When my watch is in power reserve, will it no longer track steps/activity?
WIll airplane mode mode help reserve some battery if I'm planning to be out for a run for 3+ hours? I worry my watch won't really capture my full activity. Suggestions wanted!
Hi
When Power Reserve mode is activated, all that you can do with your watch is tell the time (by pressing the side button once). The watch will no longer track activity in the background via the Activity app, nor can the Workout be used. This mode designed to keep this function (telling the time) available for as long as possible. In addition to being available as manual option, Apple Watch automatically switches into Power Reserve mode when the battery level reaches a low level.
More information:
Using Power Reserve - Apple Support
Airplane Mode disables both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you watch will no longer be able to communicate with your iPhone or use any functions that rely on that connection (eg calls, messages, playing music from your iPhone).
You can still use features that don't rely on the iPhone connection - including keeping track of your activity (Stand, Move, Exercise) with the Activity app and tracking workouts (without using GPS data from the iPhone) via the Workout app.
When recording long walks or runs via the Workout app, you can turn on Power Saving Mode (as opposed to Power Reserve Mode). This disables the heart rate sensor, so helps to preserve battery life. Note that turning off the heart rate sensor may result in less accurate calorie burn estimations.
To do this, on your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Workout - turn on Power Saving Mode.
You could also use a Bluetooth chest strap paired to your watch, instead of using the built-in heart rate sensor.
In tests - and starting with a fully charged watch - Apple achieved 6.5 hours continuous use of the Workout app, including heart rate monitoring via the built-in sensor.
Depending on the planned duration of your run, you may therefore wish to first try starting with a full charge and without engaging any power saving measures, to see how you get on.
I currently have a Garmin HR monitor. Would that work? I know some of them won't work together...
When using a HR monitor vs. having the Apple Watch do it, can I still put it in power saving mode and it should read my HR monitor or would I need to be in regular mode. I just want to get the most out of my battery life. So any additional information is welcomed.
Apple Watch can be paired with compatible Bluetooth (but not ANT) heart rate monitors.
More information:
Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Power Reserve mode on the Apple Watch
