The heart rate sensor on Apple Watch keeps turning on even when not on my wrist

Question

Level 1

5 points

The heart rate sensor on Apple Watch keeps turning on even when not on my wrist

Seems like the heart rate sensor has gone rogue. The only way, so far, for me to "unrogue" it is to erase and reset the watch.

I Have the Apple Watch Sport with OS2 and use it while running (marathon training). I do ask Siri to check my heart rate throughout my runs, maybe 5-6 times. It checks my rate Just fine. I have Charity Miles and Nike app usually running at the same time.

I've also noticed that the sensor comes on even when I'm not asking it to check my heart rate. Was sitting at the computer and noticed the blue lights while I was working. I've only had the Apple Watch for a few weeks.

I Have several concerns over this. Will this light cause major health problems for me over a period of time (i.e. Cancer). Just doesn't seem like it would be healthy to have this light beeming through me Constantly throughout the day without my knowledge or engagement.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Apple Watch, watchOS 2

Posted on Oct 4, 2015 4:59 AM

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Answer 1

themaclife Author

Level 1

5 points

Oct 4, 2015 2:10 PM in response to Jonathan UK

TThanks. Is there anyway to turn this feature off and only have my heart rate measured when I ask it to?

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Answer 2

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Oct 4, 2015 2:14 PM in response to themaclife

Hi

Apple Watch measures your heart rate:

- Every 10 minutes as long as neither you nor your arm are moving (a resting heart rate).

- Continuously during workouts (via the Workout app).

All heart rate measurements are stored in the Health app on your iPhone, where you can view a chart of the data on your Dashboard.

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

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Answer 3

papjo

Level 2

333 points

Oct 4, 2015 2:29 PM in response to themaclife

Actually when I updated to 2.0 my watch records my HR every 10 minutes regardless of activity. I can check in the Health app and every 10 minutes is there. Now prior to 2.0, 1.0.1 changed it to only recording when "at rest" unless you had activated an exervise activity. But that was changed back, at least on my watch.

Prior to 2.0 I also had instances of the sensors activating when just taking the watch off the charger. They wouldn't go out until I had strapped it on and entered the passcode. When that happened just restarting the watch resolved it but it did happen several more times but not since 2.0. But the every 10 minutes I believe is now the default behavior. During an activity it records it multiple times a minute.

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Answer 4

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Oct 4, 2015 2:30 PM in response to themaclife

To turn off heart rate monitoring completely:

- On your iPhone, in the Apple Watch app, go to: My Watch > Privacy > Motion & Fitness > turn off Heart Rate.

However, this will also prevent you from monitoring your heart rate on demand.

To only disable the heart rate sensor during walking and running workouts when using the Workout app:

- On your iPhone, in the Apple Watch app, go to: My Watch > Workout > Power Saving Mode - enable this.

If you are concerned about having your heart rate monitored routinely by Apple Watch, consult your physician.

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Answer 5

papjo

Level 2

333 points

Oct 4, 2015 2:33 PM in response to papjo

Just checked again and every 10 minutes regardless of motion is recorded. I don't know how you would turn that off. It hasn't made much of an impact if any on my battery life so I'm content with it being that way. I know a lot of people howled when that was changed in 1.0.1 so I assume they're all happy again!

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