Q: Heart rate not working during workouts

Hi

Apple advises that, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for everybody.

For the best performance from the heart rate sensor during workouts, Apple suggests that you consider tightening your watch band beforehand and loosening it again afterwards.

The sensor is also likely to give better results for workouts that involve rhythmic (eg running) rather than irregular (eg boxing) movements. Other issues that can impact sensor performance include skin perfusion and wrist tattoos.

If your workouts involve flexing your wrists (such as when lifting weights, for example), it may help to move your watch a little higher up your arm, away from the flexing joint.

More information:

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

Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you continue to experience issues, for more consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your watch:

Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you are not already doing so, also be sure to keep the back of your watch clean by following Apple's instructions, including after workouts:

• Cleaning and wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the nature of your activities has not changed, but the performance of the sensor is significantly different than it was previously, the following steps may help:

• Restart both your iPhone and your watch:
  • Close all open apps on your iPhone:
    • Double-click the Home button, then swipe up on each app preview to close it.
  • Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first;
    • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
    • Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

• Unpair and re-pair your watch:
  • The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch automatically 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).
  • Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support
  • Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the issue then persists and you are concerned about a potential hardware issue, I suggest that contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch checked and, if recommended by Apple, serviced (whether under warranty, if eligible, or via chargeable repair service):

• Contact - Official Apple Support
• https://twitter.com/applesupport
• http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

To check warranty status (the serial number is on the back of your watch):

• https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

You're welcome!