Wacth/workout GPS not working

Question

Level 1

10 points

Wacth/workout GPS not working

Apple Watch series 1. OS 3.1.1

Paired with

iPhone 6s iOS 10.1.1

Here's the problem. When selecting "outdoor walk" the workout app tracks with iPhone gps speed and distance. When selecting "outdoor cycle" it won't track track speed and distance when riding, but if I choose "outdoor" cycling and walk it will track speed and distance. I've turned on/off location services for Apple Watch and motion/calibration and distance. The watch obviously picks up the GPS signal when walking but not when ridding. Or maybe when walking it's using inertia/steps and not the actual GPS. I've also done a reset/restore on the watch with no luck.

Posted on Dec 20, 2016 6:35 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

163,775 points

Dec 21, 2016 1:08 AM in response to Chipster27

Hi

The following steps may help:

Update your iPhone to the latest software version (currently iOS 10.2):

Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Close certain apps and restart both your iPhone and your watch:

Close the Watch app, Activity app and Health app (if open) 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, I suggest that you contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation for assistance:

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Answer 2

Dec 26, 2016 12:06 AM in response to Chipster27

It may be that when you're walking it's just counting steps to determine your speed and distance.

Try opening the Workout app and standing still in an open outdoor space for a couple of minutes before you start your cycling workout. This might allow the GPS an opportunity to lock before you get going.

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Answer 3

Chipster27 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 30, 2016 9:02 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Tried this and it still didn't work. Even created a new watch profile. Yesterday I turned off Motion and went to use the outdoor cycle workout and received the message motion needs to be on. I turned it on and it worked on a test ride. I stopped the work out, geared up and when I went to go for a ride it wasn't working again. Very frustrating as I can't seem to duplicate the problem or resolution. Very sporadic.

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