Your Apple Watch is a fantastic device for tracking your workouts and activity. However, there are occasions when it pauses in the middle of an activity, meaning that it doesn’t track your workout correctly. If you’ve ever encountered this frustrating issue, here are some fixes you may try.
Check if Auto Pause Feature Is Enabled and Switch This Off
The most obvious reason your Apple Watch pauses is theAuto Pausefunction kicking in. This feature causes your watch to automatically pause if you stop moving during your workouts (except for running workouts that are controlled by a connected treadmill).
Switch this off and manually control when you pause your workout from the Watch app on your iPhone. On theMy Watchtab, scroll down toWorkouts. Find theAuto Pauseswitch and toggle it off.
Check Your Apple Watch Software Is Updated
Apple regularly releases software updates for its products, and it’s always advisable to install these to ensure your Apple Watch’s performance is not adversely affected.
It’s easy to check andupdate your Apple Watchto the latest watchOS to keep everything running smoothly.
Restart Your Apple Watch
It sounds like a cliché, but simply switching off your Apple Watch and restarting it can fix problems. Because you probably never switch off your device, checkhow to turn off your Apple Watch.
You could also go one step further andreset your Apple Watchto see if that solves the issue.
Check and Disable Wrist Detection Settings
TheWrist Detectionfeature on your Apple Watch locks your watch with a passcode if you’re not wearing it. While this is a brilliant way to keep your personal data secure, it can cause your watch to pause your workout if it senses that you’ve taken it off your wrist.
You can change these settings in your iPhone’s Watch app by going toMy Watch > Passcode > Wrist Detectionand toggling this function off while working out. Because you’ll lose a lot of functionality, it’s best only to stop this feature temporarily.
Check Bluetooth Connectivity Between Watch and iPhone
Your Apple Watch uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with your iPhone, using Bluetooth when the devices are close. If you haven’t connected your watch correctly to your iPhone or there’s any interference with the Bluetooth signal, this may pause your workout.
Check your phone’s connectivity status quicklyusing Control Center on your iPhone, where a set of four icons in the top left corner will instantly show your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth status, along with Airplane Mode and Cellular Mode. ensure your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both switched on.
You’ll also see your watch’s connectivity status in your Apple Watch Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to use it. At the top, you’ll see a tiny symbol of your iPhone. It’s green if you’re connected but red with a line through it if you’ve lost connectivity.
Test this by tapping theiPhone soundicon on the top right of the Control Center of your Apple Watch. If your devices are connected, this will cause your iPhone to make a “ping” sound.
Check the Battery Level of Your Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch is low on battery, this may cause your workout to pause. Check that your battery level is sufficient before you exercise, and use thesetips to save and extend your Apple Watch’s battery life.
Check Your Apple Watch Strap Fits Correctly
If your Apple Watch is too loose on your wrist, it may be unable to track your heart rate properly, which can easily cause it to pause your workout. TheApple Storeoffers a wide range of strap styles. Some are better suited to sporting activities than others, with the stretchable Braided Solo Loop especially prone to working loose over time.
The simple solution is to adjust or replace your watch strap to ensure it fits securely.
Check Your Clothing Isn’t Accidentally Interfering With Your Apple Watch
Perhaps the simplest solution of all is to check that nothing is interfering with your Apple Watch’s contact with your wrist. If you work out in long-sleeved clothing, this may be causing the issue.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve worked through all of these fixes and still can’t find a solution, contactApple Supportfor further help. It’s possible that your Apple Watch is faulty and the sensors can’t detect your movement accurately.
Make Sure Your Apple Watch Accurately Records All Your Workout Activity
There’s nothing more frustrating than working hard in an exercise session, only to check your wrist and find your Apple Watch paused halfway through, and your efforts haven’t been recorded. Closing those Activity Rings is one of the most satisfying elements of wearing your Apple Watch each day, and by following these tips, you can make sure every step counts.
