Apple Watch glitches for workouts and heart rate detection after iOS 26.1 update

Question

Apple Watch glitches for workouts and heart rate detection after iOS 26.1 update

After I did the most recent update to my Apple Watch and iPhone (26.1), my Watch glitches for all my workouts and even my heart rate detection. I’ve done all the things: cleaned the sensors, hard restart of both my watch and my phone multiple times, closing apps, making sure it’s snug against my wrist, etc. I’ve noticed that it takes about an hour after putting my watch on for it to start working slowly. Any suggestions on fixing this? I workout first thing in the morning and this is so inconvenient and frustrating to problem solve when I should be focusing on working out.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Watch Glitch

Apple Watch Series 10, watchOS 26

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 2:58 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 11, 2025 6:29 PM in response to jeajud

I found something that works (for now)! I noticed it takes an hour or two for my heart rate monitor to wake up after charging so I started charging it mid day and wearing it at night. It works for me right away in the morning now. Maybe see if this works for you too? I hope they fix this soon as well. The only reason I wear an Apple Watch is for the fitness tracker.

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Answer 2

jeajud

Level 1

4 points

Nov 11, 2025 6:16 PM in response to Dewey058

I have similar issues - I’ve reset my watch a million times by now. The workouts apps don’t work. My stands don’t count. Connecting to Peloton doesn’t work until after the workout finishes. I have no heart rate when connecting to my tread. I hope Apple fix this soon.

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Answer 3

stevekn

Level 1

26 points

Nov 20, 2025 1:13 AM in response to Metrics_Fitness

i have a similar problem since the upgrade to OS26

when I do a static bike session ( Zwift) i do not run my watch as a workout, due to duplicate recordings from zwift strava and apple. ( the session data is transferred into my health app later)

Im hardly at “rest” yet i get high heart rate warnings, which still persist with the heart rate high detection turned off and also when set at a high level than the warnings given.

thus did not used to happen

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Answer 4

Nov 10, 2025 1:25 PM in response to Metrics_Fitness

mine has been saying my heart rate is over 115bpm no matter what I’m doing. it’s so glitched.

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Answer 5

Dewey058

Level 1

8 points

Nov 11, 2025 3:14 AM in response to Metrics_Fitness

Same issue here. Mine is bricked for HR app and peloton sync and just shows zeros but is Bluetooth connected.

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Answer 6

remko192

Level 1

14 points

Nov 19, 2025 10:24 AM in response to Metrics_Fitness

Same issue here, heart rate doesn’t work.

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Answer 7

Nov 29, 2025 9:17 AM in response to Metrics_Fitness

Me too and it’s incredibly frustrating

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Answer 8

Nov 29, 2025 9:18 AM in response to jeajud

Me too

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Answer 9

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,175 points

Dec 17, 2025 9:27 AM in response to Metrics_Fitness

You, and everybody having similar problems, should let Apple know directly about this issue by using the Feedback link, as this is the only way to reach them.

Feedback - Watch - Apple

The more users do that, the more likely the issue will be noticed by Apple Techs and hopefully Apple will come up with a solution for those users effected.

If you are using 3rd party workout apps, contacting the software developer might also be necessary:

How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

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