Can You Wear Apple Watch on Ankle?

Wearing an Apple Watch on your wrist is the usual way to go, but what if that’s not possible? Whether you're boxing, doing kettlebell training, or need your hands free while working, you might ask, "Can I wear my Apple Watch somewhere other than my wrist?" Specifically, is wearing an Apple Watch on your ankle a good idea? In this article, you will learn if wearing your Apple Watch on your ankle is practical, how it impacts accuracy, and the best watch bands for ankle wear.

Can You Wear an Apple Watch on Your Ankle?

Yes, you can wear an Apple Watch on your ankle! Just make sure to choose a band that allows the sensors on the back to stay in full contact with your skin for accurate tracking, especially when it comes to health metrics. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding if wearing it on your ankle is the right choice for you.

Is Apple Watch more accurate on wrist or ankle?

If you want the most accurate health tracking, you should wear your Apple Watch on the top of your wrist. 

If you're wondering if the Apple Watch is more accurate on your wrist or ankle, the short answer is: your wrist. Apple designed the watch with wrist wear in mind because of the veins and arteries in your wrist, which helps its sensors track vital health metrics like heart rate more accurately.

However, there are times when wearing the watch on your wrist isn't possible. For example, when I was boxing or doing kettlebell training at my local gym, I couldn’t wear my Apple Watch on my wrist. So, I strapped it around my ankle, which worked pretty good, at least for step tracking and movement-related metrics.

How to Calibrate Your Apple Watch for Ankle Wear

Calibrating your Apple Watch for ankle wear can improve the accuracy of your step and movement tracking.

Here are detailed steps to recalibrate Apple Watch for wearing on the ankle:

1. Open Settings on Your iPhone: Go to Privacy & Security > Location Services and ensure Location Services is on.
2. Enable Motion Calibration: Scroll to System Services and make sure Motion Calibration & Distance is enabled.
3. Find an Open Outdoor Area: Walk or run in a flat area with good GPS for about 20 minutes. (For Series 2 and later, you only need your watch. For Series 1 or earlier, bring your iPhone.)
4. Update Health Profile: In the Apple Watch app, go to My Watch > Health > Health Profile to update your details.
5. Reset Calibration Data (If Needed): In the same Apple Watch app, go to My Watch > Privacy > Reset Fitness Calibration Data if you're experiencing accuracy issues.

This process helps your Apple Watch adjust to being worn on your ankle, which is especially useful for accurate step tracking.

Recommended Apple Watch Bands for Ankle Wear

Normally, Apple Watch bands are designed for the wrist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the right fit for your ankle. From personal experience, I’ve found the Nylon Sport Loop to be a perfect choice for ankle wear. It’s adjustable, comfortable, and keeps the sensors in full contact with your skin, which is crucial for tracking.

Best Apple Watch Bands for Ankle Wear

• Nylon Sport Loop: This band is soft, flexible, and easily adjustable, making it ideal for different ankle sizes. Plus, it’s breathable and washable, which is perfect for active wearers.
• Stretch Bands: Stretchable bands are another good option, as they conform to your ankle without slipping, ensuring your watch stays in place during movement.

Reviews of Nylon Sport Loop for Apple Watch

Customers who have tried the Nylon Sport Loop for ankle wear rave about its comfort and snug fit.

Many also appreciate that it’s easy to clean and durable, especially for more active uses like sports or long work shifts.

Downsides of Wearing an Apple Watch on Your Ankle

While wearing your Apple Watch on your ankle can be convenient, it does come with some drawbacks:

• Harder to Access: It’s more difficult to check notifications, answer calls, or respond to texts when the watch is on your ankle.
• Less Accurate Health Tracking: Some metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen, and ECG readings won’t be as accurate.
• Increased Risk of Damage: The ankle is more prone to impact or contact with surfaces, which increases the chance of damaging your watch.

Final Thoughts on Wearing an Apple Watch on Your Ankle

Wearing your Apple Watch on your ankle can be a good solution when wrist wear isn’t an option. Whether you’re at work, working out, or just using a walking pad at home like I sometimes do, Apple Watch ankle wear will at least track your steps. However, it’s important to remember that other health tracking metrics from your Apple Watch may not be as accurate.

If you’re serious about trying it out, invest in a good band, calibrate your watch, and monitor how well it works for your specific needs. It’s not a perfect solution, but it can work well in certain situations, especially for step tracking.

Have you ever worn your Apple Watch on your ankle? Why did you wear it there, and how did it work for you? Let me know in the comments!