Apple Watch pauses every 10 seconds or less during workout recording

Just bought an apple watch and tried to record a workout (live) and it kept pausing every 10 seconds or less. I tried all the suggestions: disable auto pause, gestures, update phone and watch, restart watch, etc., and it is still pausing my workouts every 10 seconds or less. Talked to someone at apple support and they suggested all the things I have already done. Anyone have any other suggestions or experience the same thing? Thank you!

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 11:30 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Nov 6, 2026 12:31 PM in response to ykb55

Hi there

Please try this

Check for Tattoos: Dark ink or heavy saturation underneath the back crystal can block or confuse the optical heart rate sensor, causing the watch to think you have taken it off.
Tighten or Adjust the Band: A loose strap or sweat can cause the optical sensor to lose contact intermittently every few seconds, mimicking a removal event. Try tightening the band by one notch or shifting the watch slightly higher up your forearm.
Clean the Back Crystal: Wipe down the sensor array on the back of the watch and your wrist to clear away sweat, sunscreen, or oils that disrupt optical tracking.
Erase and Set Up as New: Standard unpairing and restoring from a backup often carries the bug over. Unpairing and setting up the watch as a completely new device forces a clean software state.

ykb55 Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 9, 2026 9:47 AM in response to WheelieNick

Thank you!