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Optical HR On For Activity Only

I am frustrated that it is not possible to switch the optical HR OFF for everyday watch use but ON for activities only. I want to use it when running and cycling, but don't want to use it for everyday monitoring. Why not? Well I have been using it for everyday monitoring since I had it, and now for the second time I am having a 'burn' like reaction to the sensor. See image (where this has healed after a couple of days not wearing the watch at all). So please Garmin allow this: optical ON for activities ONLY.

  • Are you sure your reaction is to the light of the sensor LEDs, and not accumulated sweat/bacteria/moisture etc? The sensor LEDs have so low power than any 'burns' should definitely not be possible.

  • I agree it sounds implausible. But am fairly confident. The image didn’t upload for some reason. But it’s a nice circle where the LED is. However you’re right maybe a skin infection right under the LED cause by sweat would also produce a circular mark that looked burn like. Still the experience is enough for me not so want the LED on 24-7!

  • You can easily try if it's caused by the LEDs. Without changing anything else, keep wrist HR turned off and activate it only for activities for a week. If the skin reaction doesn't change, it's nothing to do with sensor lights.

  • You can simply disable WHR (wrist heart rate) in the watch settings then switch it on when you do an activity. Unless you mean an auto setting?

    I can’t see Garmin accommodating such an unusual scenario I’m afraid. Most people want the exact opposite, to disable WHR during activity, in favour of a chest strap. This can now be achieved via source switching.