# Avatar stops/starts using Apple Watch series 3 **URL:** \ **Category:** Running\ **Created:** [January 4, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326 "2020-01-04T05:25:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sean\_Amann](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/sean_amann/32/526330_2.png) [@Sean\_Amann](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Sean_Amann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/1 "2020-01-04T05:25:51Z")
I can’t seem to keep my avatar running. I’ll pair the Apple Watch, go in-game and sometimes it won’t move at all, other times it’ll run steady and fairly accurately, but suddenly stops and starts. I found suggestions about turning on “do not disturb” during workouts and a few other things, but that didn’t solve it. I’m using the companion app and Apple TV 4K. Tried it with the iPad Pro (2017) and same issues. I have really solid internet. The Wahoo Kickr is rock solid via companion app. When biking, I use the Watch to keep track of HR. I do see dropouts from time to time (very sharp/fast drops). I can only figure there is a signal issue or that my Watch isn’t 100%. I see and read about people using the Watch with little to no issue. Any thoughts? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Thornton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/jim_thornton/32/499278_2.png) [@Jim\_Thornton](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Jim_Thornton)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2020, 9:58am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/2 "2020-01-04T09:58:14Z")
I use the Apple Watch for heart rate all the time when I run on Zwift and it works great for that. But once, when my run pod went out before an event, I used the Apple Watch for speed as well as heart rate, and the experience wasn’t so good. I think the main problem is that Zwift reads speed, but does not read cadence data from the Apple Watch, which in turn made for very herky-jerky avatar movement on screen. You’re better off with a run pod. ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Amann](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/sean_amann/32/526330_2.png) [@Sean\_Amann](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Sean_Amann)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 3:20am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/3 "2020-01-06T03:20:46Z")
Appreciate the reply Jim. What run pod are you using, if I may ask? ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Thornton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/jim_thornton/32/499278_2.png) [@Jim\_Thornton](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Jim_Thornton)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 10:57pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/4 "2020-01-12T22:57:38Z")
I’ve been using the Zwift RunPod since I started Zwifting, as it was an inexpensive way to try out the experience. You do have to periodically change the battery, but it’s a fairly solid bit of tech – nothing fancy, but it’s reliable. I get the occasional bluetooth dropout for a few seconds, but I’m not sure that’s the Zwift RunPod’s fault. My story above about my pod going out was because I hadn’t changed the battery. I do plan on trying a more advanced run pod in the near future, probably the Stryd, which records a lot more data and is rechargeable. ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Amann](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/sean_amann/32/526330_2.png) [@Sean\_Amann](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Sean_Amann)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/5 "2020-01-13T18:42:32Z")
I‘ve been thinking about trying the Zwift pod as well. Price makes it an easy try, and hopefully it’ll do the job without too much frustration. If I find myself wanting or needing more data, I’ll look to upgrade. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Sullivan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/mike_sullivan/32/198517_2.png) [@Mike\_Sullivan](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Mike_Sullivan)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 10:10pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/6 "2020-01-13T22:10:34Z")
I used both the apple watch and milestone(now Zwift) runpod for over a year. I would switch back and forth between the two based on whichever I coud get to work. One would work for up to several months and then not work so I’d switch. It was very frustrating. I finally gave up and bought a Stryd. It was expensive but it always connects immediately and it never drops out, which both the apple watch and Milestone would do regularly. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Thornton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/jim_thornton/32/499278_2.png) [@Jim\_Thornton](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Jim_Thornton)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2020, 1:09am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/avatar-stops-starts-using-apple-watch-series-3/195326/7 "2020-01-21T01:09:37Z")
Thanks Mike. It’s good to know the Stryd is very reliable. I really should make the jump.