Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Watch & arm tattoos
- Thread starter weesy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yes tats are an issue with apple watches.
here is one of the discussions from the apple support site.
Apple Watch series 7 and tattoos. - Apple Community
I have that issue. Both my wrists are tattooed. Watch will work on my left but the slightest movement to it causes it to lock. Started wearing it on my right wrist. Not ideal but it works. There’s hacks out there, such as bottle caps attached to the sensor on the bottom of the watch or clear tape, but unsure of what effect that has as far as the heart monitoring features and such. I never tried it because it works on my right wrist and I just go with that.
"Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings."
support.apple.com
Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Your Apple Watch uses the personal information that you provide to help calculate metrics for your daily activity. You can further improve its accuracy using these tips.
I have always had to wear watches with heart rate sensors on my right wrist because of a tattoo I have on my left wrist. I have had several brands of watches with heart rate monitors and none have worked. I think that darker ink makes it more difficult for the sensor to see. My colors are predominantly red and black.
yep I have same issue. have had to switch to right wrist to prevent locking due to a sleeve tat. I have a small gap at the end so can wear ultra with dive strap reasonably snuggly and it hasn't been moving around so ok but if I am going for a run where I want to make sure all is calculated then I will wear it on the right.
I have a S5. It worked well initially, then the HR readings started to be very erratic during workouts – it would start after five minutes, stop again, start or not… I ended up having it replaced and the new one is exactly the same. So in my case it's software problem (adjustment of some sort). Good to know the newer watches don't fix the problem. I never had it with any other device though, from a cheap Fitbit to a more expensive Samsung.
I have both arms sleeved and fortunately have no issue with my Apple Watch reading my heart rate.
What colour is the ink where your watch sits?
Just saw a Peter McKinnon video in which he described same issue and gave a possible solution.. Maybe it is worth checking it..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFRWIRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_EJDK6YTTFT33YHW17NZ6_0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFRWIRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_EJDK6YTTFT33YHW17NZ6_0
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Has anyone tried one of these clear round sticky pads to overcome the tattoo issues on the AWU?
I've seen a few on Amazon. Looking at my AWU, it seems a diameter of 25-30 mm would be ideal for covering the sensors, but all the sticky pads that I have seen seem to be on average around 2mm thick! If anyone finds some at 1mm or thereabouts, give us a shout.
I've seen a few on Amazon. Looking at my AWU, it seems a diameter of 25-30 mm would be ideal for covering the sensors, but all the sticky pads that I have seen seem to be on average around 2mm thick! If anyone finds some at 1mm or thereabouts, give us a shout.