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6 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Wrist Detection Not Working
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The ability to simply raise your wrist to activate the Apple Watch's screen is incredibly convenient, but this wrist detection feature sometimes fails. If you find your watch is no longer waking reliably when you lift your arm, there are steps you can take to restore functionality. This article provides 6 troubleshooting tips to get wrist detection working properly again. Here you'll learn straightforward ways to fix this problem and regain use of this handy feature.
Method 1: Confirm Wrist Detection is Enabled
The first step is verifying that wrist detection is actually turned on. Here's how:
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Launch the Watch app on your iPhone.
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Tap on "Passcode" at the bottom of the My Watch tab.
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Scroll down and tap on "Wrist Detection". *Keep your Apple Watch unlocked to access this menu.
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Ensure the switch next to "Wrist Detection" is toggled on (green).
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If wrist detection is off, tap the switch to enable it.
This allows the watch sensors to resume looking for motion to turn on the screen. If wrist detection was disabled, switching it on should resolve the issue.
Method 2: Adjust Band Tightness for Good Contact
In order for wrist detection to work properly, the Apple Watch band needs to maintain snug contact with your skin. Try adjusting the fit and tightness if you find it's not activating reliably when you lift your arm.
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If too loose, remove a band link or tighten the closure for a more snug fit.
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If too tight, add another link to the band or loosen the closure so it's secure but not constricting.
Getting the ideal tightness takes some trial and error. The key is ensuring consistent skin contact when you twist or raise your wrist.
Method 3: Clean the Band and Watch Case
It's easy for dirt, oil, and debris to build up on the Apple Watch case and band. This can interfere with wrist detection sensors. Every few weeks, give your watch a thorough cleaning:
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Use a soft dry cloth or microfiber to gently wipe down the heart rate sensor and Digital Crown on the back of the watch case.
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Dampen a cloth with warm water and mild soap to scrub the inside of the watch band. Rinse and dry completely.
This maintenance will allow sensors to work accurately for wrist detection and other features.
Method 4: Restart the iPhone and Apple Watch
As a troubleshooting step, restart both devices to clear any temporary software glitches that may be affecting wrist detection:
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On the iPhone, hold down the Side button and either Volume button until you see the power off slider. Slide to turn off.
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To restart the Apple Watch, hold down the Side button until the "Power Off" slider appears. Slide to turn it off completely.
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Next, hold the Digital Crown and Side button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo to reboot each device.
Restarting provides a fresh start for connectivity and syncing between your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Method 5: Install Software Updates
Keeping your devices updated with the latest software is important:
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On your iPhone, open Settings > General > Software Update to download new iOS versions when available.
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For the watch, open the Watch app and tap General > Software Update. Install any available WatchOS updates.
New software often resolves bugs affecting features like wrist detection. Updating may provide a fix if you're experiencing issues.
Method 6: Contact Apple Support
If you still can't get wrist detection working properly after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Apple Support online or by phone. They can run remote diagnostics, investigate further into potential hardware issues, and determine if your Apple Watch requires service or replacement under warranty. Don't hesitate to contact them if problems persist.
Conclusion
The wrist detection feature on the Apple Watch is extremely useful for effortlessly activating the screen. If this convenient functionality stops working properly, don't panic - in most cases, it can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Be sure wrist detection is enabled, adjust band tightness, restart both devices, update software, and clean the watch and band. Contact Apple support if problems continue after trying these tips. With a few easy steps, you'll have wrist detection working reliably again.
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