Apple Watch Workout app intermittent tracking heart rate

Question

When using the Workout app on Apple Watch the Heart Rate is not accurately tracking.  I will be walking up a steep hill and the rate will register just above my average resting heart rate.  I will walk down a hill and the rate will increase.  Every day every time I use the app I notice these discrepancies.  Even more frustrating is that several times during a workout the heart rate will be greyed out and not tracking at all.  This has been happening since I purchased the watch late last year. I have contacted Apple support and performed all of their recommended steps:  restore the watch and pair it again to my phone, disable public beta iOS releases on my phone and use only the full public release, update watch to 4.2.2.Nothing has worked and the issue persists.  Any recommendations from the Community how to resolve these heart rate tracking problems?Apple Watch Series 3 Nike version with Cellular - Watch OS 4.2.2iPhone 7 Plus - iOS 11.2.5

Jonathan UK · Accepted Answer

HiApple 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, ensure that you wear your watch snugly (but not too tightly) on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests that you consider tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards:Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple SupportThe sensor is 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. As well as varying by person, skin perfusion can be reduced when exercising in the cold to levels that prevent readings:Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple SupportGet the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple SupportFor any workouts that involve flexing your wrists, it may help to move your watch a little higher up your arm, away from the flexing joint.It may also help to check that the back of your Apple Watch is clean (along with your wrist, which I&#x27;m sure is the case): Cleaning your Apple Watch - Apple SupportIf you continue to experience issues with recording your heart rate during workouts, then, for more consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your Apple Watch:    Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple SupportIf you are concerned about a possible hardware defect with your Apple Watch, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:    US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple SupportElsewhere: Select your country for Apple Watch service and repair information

Abbyquiet · Answer

Mine has been working properly for the year or two since I’ve bought it, now for the last month since the last update it decides it doesn’t want to work properly. What gives? This isn’t a case of “sometimes it just doesn’t work” this is new and seems to be all the time or in the middle of my workouts.

Apple Watch Workout app intermittent tracking heart rate

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