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How to Use Apple Watch as Heart Rate Monitor on Zwift

Zwift does not natively read heart rate from Apple Watch. This guide walks you through connecting your watch to Zwift using YoBPM, a Bluetooth heart rate bridge that takes less than a minute to set up.

Why Apple Watch Doesn't Connect to Zwift Directly

Apple Watch can measure your heart rate accurately during workouts, but it cannot broadcast that data as a standard Bluetooth heart rate monitor (HRM). Zwift, like most indoor cycling apps, expects a BLE HRM device, typically a chest strap or arm band, not a watch paired through Apple's ecosystem.

YoBPM solves this gap. The Apple Watch app reads your heart rate during a workout, sends it to the iPhone app, and the iPhone broadcasts it as a standard Bluetooth HRM that Zwift recognizes instantly. No extra hardware, no complicated workarounds.

What You Need

Tip: Place your iPhone near your trainer setup. It needs to stay within range of your Apple Watch and the device running Zwift for a stable connection.

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Install YoBPM on iPhone and Apple Watch Download YoBPM from the App Store on your iPhone. The Apple Watch companion app installs automatically. Open both apps once to grant permissions.
  2. Enable required permissions On iPhone: allow Bluetooth access when prompted. On Apple Watch: enable Heart Rate and Workouts in Settings → Health → Apps → YoBPM.
  3. Start a workout on Apple Watch Open YoBPM on your watch and tap to start a workout. You should see your live heart rate on the watch face within a few seconds.
  4. Start broadcasting on iPhone Open YoBPM on your iPhone and tap Start Broadcasting. The app will show your current BPM and confirm the Bluetooth HRM signal is active.
  5. Pair in Zwift In Zwift, go to Settings → Paired Devices (or the pairing screen before a ride). Under Heart Rate, select your iPhone's name. It appears as a standard Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Confirm the connection.
  6. Ride! Start your Zwift session. Your heart rate should appear in the HUD within seconds. YoBPM continues broadcasting in the background while you ride.

Required Permissions

iPhone

Apple Watch

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Zwift doesn't see my heart rate monitor

Make sure YoBPM is actively broadcasting on your iPhone before opening Zwift's pairing screen. Force-quit and reopen YoBPM if needed. On Zwift, remove any old HRM pairings and scan again. Your iPhone name should appear in the heart rate device list.

Heart rate shows zero or drops out

Ensure the YoBPM workout is running on your Apple Watch. The watch must be in an active workout session to read heart rate continuously. Tighten your watch band for better optical sensor contact. Keep your iPhone within a few meters of both your watch and Zwift device.

Connection works on iPhone Zwift but not Apple TV / Mac

Bluetooth range matters. Your iPhone broadcasts the HRM signal. It must be close enough to the Apple TV or Mac running Zwift. Many riders keep their phone on a shelf next to their trainer.

Apple Watch complication

For faster access, add the YoBPM complication to your watch face: press and hold the watch face → Edit → Complications → select YoBPM in a slot → press Digital Crown to save.

Does Apple Watch Heart Rate Work Well for Zwift?

For most indoor cycling (endurance rides, tempo sessions, and general training), Apple Watch optical heart rate is accurate and reliable. YoBPM delivers the readings Zwift needs without buying or wearing a separate chest strap. Read our Apple Watch vs chest strap comparison to see why most riders choose YoBPM.

Works With Other Apps Too

YoBPM broadcasts as a standard Bluetooth HRM, so it works with any app that accepts BLE heart rate monitors, including TrainerRoad, Rouvy, myWhoosh, Biketerra, and Bitgym. Set up once, use everywhere.

Ready to connect your Apple Watch to Zwift?

Download YoBPM and start riding with heart rate in under a minute.

Download on App Store

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