
To set up Strava on your watch, you'll need to make sure your device is compatible with the app. Strava is available on most Wear OS devices, including the Fossil Gen 5 and Skagen Falster 3.
First, ensure your watch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. This is a crucial step, as Strava syncs data from your watch to your phone. Strava supports both iOS and Android devices, so you can use it with your preferred smartphone.
To pair your watch with Strava, open the app on your watch and follow the prompts to connect to your Strava account. This will sync your watch with your Strava profile and enable tracking of your activities.
Setting Up and Compatibility
To set up Strava on your Apple Watch, you'll first need to check if your watch is compatible. Most Apple Watches are compatible, as the Strava app supports watch OS8 and later.
The good news is that this means you can use the Strava Apple Watch app on your Apple Watch 3 or later. This opens up a world of possibilities for tracking your runs and rides without needing to carry your phone.
Recording and Uploading
To record an activity using the Strava Apple Watch app, simply head into the app, select your activity, and the app will use your Apple Watch's GPS to track your runs, rides, and workouts.
You can customize the auto-pause settings by swiping right on the activity and selecting Settings. This way, your Apple Watch will pause the activity automatically when you stop moving.
When you've finished your workout, swipe right on the workout screen and click the Finish flag. Then, select Save to upload the workout to your Strava account when your phone is next in range.
If you can't see your workout on your Strava account, check the Strava Apple Watch app's unsynced activities by going to Settings and tapping Unsynced.
To record heart rate data on the Strava app, you need to allow Strava to access and update your health data from the Apple Health app. This will enable you to see your heart rate in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen on your Apple Watch.
To upload activities that aren't recorded on the Strava Apple Watch app, head to the Strava app on your iPhone and select Applications, Services, and Devices, and then Health to access the Apple Health uploads.
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Record an Activity
To record an activity, you can use the Strava Apple Watch app. Simply head into the app and select your activity.
The first time you use the app on your watch, you'll be asked to accept location and Health permissions. After this, you'll be able to record your runs, rides, and workouts directly from your watch and they will sync automatically to your Strava account.
You don't need to carry your phone with you when using the Strava app - the app will use your Apple Watch's GPS. This means you can track your progress and distance without needing your phone nearby.
To start recording an activity, tap the Strava icon on your Apple Watch, scroll and tap to pick the activity, then press the start button to begin.
Recording Heart Rate Data
To see your heart rate in the Strava app, you need to allow the app to read heart rate data from the Apple Health app. This usually happens automatically, but if not, a prompt will appear asking you to allow Strava to access and update your health data.
The prompt will appear on your Apple Watch, and you'll also receive a notification on your phone asking you to open the Apple Health app. From there, scroll down and enable "Allow Strava to Read Data" to include heart rate.
Once connected, your heart rate should appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen on your Apple Watch when recording an activity.
Upload Unrecorded Activities
To upload unrecorded activities, you'll need to head to your Strava app on your iPhone. Click on the cog icon in the top right corner to access the Settings. From there, select Applications, Services, and Devices, and then Health to access the Apple Health uploads.
You can choose to have your watch automatically upload activities from Apple Health to your Strava account. This way, any activities you record on your watch will be synced with Strava.
Installation and Authorization
To install Strava on your Apple Watch, you need to open the Apple Watch app and go to the My Watch section, then find Strava and tap Install.
Strava supports Wear OS watches from Wear OS 3.0 and above, including the Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
You'll first see a prompt on your phone asking you to authorize Strava for Apple Watch when you open it on your Watch.
To authorize permissions, you'll need to grant Strava access to your Health data, which you can do by launching the Strava app on the watch and scrolling down within the Health app.
You'll also need to grant Strava permission to access and update your Health data, specifically to read and activate your heart rate.
To install Strava on your Wear OS watch, open the Google Play Store from the watch and search for Strava, then tap to install it.
You'll be asked to sign in to Strava on your paired phone, and the app should automatically be signed in on your smartwatch, but there's a quick authorization step to add your credentials if not.
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Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot Strava on your watch, start by making sure your Apple Watch is up-to-date with its software.
Update your Apple Watch to the latest software version, as this can resolve many issues.
If your Apple Watch is already running the latest software, try restarting the watch to see if that resolves the problem.
