Anyone else having issues with Running Apps?

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Level 1

8 points

Anyone else having issues with Running Apps?

When I first learned the Apple Watch would have built in heart rate monitor, I immediately was looking forward to the Apple Watch replacing my Garmin forerunner - chest strap combination; Not having the chest strap feels better, even though having to strap my phone to my arm is needed for GPS.

I have tried Runtastic, Strava, Nike and Runmeter and have had disappointing results with all; Runtastic & Strava Apple watch apps are just incredible unstable;

they often just disappear halfway a run. Nike seemed better, but they do not support heart rate from the Apple Watch.

RunMeter does, but today also let me down halfway a run, as the app on the watch just disappears, after working fine the first 10k.

I'm wondering if others have similar bad experiences, if this is related to Apple having changed things so software developers cannot reliably keep communication running, or if I'm alone, which would indicate a possible hardware fault?

I run with an iPhone 5s and the Apple watch. The iPhone Apps all work fine and are stable, it's just the Apple Watch app that is faulty. Any feedback is welcome.

Posted on Jun 12, 2016 5:14 AM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:28 AM in response to bkrijger

Hi

If you have not yet done so, it may help to update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:

The behaviour that you describe may be caused by your watch losing contact with your skin, causing it to believe that it has been removed from your wrist. This would cause the built-in Workout app, for example, to pause automatically.

A loose fitting band can trigger this by allowing your watch to lift from your wrist and/or by allowing clothing (for example, the end of a sleeve) to slip beneath the back of the watch. During exercise, Apple Watch should be worn snugly on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests that you consider tightening your band before workouts and loosening it again afterwards. (Better contact with your wrist may also improve heart rate sensor performance during your workout).

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

Otherwise, for assistance with troubleshooting issues associated with third-party fitness apps, you may find it helpful to consult the respective developers' own support resources and/or to contact them for support.

For example:

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Answer 2

bkrijger Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:35 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks Jonathan, but I have done all listed and contacted the respective support departments.

Runtastic usually respond with a message that they're really busy answering support calls,

Strava suggested my hardware might have an issue, RunMeter I just emailed today, so I'll see what they'll say.

Updates have been frequent for all, usually not very descriptive on what has changed, and sometimes taking functionality out,

or just not working at all anymore; I cannot stop a Strava App Watch started run from the watch.

A message to their support showing how it failed was simply ignored.

I'm getting quite frustrated with the whole experience and are thinking about getting a new Running watch that works.

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Answer 3

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:40 AM in response to bkrijger

If you have not yet done so, you may wish to try using the built-in Workout app to record your runs.

In order to avoid workouts potentially being paused or ended early due to accidental interactions with your watch's screen (including by clothing), the app enables you to lock the screen:

- At any time after starting a workout, press firmly on the display and tap on Lock.

- When you are ready to end the workout, press firmly again and first tap on Unlock.

For more accurate results when running without also taking your iPhone along, you can first calibrate your watch by following the instructions in the support article below.

More information:

Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:44 AM in response to bkrijger

It may also help to unpair and re-pair your watch. The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch when unpairing via the app. Choose to Restore from Backup during set up. Most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions (eg Apple Pay cards, passcode).

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Answer 5

bkrijger Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:46 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks Jonathan,

That would be a good solution, if it recorded the GPS track and uploaded to a site like Strava /Runtastic.

But it doesn't so it's not a solution.

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Answer 6

bkrijger Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:49 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks, I'll try that. But it seems odd that re-pairing would fix instability problems; if the problem was with pairing, I would not be able to get it to work the first 10k.

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Answer 7

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,021 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:55 AM in response to bkrijger

If you have not already done so, also first try restarting both devices (turn both off together, then restart your iPhone first).

bkrijger wrote:

.. Strava suggested my hardware might have an issue ..

If the issue persists after unpairing and re-pairing your watch, then - in view of this feedback and the steps that you have already tried - you may wish to contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch checked (under warranty, if eligible):

To check warranty coverage:

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

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Answer 8

bkrijger Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2016 6:21 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Here's an update: I did get a very quick and informative answer from Abvio Support (RunMeter).

It seems that a lot of heart rate recording issues are caused by the fact that Apple does not allow the heart-rate data to be read, unless the wrist is raised on a regular basis. So if you are like me and run using mostly the voice feedback because looking at your tiny watch when running isn't the easiest,

you might NOT get heart rate recorded on ANY running App that uses the Apple Watch as a heart-rate monitor.

What's the point of Health enabling access to heart rate info to Apps if it only works when I raise my wrist?

Just another example of Apple's ridiculous restrictions that drives you nuts.

No doubt we we get the next "Greatest thing ever since sliced bread" presented tonight at the WWDC.

I would so prefer if they just fixed their existing stuff first.

Nobody needs a new operating system each year; just fix the existing one

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