Inaccurate heart rate readings on the Redmi Watch 5 Active can be caused by several factors. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
1. Wearing Position and Fit: The watch must be worn snugly but comfortably on the wrist, ideally just above the wrist bone. A loose fit can lead to inaccurate readings because the sensor may not be able to detect the fluctuations in blood flow effectively[3][9]. Ensure that the watch is not too tight, as this can also affect blood circulation and heart rate measurements[9].
2. Sensor Obstruction: Ensure that the back of the watch is clean and free of obstructions. Sweat, smudges, or foreign objects can interfere with the optical heart rate sensor, leading to inaccurate readings[3]. Regularly clean the sensor area to maintain optimal performance.
3. Skin Tone: Optical heart rate sensors, like those used in the Redmi Watch 5 Active, may not perform as well on darker skin tones due to increased light absorption[5][8]. This can result in less accurate readings.
4. Movement and Exercise Type: During intense or irregular movements, such as weightlifting or high-intensity interval training, the watch may struggle to accurately measure heart rate due to wrist movement and changes in blood flow[3][5]. Regular exercises like walking or running generally provide more stable readings.
5. Temperature: Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can affect blood flow and thus impact the accuracy of heart rate measurements[3]. It's advisable to take readings after warming up if you've been in cold conditions.
6. Hydration Levels: Dehydration can alter blood flow, potentially affecting the accuracy of heart rate readings[5]. Staying hydrated is essential for optimal performance.
7. Software and Firmware Issues: Sometimes, inaccurate readings can be due to outdated firmware or software glitches. Ensure that your watch and associated apps are updated to the latest versions[1][7].
8. Cadence Lock: This is an inherent issue with optical heart rate sensors where they can lock onto a cadence (e.g., footsteps) instead of the actual heart rate, leading to inaccurate readings[6]. This is more common during repetitive activities.
To resolve these issues, consider the following steps:
- Enable Heart Rate Monitoring: Ensure that heart rate monitoring is enabled in your watch settings or associated app[7].
- Perform a Manual Measurement: Sometimes, manually initiating a heart rate measurement can provide more accurate results[7].
- Reset the Watch: If other methods fail, performing a factory reset may resolve software-related issues[7].
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mib7O4I_wlo
[2] https://www.aim7.com/blog/smartwatch-wearable-technology-accuracy
[3] https://support.gonoise.com/support/solutions/articles/47001143509-the-heart-rate-data-is-inaccurate-what-do-i-do-
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/miband/comments/i6qa77/frequently_getting_completely_inaccurate/
[5] https://www.blackview.hk/blog/guides/how-accurate-smart-watch-heart-rate
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1ddh8i4/heart_rate_error/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZfBr9bw_w0
[8] https://www.komando.com/tips/lifestyle/bad-smartwatch-medical-advice/
[9] https://www.mi.com/pk/support/faq/details/KA-38278/