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How to Unpause an Apple Watch Workout: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re sweating it out, crushing that workout, and then… life happens. A phone call, a chatty neighbor, a sudden need for hydration – whatever the reason, your Apple Watch workout is paused. But how do you get back in the game? The answer is delightfully simple, and we’re here to unveil it, along with a comprehensive deep dive into everything you need to know about pausing and unpausing your Apple Watch workouts.

The most direct way to unpause an Apple Watch workout is to simply tap the screen. Assuming you haven’t locked the screen or changed any crucial settings, this action will immediately resume your workout. It’s that easy. Now, let’s explore the nuances and cover all possible scenarios to ensure you’re a true Apple Watch workout master.

Understanding Workout Pausing on Your Apple Watch

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s solidify the basics. Knowing how your Apple Watch handles pauses is fundamental.

Automatic Pause Functionality

By default, the Apple Watch does not automatically pause workouts. This is by design. The assumption is that you, the user, are in control and intentionally pausing or resuming. However, third-party apps can introduce this feature, so keep that in mind if you experience unexpected pauses.

Manual Pausing: Your Options

You have a few options when it comes to pausing a workout intentionally:

Tapping the Screen: During an active workout, you’ll see a screen with “Pause” and “End” buttons. Tapping “Pause” does exactly what you’d expect.
Using the Side Button and Digital Crown: Pressing both the side button (the elongated button) and the Digital Crown (the rotating dial) simultaneously will also pause your workout. This method is particularly useful if you’re wearing gloves or have sweaty fingers, as it provides a tactile alternative to tapping the screen.

Troubleshooting: When Unpausing Doesn’t Go as Planned

Sometimes, the simple tap-to-resume method fails. Let’s explore why and how to fix it.

Locked Screen Syndrome

The most common culprit is a locked screen. If your watch face is dimmed or unresponsive, it’s likely locked.

Solution: Give the screen a firm tap or raise your wrist to activate the display. If it’s still locked, you might have accidentally activated Water Lock. Water Lock prevents accidental taps during swimming or other water-based activities. To disable Water Lock, rotate the Digital Crown until you hear a series of beeps, indicating that the water has been ejected and the screen is unlocked.

Sensitivity Settings and Touch Issues

Sometimes, the issue isn’t a lock, but a sensitivity problem. Your Apple Watch might not be registering your taps correctly.

Solution: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch on your Apple Watch. Ensure that AssistiveTouch is turned off unless you’re actively using it. Experiment with the Touch Accommodation settings if you’re having persistent issues with screen responsiveness. You can adjust the Hold Duration and Ignore Repeat settings to better suit your touch style.

Glitches and Software Quirks

Like any electronic device, your Apple Watch can experience occasional software glitches.

Solution: The classic “turn it off and on again” often works wonders. Restart your Apple Watch by holding down the side button until the power off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait a few seconds, and then hold the side button again to turn it back on. If a simple restart doesn’t resolve the issue, consider updating to the latest watchOS. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, then navigate to General > Software Update.

App-Specific Issues

If the unpausing problem is isolated to a specific workout app (e.g., Strava, Nike Run Club), the issue likely lies within the app itself.

Solution: Try closing and reopening the app on your Apple Watch. If that doesn’t work, check for updates in the App Store on your iPhone. As a last resort, you might need to uninstall and reinstall the app.

FAQs: Your Apple Watch Workout Questions Answered

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to pausing and unpausing workouts on your Apple Watch:

Can I customize the pause/resume action on my Apple Watch? No, Apple doesn’t allow you to customize the core functionality of the pause/resume actions within the built-in Workout app.
Does the Apple Watch automatically detect when I’ve stopped exercising and pause the workout? No, the Apple Watch does not automatically pause workouts in the default Workout app. You must manually pause the workout.
What happens if I forget to unpause my workout? The Apple Watch will continue recording data as if you’re still actively exercising, which will skew your metrics and calorie burn estimates. It’s important to be mindful and unpause promptly when you resume your activity.
How do I end a workout instead of just pausing it? When the workout is paused, you’ll see an “End” button on the screen. Tap it to conclude your workout.
Can I review my workout data while it’s paused? Yes, you can often scroll through the workout screen to see your current metrics, even when the workout is paused. This allows you to check your heart rate, pace, or distance without interrupting your pause.
Is there a way to lock the screen without using Water Lock during a workout? Not directly. Water Lock is the primary mechanism for preventing accidental screen taps during workouts.
I keep accidentally pausing my workout. What can I do? Consider wearing your Apple Watch slightly higher on your wrist to reduce the likelihood of accidental presses of the side button or Digital Crown. You could also experiment with different watch band tightness to ensure a secure fit.
Does using Low Power Mode affect pausing and unpausing workouts? No, Low Power Mode primarily affects background app refresh, display brightness, and cellular connectivity. It shouldn’t impact the basic functionality of pausing and unpausing workouts.
If my Apple Watch battery dies during a workout, will I lose my data? In most cases, the Apple Watch will save the workout data up to the point where the battery died. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure your watch is adequately charged before starting a workout.
Can I pause and resume a workout from my iPhone? No, you can only control the workout directly from your Apple Watch. The iPhone acts as a companion device for viewing workout summaries and managing settings, but not for real-time control.
How do I delete a workout if I accidentally started one? In the Activity app on your iPhone, go to the “Workouts” tab, find the incorrect workout, tap on it, and then scroll down to find the “Delete Workout” option.
Are there any third-party apps that offer more advanced pause/resume features? Yes, several third-party workout apps offer features like automatic pausing based on detected inactivity or customized pause intervals. Research popular fitness apps in the App Store and compare their features to find one that suits your needs.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Apple Watch Workouts

Unpausing your Apple Watch workout should be a seamless experience. By understanding the basics, troubleshooting potential issues, and leveraging these FAQs, you’re now equipped to conquer any workout interruption. Keep pushing your limits, stay mindful of your watch, and enjoy the journey to a healthier you!