Apple Watch on Your Ankle? Here’s Why Some Users Prefer It

Many Apple Watch users prefer to wear their devices on their ankles instead of wrists. While this may seem unconventional, there are several reasons behind this growing trend. From improving tracking accuracy to addressing comfort concerns, wearing an Apple Watch on the ankle offers unique benefits. Below, we explore six reasons some individuals prefer this alternative placement.

Key Takeaways

• Wearing an Apple Watch on the ankle provides a better fit for small wrists.
• It improves step-counting accuracy, especially for activities that limit arm movement.
• Ankle placement helps users with wrist tattoos obtain accurate heart rate readings.
• It minimizes skin irritation for individuals sensitive to watchbands.
• Medical professionals and workers with wristwear restrictions can still track fitness.
• Some users prefer the aesthetic benefits of wearing their smartwatch on the ankle.

1. Better Fit for Small Wrists

Even the most secure Apple Watch bands might not offer a comfortable fit for those with smaller wrists. A loose fit can make the device move while you exercise. This can lead to wrong readings for heart rate and other fitness tracking features. By wearing the watch on their ankle, users can achieve a more secure fit, ensuring that the sensors stay in constant contact with the skin. This improves the accuracy of collected data and enhances the overall user experience.

A growing number of people are adopting this practice, as highlighted in a report by The New York Times. Fitness influencer Ana Espinal shared that her fitness app would often shut down during workouts due to her small wrists causing her watch to lose heart rate contact. She found an online community of users who solved this issue by wearing their Apple Watch on their ankles.

2. Improved Step Counting Accuracy

The Apple Watch relies on arm movements to count steps, making it an excellent fitness tracker. However, certain activities, such as walking on a treadmill at a standing desk or pushing a stroller, limit arm movement. In these cases, the watch may undercount steps because it does not detect the natural motion of walking. Wearing the watch on your ankle helps track foot movements better. This leads to more accurate step counts. It is especially useful for people who do activities that limit arm movement.

The New York Times report showed that the Apple Watch sometimes did not count steps. This happens when users push a baby stroller or walk on a treadmill while using a standing desk. These users found that wearing the device on their ankles provided a more consistent and accurate step count.

3. Overcoming Wrist Tattoo Interference

Apple Watch sensors rely on optical heart rate monitoring, emitting light into the skin and measuring the reflection. Wrist tattoos, especially dark ones, can block light. This can cause heart rate readings to be inconsistent or unavailable. By placing the watch on the ankle - where tattoos are less common - users can bypass this issue and ensure reliable health tracking.

4. Avoiding Skin Sensitivities and Discomfort

Some users may feel skin irritation, allergic reactions, or discomfort when wearing a watch for a long time. The materials in the watchband, sweat buildup, or even the tightness of the band can contribute to discomfort. The ankle typically has thicker, less sensitive skin, making it a more comfortable location for prolonged wear. Users who have wrist irritation might find it better to place their device on their ankle. This way, they can keep using it without discomfort.

5. Adhering to Workplace and Professional Restrictions

Certain professions, particularly those in healthcare, have strict hygiene and safety protocols prohibiting wrist accessories. Medical professionals, food service workers, and others in regulated industries may not be allowed to wear watches on their wrists while on duty. However, tracking daily activity remains important for those who log thousands of steps during long shifts. Wearing the Apple Watch on the ankle allows these individuals to continue monitoring their fitness without violating workplace policies.

6. Addressing Style and Aesthetic Preferences

Some people prefer not to wear a watch on their wrist due to personal style preferences. The bulky appearance of a smartwatch or the inconvenience of a wristband during everyday tasks can be off-putting for some users. Wearing the device on the ankle is a discreet way to track fitness. It also helps keep a clean, minimalist look. 

Supporting Evidence from The New York Times

A report from The New York Times over the weekend highlighted the trend of people wearing an Apple Watch on their ankles instead of their wrists.

The report identified several reasons why individuals prefer ankle placement:

• Some users with small wrists find the Apple Watch too loose for accurate heart rate sensing.
• Some people with wrist tattoos think the ink affects heart rate monitoring. Apple recognizes this concern in its support documents. Apple states tattoos can "block light" from the heart rate sensor, making it "difficult to get reliable readings."
• Some believe step counting is more accurate when the watch is worn on the ankle.
• People with skin sensitivities prefer ankle placement to avoid irritation.
• Medical professionals who cannot wear wrist accessories opt for the ankle instead.

Apple has not publicly addressed this trend; its official documentation only validates the device's heart rate and calorie measurement functions for wrist placement. While Apple has not advised against wearing the watch on the ankle, it does not acknowledge this practice officially.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Despite its advantages, wearing an Apple Watch on the ankle has some limitations. The main downside is that Apple did not design the watch to be worn this way. Because of this, some Apple Watch features may not work as expected. These features include wrist gestures, notifications, and ECG readings. Additionally, some users have reported misunderstandings, as an ankle-worn device may resemble a court-ordered ankle monitor. However, for those who prioritize comfort, accuracy, and practicality, the benefits often outweigh these concerns.

Conclusion

Wearing an Apple Watch on the ankle solves several common problems. These include fit issues, tracking accuracy, skin sensitivities, and work restrictions. While this is not the usual way to wear a smartwatch, it works well for those who find wrist placement uncomfortable. As wearable technology improves, users will likely find new ways to adjust their devices to fit their needs.

FAQ's

Q. Can you wear an Apple Watch on your ankle?

A. Yes, but Apple designed the device for wrist use. While some tracking features still work on the ankle, others, like ECG and wrist gestures, may not function properly.

Q. Does wearing an Apple Watch on your ankle improve step counting?

A. Yes, wearing the watch on your ankle can improve step-counting accuracy, especially for activities that limit arm movement, such as pushing a stroller or using a treadmill desk.

Q. Will my Apple Watch track my heart rate if I wear it on my ankle?

A. It depends. The Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor is optimized for wrist placement. While it may work on the ankle, results may vary.

Q. Is ankle placement more comfortable than wearing it on the wrist?

A. For some users, yes. Those with skin sensitivities or discomfort from wristbands may find the ankle placement more comfortable.

Q. Can medical professionals wear an Apple Watch on their ankle?

A. Yes. Since some professions prohibit wrist accessories, wearing the device on the ankle allows professionals to track activity without breaking workplace rules.