App Not Launching
If the Strava app on your Apple Watch isn't launching, start by making sure your watch is up-to-date with the latest software. This can often resolve issues with app functionality.
Try restarting your Apple Watch, as a simple reboot can sometimes resolve the problem. This is a common troubleshooting step that's worth trying before moving on to more advanced solutions.
Remove
If you're having issues with your Apple Watch and Strava, removing the app might not be the solution you're looking for.
The Apple Watch has a standalone Strava app that's compatible with the device, but it's minimal in terms of customization of the data screens.

Removing the app won't help you access the excellent Workout app on the Apple Watch itself.
You can link Apple Health data to Strava and sync workouts manually, which means you get all the benefits of Apple's baked-in running features.
This workaround allows you to grab Apple Workout badges and all-new Training Load data in watchOS 11, and still get all your data synced to Strava.
Device-Specific Guides
You can sync your Garmin watch with Strava via the Garmin Connect Mobile app and Bluetooth on your smartphone, allowing new activities to sync to Strava automatically.
To set up the connection, head to the settings section of the Connect app, go to Connected Apps, select Strava, and set up your connection and preferences.
If you have a Samsung Watch, you can install the Strava app from the Galaxy Store, but you'll need to visit the Strava page from a desktop to connect your Strava account and receive a four-digit code to link up your device.
Using Samsung Devices

If you've got a Samsung smartwatch, you can install the Strava app on your Samsung Gear device from the Galaxy Store.
You'll need to visit the Strava page from a desktop to connect your Strava account and receive a four-digit code to link up your device.
Devices after the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic use Wear OS, and the installation method is slightly different.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a great pick for Samsung smartwatches, thanks to solid heart rate performance.
You can also choose the Galaxy Watch 7, which runs on Wear OS 5 and allows access to rebuilt apps for Wear, including Strava.
From the Strava Wear OS app, you can record a run, ride, walk, or hike, and even offers Nordic ski and e-bike modes.
If you subscribe to Strava, you can access the Beacon safety feature.
Here are some Samsung devices that support Strava:
The interface on Samsung devices is simplified, showing time, pace, or speed, plus distance and heart rate.
Best Suunto
If you're in the market for a new Suunto watch, there are several options to consider. The Suunto 9 Peak is a top choice for its advanced features and sleek design.
One of the standout features of the Suunto 9 Peak is its compatibility with Strava Live Segments. This allows users to track their progress and compete with others in real-time.
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is another popular option, offering even more advanced features and a longer battery life. It's perfect for athletes who need a reliable and accurate watch.
For those who prefer a more basic model, the Suunto 9 Baro is a great option. It still offers all the essential features, including GPS and heart rate monitoring.
The Suunto Vertical is also worth considering, especially for those who enjoy hiking and backpacking. It's a rugged and reliable watch that can withstand even the toughest conditions.
Here are some of the best Suunto watches with Strava Live Segments:
- Suunto 9 Peak
- Suunto 9 Peak Pro
- Suunto 9 Baro
- Suunto Vertical
Coros
Coros watches offer seamless integration with Strava, allowing you to upload workout data, including runs and rides, directly to the app.
You can even create routes on Strava and send them to your Coros watch for navigation, but this feature only works with Apex and Vertix devices.
The Coros Pace 3 is a top running watch that makes it easy to sync workout data with Strava.
To sync workout data, you'll need to connect your Coros account to Strava in the same way as Garmin and Polar devices.
Suunto watches also enable you to view all your run, ride, and swim data in Strava for a comprehensive picture of your activities.
The Coros Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro offer advanced features for those who want more from their device.
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Amazfit
Amazfit smartwatches are a great option for those on a budget, offering impressive workout accuracy and a range of health and fitness features.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3, Amazfit GTS 4, and Amazfit Active 2 are top options for syncing to Strava.
All Amazfit smartwatches come packed with GPS, which is accurate, and a variety of sports modes, including running, cycling, and swimming.
Each Amazfit smartwatch also features SpO2 blood oxygen, stress tracking, and sleep monitoring.
The Zepp app is a great place to view workouts, but it can't compare to Strava for analysis, motivation, and social interactions.
Luckily, the Zepp platform is the only budget smartwatch manufacturer with Strava support.
If you're looking for a low-cost smartwatch that delivers, Amazfit is definitely worth considering.
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