Apple Watch Fitness app stops recording Outdoor Cycle rides after 2 hours

Question

Apple Watch Fitness app stops recording Outdoor Cycle rides after 2 hours

Before I go out for a long (60 km/ 3-hour) cycle ride I set the Apple Watch Fitness app to Outdoor Cycle ride and start. I then ignore the Watch until I get home and stop recording. However, in the past 2 rides for some uncanny reason the Fitness app stops recording Outdoor Cycle ride after about 2 hours and then records an Indoor Cycle ride. I did not touch anything.

On one occasion the recording would simply stop altogether automatically even though the battery was over 50%.

For many previous rides this has not occurred and the Watch and Fitness app work flawlessly.

Has can I ensure the Fitness app records my Outdoor Cycle ride interrupted? Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Fitness app stops recording

Apple Watch Series 8, watchOS 11

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 1:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Zachyy

Level 6

14,002 points

Nov 9, 2025 4:51 PM in response to Michael Vallance

One suggestion could be to turn Water Lock on, contrary to the name. It disables the touch screen and requires holding the Digital Crown, not pressing, to exit or perform any workout related actions.

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,181 points

Nov 9, 2025 5:16 AM in response to Michael Vallance

Any change the Digital Crown got pressed during the ride? Happened to me when my sleeve pushed it during cycling. Some materials can also accidentally activate the screen and touch buttons.

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Answer 3

Zachyy

Level 6

14,002 points

Nov 9, 2025 6:07 PM in response to Michael Vallance

Michael Vallance wrote:

I was unaware of the Water Lock. I will try that on my next ride. Thank you.

It's typically meant for swim workouts where you don't want water interfering with the device, but it works well in other situations like this. It can be initiated either from Siri or from the water droplet icon in the Control Center. Good luck and let us know.

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Answer 4

Nov 9, 2025 4:50 PM in response to Ingo2711

That seems to be a logical explanation.

Up until a couple of weeks ago the weather was still quite warm so I was riding in short-sleeved jerseys. As the temperature has dropped I have started wearing long-sleeved jerseys which go over my Watch.

Thank you.

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Answer 5

Nov 9, 2025 5:14 PM in response to Zachyy

I was unaware of the Water Lock. I will try that on my next ride. Thank you.

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