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Live Heart Rate Tracking

  • Updated

Note: Now gradually rolling out on Android. iOS coming soon.

Live Heart Rate Tracking lets you see your heart rate in real time during a workout. Your heart rate data streams directly from a compatible heart rate device into the Fitbod app.

At a glance, you can see:

  • Live BPM: Your current heart rate, updated in real time
  • Average, Min, and Max: Workout session stats that update as you train
  • Live Heart Rate Graph: A sparkline graph of your heart rate across the workout

Table of Contents

Requirements
Getting Started
iOS Setup
Android Setup
Using the Heart Rate Dashboard
FAQ
Bluetooth Device Setup (Android)

Requirements

iOS

  • iOS 26+
  • Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3
  • Apple Health access required

Android

  • A heart rate monitor that supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) heart rate broadcasting
  • Nearby Devices (Bluetooth) permission required

Getting Started

Start a workout in Fitbod and tap the heart icon showing "-- bpm" on the workout screen. 

Continue with the setup steps for your device below.

Note: It may take 5-15 seconds for the first reading to appear while your sensor connects.

iOS Setup

  1. Allow Apple Health access if prompted (first time only).
  2. Your heart rate will appear with a pulsing icon and sparkline graph confirming it's active.
  3. Tap the heart rate area again for heart rate details and a timeline.

Apple Health Permissions

Live Heart Rate Tracking requires Fitbod to have read access to heart rate data in Apple Health.

Granting access for the first time:

When prompted, tap Allow on the Apple Health permission screen.

If you previously denied access:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Health > Data Access & Devices.
  3. Tap Fitbod.
  4. Turn on Heart Rate under the Read section.

Having trouble with your Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3? 

Contact Apple Support for help with connecting your device.

Android Setup

  1. Enable the toggle for Heart Rate when prompted.
  2. Grant Bluetooth permissions when prompted (first time only - see below for details).
  3. Fitbod will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Make sure your heart rate monitor is on and nearby.
  4. When your device appears in the list, tap Connect.
  5. Your heart rate will appear on the workout screen once connected.

Android Bluetooth Permissions

Fitbod needs Bluetooth permission to find and connect to your heart rate monitor.

Note: On devices running Android 11 or earlier, Fitbod may also ask for Location permission. This is required by Android to use Bluetooth. Fitbod does not use your location data. If prompted, tap Allow to enable device search.

Granting access for the first time:

  1. When prompted, you'll see a system dialog: "Allow Fitbod to find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices." Tap Allow.
  2. You may be directed to your device's app permissions screen. Navigate to Nearby Devices > Allow.
  3. You'll be taken back to the Fitbod app automatically, and the device search will begin.

If you previously denied access:

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Go to Apps > Fitbod > Permissions > Nearby Devices.
  3. Set it to Allow.

Using the Heart Rate Dashboard

Tap the heart rate area during a workout to open a detailed view of your current workout.

Stats cards: Tap any of the Average, Min, or Max cards to overlay that value on the timeline graph as a dashed reference line. Tap again to dismiss.

Live Heart Rate Graph: A line graph showing your heart rate across the duration of your workout.

Sources: Shows which devices are currently providing your heart rate data (e.g., "Apple Watch" or the name of your Bluetooth monitor).

FAQ

Why isn’t my heart rate showing up?

There are a few reasons this can happen:

  • Permissions aren't enabled: Apple Health on iOS, or Nearby Devices on Android. On Android 11 or earlier, Location permission is also required for Bluetooth scanning
  • Your device isn't turned on, worn properly, or close enough to your phone
  • Your device isn't actively measuring heart rate
  • Your device is connected to another app: some monitors can only connect to one app at a time, so try closing other fitness apps
  • Bluetooth is turned off on your phone

I granted access but it’s still not working. What should I do?

Start by closing and reopening Fitbod, then make sure your heart rate device is actively connected. Start a new workout and tap the heart rate area again.

If the issue persists, try re-enabling permissions:

  • iOS: Settings > Health > Data Access & Devices > Fitbod
  • Android: Settings > Apps > Fitbod > Permissions > Nearby Devices

My Bluetooth heart rate monitor isn't being found (Android).

First, check your device:

  • Make sure it supports BLE heart rate broadcasting
  • Confirm it's in pairing or broadcast mode
  • Make sure it's being worn and detecting a heart rate
  • Check that the battery isn't low

Then, check your phone:

  • Move closer to your phone and tap Try Again to restart scanning
  • On some Android devices, Location services must be enabled for Bluetooth scanning to work

Does live heart rate tracking work in the background?

Yes. Data continues to stream even if you leave the screen or lock your phone. Your device must stay within Bluetooth range (~30 ft / 10 m). If too far, heart rate data will stop updating until you're back in range.

What happens if I lose Bluetooth connection during a workout?

The display will stop updating and show the last reading. Once reconnected, live tracking resumes automatically. On iOS, your Apple Watch continues recording to Apple Health even while disconnected from Fitbod.

Does heart rate affect calorie calculations or workout recommendations?

Currently, heart rate is displayed during your workout for your reference. It is not used to calculate calories or adjust your workout.

How do I turn off live heart rate tracking?

Open the Heart Rate Dashboard and toggle off Live Heart Rate at the top. Your preference is saved for future workouts.

Bluetooth Device Setup (Android)

Fitbod works with any heart rate monitor that broadcasts over Bluetooth LE (BLE). No special configuration is needed in most cases, just make sure your monitor is on and broadcasting, and it will appear in Fitbod's device search.

If your device doesn't appear, it may need heart rate broadcasting enabled manually. This is a device-side setting. Check your manufacturer's support documentation, or contact them directly:

Below are setup tips for a few popular devices:

Garmin

  1. Open the Heart Rate widget on your Garmin watch
  2. Select Broadcast Heart Rate
  3. Keep the Garmin watch on this screen while connecting in Fitbod

WHOOP

  1. Open the WHOOP app on your phone
  2. Go to Device Settings
  3. Enable Broadcast Heart Rate
  4. Keep WHOOP nearby while connecting
  5. If broadcasting is not enabled, your device will not appear in Fitbod's search

Not currently supported

  • Wear OS devices (coming soon)
  • Apple Watch on Android. Apple Watch is supported on iOS only, via Apple Health
  • Devices that don't broadcast heart rate over BLE to third-party apps

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