sfb8
Level 1 (7 points)

Q: How to recalibrate heart rate monitor?

How to recalibrate the heart rate monitor that is showing too high a reading?

Posted on Feb 16, 2016 1:25 PM

by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended
Jonathan UK Jonathan UK
Level 7 (31,490 points)
Apple Watch
A:

Hi

 

It is not possible to recalibrate the heart rate sensor. However, various factors can affect the 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 and wrist tattoos.

 

More information:

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

Posted on Feb 16, 2016 2:06 PM

Close
sfb8

Q: How to recalibrate heart rate monitor?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 16, 2016 2:06 PM in response to sfb8
    Level 7 (31,490 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 16, 2016 2:06 PM in response to sfb8

    Hi

     

    It is not possible to recalibrate the heart rate sensor. However, various factors can affect the 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 and wrist tattoos.

     

    More information:

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

  • by sfb8,Apple recommended

    sfb8 sfb8 Feb 18, 2016 9:51 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (7 points)
    Feb 18, 2016 9:51 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    I very much appreciate the informative response. At first I experienced very reliable HR reading but recently they have gone off the chart in respect to very high reading that I know are incorrect even though I have not changed my habits in respect to use or fit.

    One piece of information that I didn't add to my first message is that the plastic insert on the back of the watch came loose on two occasions when I was removing the watch from the charger. Those incidents occurred last October and I have not had it happen since nor have I experienced any other problems with the watch. My watch is now in for repair at Apple to hopefully fix the issue. Thanks again for your response.

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 18, 2016 11:37 AM in response to sfb8
    Level 7 (31,490 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 18, 2016 11:37 AM in response to sfb8

    You are most welcome!

  • by joerumst,

    joerumst joerumst Feb 20, 2016 6:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 20, 2016 6:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Hi,

     

    I have similar observations: few months ago I experienced the HR monitoring by Watch a more convenient replacement for the Polar chest strap.

    Last weeks I encounter more & more inaccurate readings, however in the same conditions and use conform to available instructions.

    During my recent indoor cycle workout I registered HR both with chest strap and with Watch, ref pic. Red is polar chest, blue is watch

    The watch HR reading and average is way off from real values, gives me no reliable information.

    Done already: all checks from apple support: settings, last OS versions, uncoupled & coupled watch, reset watch ...

     

    Somebody a tip how to proceed?

    IMG_1462.jpg

  • by toddkp,

    toddkp toddkp Sep 9, 2016 6:18 PM in response to joerumst
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 9, 2016 6:18 PM in response to joerumst

    I have the exact same issue.  Also confirmed with Fitbit Charge HR.  Every once in a while, Apple watch shows double the real heart rate.