Top 7 Ways to Fix Samsung Galaxy Watch Not Recording Sleep

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup is feature-packed with useful health-tracking functions. One such add-on is sleep tracking, which shows a detailed sleep breakdown at different stages, blood oxygen levels during sleeping, snore detection, and an overall sleep score. While these features sound good on paper, they are pointless if they fail to work in real life. Here are the top ways to troubleshoot Galaxy Watch not tracking sleep.

Sleep and step tracking are two of the USPs of the Samsung Galaxy Watch lineup. Several factors can affect the sleep-tracking function of your Galaxy Watch. Before we glance over advanced tricks, make sure to go through the basics and try again for several nights.

Things to Consider for Accurate Sleep Tracking

• Your Galaxy Watch relies on included sensors on the back (more on that later) to record your sleep accurately. Dust and debris on such sensors can affect sleep tracking. You should clean the back of your watch carefully and try again. You can pick a microfiber cloth and wipe the back of your watch. If something is stuck around your watch sensor, use rubbing alcohol to remove it.
• Once you clean your Galaxy Watch, make sure to wear it properly during the night. Your Watch’s sensor should be in direct contact with the skin. You can also try fabric straps to prevent any gap between sensors and skin.
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch may not track sleep hours accurately if you have tattoos or long hair on your arms.

Once you go through the basics, try tracking your sleep for several nights. Continue reading if your Galaxy Watch is still not recording sleep.

How Does Your Galaxy Watch Track Sleep

Your Samsung Galaxy Watch uses sensors like accelerometer, heart rate, and SpO2 to track your sleep. The wearable passes the information to Samsung Health, and the built-in app uses an advanced algorithm to record your sleep stages. Some of the latest Galaxy Watch models can also detect snoring in sleep.

1. Check App Permissions for Sensor Data

Samsung Health needs access to device sensors to track your sleep accurately. You should enable relevant permission using the steps below.

Step 1: Open Settings and scroll to Privacy.

Step 2: Tap Permission manager.

Step 3: Select Sensors.

Step 4: Find Samsung Health from the list.

Step 5: Tap the radio button beside All the time.

2. Check Samsung Health Settings

You should enable blood oxygen monitoring and snore detection from Samsung Health’s settings. That way, your wearable can detect different stages of your sleep cycle by measuring the flow of oxygen-containing cells in your body (they slow down during sleep or when your body is in a relaxed state).

Step 1: Launch Samsung Health and scroll to Settings.

Step 2: Select Sleep.

Step 3: Enable the Blood oxygen during sleep toggle and tap Always under Snore detection.

3. Enable Data Permission on Samsung Health

You need to enable data permission on Samsung Health so that the app can share data with connected devices.

Step 1: Launch Samsung Health and scroll down to Settings.

Step 2: Tap Share data with devices and services.

Step 3: Enable the Allow all toggle.

Step 4: Scroll through all permissions and enable the Sleep toggle. Tap Done.

4. Clear Samsung Health Cache

Samsung Health collects cache in the background to improve the app performance on your wrist. The app may face issues with tracking sleep when it collects corrupt cache. Here’s how to clear the Samsung Health cache and try again.

Step 1: Launch Samsung Watch Settings and scroll to Apps.

Step 2: Select Samsung Health.

Step 3: Tap Clear Cache.  

5. Update Samsung Health

An outdated Samsung Health app on your phone or Galaxy Watch can cause issues with sleep tracking. You can update Samsung Health via the Play Store or the Galaxy Store on your Android phone. Galaxy Watch users need to follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Play Store on your Samsung Watch. Scroll down to the My Apps section.

Step 2: Find an update option beside Samsung Health and install it, or hit update all.

If you have an older Galaxy Watch model that doesn’t use WearOS, download the latest Health app update from the Galaxy Store.

6. Update Software Firmware

Samsung Galaxy Watch not tracking sleep can be due to a buggy firmware. The company is quick to resolve such problems with frequent updates. Here’s how to install it.

Step 1: Open Samsung Galaxy Watch Settings and select Software Update.

Step 2: Download and install the latest update.

7. Reset Samsung Watch

Do you still face issues with tracking sleep on the Samsung Galaxy Watch? If so, you may have to reset your wearable.

Step 1: Launch Samsung Watch Settings and scroll to General.

Step 2: Select Reset and follow the on-screen instructions.

Learn About Your Sleep Patterns

Follow the steps above and fix buggy sleep tracking on your Galaxy wearable in no time. Following the steps should aid your Galaxy Watch in displaying a detailed sleep report with light, deep, and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stages. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below. You may also want to consider using a smart ring for sleep and fitness tracking as it is less noticeable when worn during sleep.