> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gymlive.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Apple Watch Connection

> Connect Apple Watch for real-time workout tracking with GymLive

# Apple Watch Live Connection

Connect your Apple Watch to GymLive for real-time heart rate and calorie tracking during live workout classes. The GymLive companion app on your Apple Watch automatically pairs with your iPhone when both devices are linked to the same Apple account.

<Info>
  Requires iPhone with GymLive app installed and Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 7.0+.
</Info>

## Compatible Devices

### Supported Apple Watch Models

* Apple Watch Ultra 2
* Apple Watch Ultra
* Apple Watch Series 9
* Apple Watch Series 8
* Apple Watch Series 7
* Apple Watch Series 6
* Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
* Apple Watch SE
* Apple Watch Series 5
* Apple Watch Series 4
* Apple Watch Series 3

## Installation Guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Companion Watch App">
    You can install the GymLive companion app in two ways:

    **Option 1: From App Store on iPhone**

    1. Open the **App Store** on your iPhone
    2. Search for **GymLive**
    3. Tap **Install on Apple Watch** (if available)
    4. Select your watch from the list
    5. The app will install automatically on your watch

    **Option 2: From Watch App Store**

    1. Open the **App Store** directly on your Apple Watch
    2. Search for **GymLive**
    3. Tap **Install**
    4. Wait for installation to complete

    <Tip>
      Make sure your watch is connected to your iPhone and has internet access during installation.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open App on Both Devices">
    After installation:

    1. Open **GymLive** on your iPhone
    2. Open **GymLive** on your Apple Watch
    3. Both apps should be running and ready

    <Note>
      The apps will automatically sync if both devices are signed in to the same Apple account.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connecting During Live Classes

<Steps>
  <Step title="Join or Host a Live Workout Class">
    Start by joining or hosting any live workout class:

    1. Open GymLive on your iPhone
    2. **Join** an existing class, or
    3. **Host** your own live workout class

    <Info>
      You can be either a participant or a coach - both work the same way.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Apple Watch from Device List">
    Once in the class:

    1. Look for the **device list** options
    2. Tap **Apple Watch** from the available devices
    3. The app will automatically pair with your watch

    <Warning>
      Automatic pairing only works if your iPhone and Apple Watch are linked to the same Apple account. If they're not, you'll need to sign in to the same account on both devices first.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Workout or Join Class">
    **If you're the coach:**

    1. Press **Start Workout** when ready
    2. Your heart rate and calories will begin updating once the class begins

    **If you're a participant:**

    1. Simply **Join Class** and wait for it to begin
    2. Once the coach starts the class, your heart rate and calories will automatically start updating

    <Tip>
      Make sure your Apple Watch is properly fitted on your wrist for accurate heart rate readings.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How It Works

### Automatic Pairing

When you select Apple Watch from the device list:

* GymLive checks if your iPhone and Apple Watch are linked to the same Apple account
* If they are, pairing happens automatically - no manual connection needed
* Your watch's heart rate and calorie data streams to the live class in real-time

### Real-Time Data

Once the class begins:

* **Heart Rate**: Updates continuously from your Apple Watch sensor
* **Calories**: Calculated based on your heart rate and activity
* **Live Display**: Your coach and other participants can see your metrics in real-time

<Info>
  Data only starts streaming when the class actually begins, not when you join.
</Info>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Watch app not installing">
    1. Check that your watch is paired with your iPhone
    2. Ensure both devices have internet connection
    3. Make sure your watch has sufficient storage space
    4. Try restarting both devices
    5. Install from the Watch app on iPhone: Settings > My Watch > Available Apps
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Automatic pairing not working">
    1. Verify both devices are signed in to the same Apple account:
       * iPhone: Settings > \[Your Name]
       * Watch: Settings > \[Your Name] (on watch)
    2. Make sure both GymLive apps are open
    3. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on iPhone
    4. Ensure watch is connected to iPhone (check Watch app)
    5. Try closing and reopening both apps
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Heart rate not updating">
    1. Ensure your watch is properly fitted (snug but comfortable)
    2. Clean the heart rate sensor on the back of the watch
    3. Make sure the class has actually started (data only streams during active classes)
    4. Check that you selected Apple Watch from the device list
    5. Verify watch battery is above 20%
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Calories not showing">
    1. Heart rate must be working first
    2. Wait for the class to begin - calories only update during active sessions
    3. Make sure you're wearing the watch during the workout
    4. Check that Health permissions are granted on iPhone
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Proper Fit" icon="ruler">
    Wear watch snugly, one finger above wrist bone for accurate readings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clean Sensor" icon="spray-can">
    Wipe the heart rate sensor regularly for best accuracy
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fully Charged" icon="battery-full">
    Charge your watch before long workout sessions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Same Account" icon="user-check">
    Ensure iPhone and Watch use the same Apple account for auto-pairing
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Privacy & Permissions

GymLive requires the following permissions:

* **Health Data Access**: To read heart rate and activity data
* **Motion & Fitness**: For accurate calorie calculations
* **Bluetooth**: To communicate between iPhone and Watch

<Note>
  All health data is encrypted and only shared during active workout sessions. You control what data is shared.
</Note>

## Related Resources

* [Apple Watch User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/welcome/watchos)
* [GymLive Troubleshooting Guide](/integrations/troubleshooting)