Heartbeat not updating during Workout

[Beards]

Was Power Saving Mode switched on when the heart rate was not working? That setting disables the heart rate sensor during workouts to help save power, so if it was on then that would explain the problem.

No, that was never on. I just listed it with the others to save any confusion.

 

[Beards]

Thanks, changing those settings obviously did something although first workout had heart rate then 2 after that failed again

Just as a mater of interest, do you have any other apps installed on the watch that have access to bpm?

 

[ttforever]

No just the standard apps - exactly the same apps as watch os4 when it worked for nearly 2 years on my series 2! It’s really annoying not working!

 

[Beards]

No just the standard apps - exactly the same apps as watch os4 when it worked for nearly 2 years on my series 2! It’s really annoying not working!

I can definitely understand your frustration.
The times I cursed the watch, especially after installing 5.0.1 which at the time made it worse (as in the bpm would not work even in the default Heartrate app).

For me I am positive it is Software, which unfortunately helps you not sorry.
A little tip...... Try to kickstart the bpm measurement by first running the Heartrate app before a workout starts.
Then when doing a workout look at the watch screen and if you see next to bpm the red heart and it is flashing that will indicate it is searching for the next measurement.

 

[avkam]

Very strange that this isn’t affecting more users if it’s a software bug. I have both S2/S4 updated to 5.01 and both are working fine. If factory resetting and then setting as a new won’t help, could it still be a hardware problem after all?

 

[Beards]

Very strange that this isn’t affecting more users if it’s a software bug. I have both S2/S4 updated to 5.01 and both are working fine. If factory resetting and then setting as a new won’t help, could it still be a hardware problem after all?

I don’t think so. The fact at one point I couldn’t even get the bpm to register whatsoever regardless to app, only to then by altering a few app items on the watch it now registers fine indicates to me it is a software issue.
Just like Apple had to change iOS to 12.01 for people whose iPhones were not charging correctly the same can be said for this issue and for those whose watch has charging issues.

 

[ttforever]

Yeah totally agree, if I reboot my watch it works for the first workout, then stops again, so definitely isn't a hardware issue

 

[ttforever]

I've raised a support call with apple about this, as its the same issue on my watch series 4, series 2 and my wifes series 2 so can't be all hardware related. Will update if I get anywhere with them!

 

[sclawis300]

I just started having the problem too. Never had issues before with my series 3.

 

[Beards]

Well, after nearly a week of it working again the BPM is now that sporadic in updating during a workout it refuses to create a chart of my Heartrate in the Workout App.

So bloody annoyed with this .

 

[ttforever]

I filed the issue with apple on Friday, and probably coincidentally mine has been working every time since then without issue, wonder if its something server side?

 

[Beards]

I filed the issue with apple on Friday, and probably coincidentally mine has been working every time since then without issue, wonder if its something server side?

Really pleased for you but in my case; If it is then that would have had an adverse effect on my Series 4 OS5.01
I really should do what you have done and get back to Apple and repeat my request.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Every Apple watch I have owned has had periods when it would loose my HR. I have moved my watch up and down on my wrist and adjusted how tight it is and it still happens. Disheartening to be in the middle of a run and see no HR or one so low you know it is wrong. Mt S4 seems to be a bit better but not perfect.

 

[Beards]

Every Apple watch I have owned has had periods when it would loose my HR. I have moved my watch up and down on my wrist and adjusted how tight it is and it still happens. Disheartening to be in the middle of a run and see no HR or one so low you know it is wrong. Mt S4 seems to be a bit better but not perfect.

Yes agree, in every other respect my S4 works superbly well.
If it were not for the fact I did manage to get it to work for a while by altering various settings on the watch I would have thought it may have been a hardware issue.
However, I feel confident this is software that is effecting a number of watches and unless you are someone who not only do workouts but also study the details in the phones Activity/Workout an owner may not know they could have this issue.

 

[ttforever]

No difference in 5.1 still working for first workout then not working after that

 

[Beards]

No difference in 5.1 still working for first workout then not working after that

That’s not good. Still, at least you didn’t brick the watch.

 

[Kermit262]

I can verify it's not hardware. I've had three S4 watches (couldn't decide on a color - don't judge me) and each of them had the same problem. Looking back at over 40 outdoor runs and walks using the Workout app, most of the time the "Chart Unavailable" message is displayed, though sometimes the chart was present. Very odd. And frustrating.

 

[Beards]

I can verify it's not hardware. I've had three S4 watches (couldn't decide on a color - don't judge me) and each of them had the same problem. Looking back at over 40 outdoor runs and walks using the Workout app, most of the time the "Chart Unavailable" message is displayed, though sometimes the chart was present. Very odd. And frustrating.

The only method I have found which on ‘most’ accounts updates the BPM and ultimately the Chart with the Heartrate is not to swing the arms to high. I have found providing I don’t swing the arms above waist height the watch will allow the Heartrate to register any change in BPM. So far it has worked successfully for every workout but it’s bloody annoying. It’s almost as if the watch has an issue in orientation.