7 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Tracking Sleep

Quick Tips

• Ensure that sleep tracking is enabled on your Apple Watch and set as a data source in the Health app.
• Uninstall any third-party sleep-tracking apps from the Watch app and verify that your sleep schedule is correctly set.
• If issues persist, consider resetting the calibration data on your watch.

Try Basic Fixes

• Charge your Apple Watch: If your Apple Watch battery life is below 30%, you may face issues with tracking sleep during night hours. You’ll need to charge your Apple Watch before hitting the bed.
• Update iOS and watchOS: A buggy iOS or watchOS build can prevent your Apple Watch from tracking sleep. You should download the latest iOS by heading to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Similarly, head to the General menu in Apple Watch Settings and download the newest watchOS build.

Fix 1: Enable Sleep Tracking on Apple Watch

Before we go over advanced tricks, it’s a good idea to ensure that sleep tracking is enabled. Here’s how to mcheck.

Step 1: Open Settings on your Apple Watch and tap Sleep.

Step 2: Enable the Sleep Tracking toggle.

Next, enable sleep tracking in the Watch app on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open the Watch app on your iPhone and scroll down to select Sleep.

Step 3: Enable the Track Sleep with the Apple Watch toggle.

Fix 2: Set Apple Watch as a Data Source in the Health App

Another thing you need to do is set the Apple Watch as the data source in the Health app on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Launch the Health app and scroll down to Sleep.

Step 2: Select Data Sources & Access.

Step 3: Tap Edit and select Apple Watch as a primary data source.

Fix 3: Enable Wrist Detection

You need to enable wrist detection on your Apple Watch to track your sleep in real-time. To do so, use these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your Apple Watch and select Passcode.

Step 2: Enable the Wrist Detection toggle.

Fix 4: Uninstall Third-Party Sleep Apps

Do you use third-party sleep-tracking apps on your Apple Watch? They may interfere with the native Sleep app. You should uninstall such third-party apps and try again.

Step 1: Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab.

Step 2: Locate any third-party sleep-tracking app. Tap on it.

Step 3: Disable the Show App on Apple Watch toggle.

Fix 5: Delete and Add the Sleep Schedule Again

At times, a messed up sleep schedule can also prevent the Apple Watch from tracking your sleep properly. To fix it, you can delete the current sleep schedule and add it again.

Step 1: Launch the Health app and go to the Browse tab.

Step 2: Select Sleep and go to Full Schedule & Options.

Step 3: Tap Edit and select Delete Schedule.

Step 4: Return to the previous screen and tap Add Schedule.

Step 5: Add your bedtime schedule and select your active days. Tap Add.

Fix 6: Reset Watch’s Calibration Data

If the issue remains, you can try resetting your Apple Watch’s calibration data and try again. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Apple Watch app and go to My Watch > Privacy.

Step 2: Tap Reset Fitness Calibration Data and confirm your decision.

Fix 7: Turn off Track Time in Bed on iPhone

The “Track Time in Bed” feature analyzes your sleep patterns based on how frequently you pick iPhone during night hours. You need to turn off the track time in bed feature to avoid any discrepancies.

Step 1: Head to the Full Schedule & Options menu in the Health app.

Step 2: Scroll down to Additional details and turn off Track Time in Bed with iPhone toggle.