on the priority list, please?! 😁

I am experiencing frequent variability with the heart rate functionality on my Apple Watch. Often the heart rate seems cut in half while at the gym or working out. A big selling point for me was the heart rate feature, and now that I've started working out regularly, I'm nearly regularly-frustrated with my Apple Watch.

What can be done? Has anyone had any luck?

Hi

Various factors can affect the heart rate sensor's performance.

During workouts, for the best performance from the heart rate sensor, ensure that you wear your watch snugly on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests that you consider tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards.

The sensor is likely to give better results for workouts that involve rhythmic (eg running) rather than irregular (eg tennis) movements. Other issues that can impact sensor performance include skin perfusion (which can vary significantly from person to person and can also be affected by cold temperatures) and wrist tattoos.

If you are unable to achieve consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your watch.

More information:

Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support

Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support