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How to fix one of the most common early complaints about the Apple Watch

Published May 1st, 2015 4:40PM EDT
Apple Watch Digital Crown and Tattoo Issues
Image: Apple Inc.

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Apple has acknowledged two major issues with the Apple Watch that might affect your overall experience: Having tattoos might affect the performance of the device’s heart rate sensor and the watch’s Digital Crown can quickly become sticky.

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As MacRumors points out, some Apple Watch users have started complaining that the Digital Crown button can become “stuck” in certain instances. The button is absolutely required for some actions, and can’t be replaced by on-screen touches, so not being able to move it can be pretty annoying.

Apple has already posted up a support page on its website offering advice on how to deal with the matter. Basically, Apple advises users to check for debris and wipe the Digital Crown. The company even advises you to wash the Apple Watch and place the Digital Crown under “lightly running, warm, fresh water from a faucet for 10 to 15 seconds.”  You should also constantly press and turn the button as water runs over it – if the issue isn’t fixed, you can always go to Apple and seek more help.

The Watch is water resistant, so you can take showers with it and wash the Digital Crown as instructed if needed.

One other problem that might affect other Apple Watch owners is related to the heart rate sensor. Specifically, some buyers who have tattoos around their wrists said the heart rate sensor on the back of the Watch can’t register any readings, which means the Watch can’t be used for tracking heart rate during fitness activities.

Apple has yet to issue a fix for it, but Engadget reports the company has acknowledged the matter on a support page dedicated to the heart rate sensor.

“Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance,” Apple says on this page. “The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings.”

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.