Jeroen Peerbolte
Open the WHOOP app, go to Device Settings and switch on Heart Rate Broadcast. Your strap then sends a standard Bluetooth heart-rate signal that running apps, bikes and watches can read live. If it doesn't show up, check that the setting is still on and that only one app or device is connected to it.
What is Heart Rate Broadcast?
WHOOP has no screen. Heart Rate Broadcast lets the strap send your live heart rate to another app or device over Bluetooth Low Energy, using the same standard signal as a chest strap (WHOOP Support). It streams in real time: if the connection drops for a moment, those seconds are not filled in afterwards.
How to turn it on
- Connect first. Make sure your WHOOP is connected to your phone and Bluetooth is on.
- Open Device Settings. In the WHOOP app, tap the device indicator in the top right of Home, or go to More, then Device Settings.
- Switch on Heart Rate Broadcast. It sits under Status, next to the battery.
- Pair it in the other app. Open the app or device that should read your heart rate and look for a Bluetooth heart-rate sensor.
All WHOOP sensors can broadcast. WHOOP 5.0 and MG use Bluetooth only, with no ANT+ (WHOOP Support).
Which apps and devices can read it?
Anything that accepts a standard Bluetooth heart-rate sensor. WHOOP lists Peloton, Strava, Zwift, Concept2 PM5 rowers and ergs, Garmin watches, Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers and RunKeeper (WHOOP Support). Apple Health doesn't receive the live signal directly; it needs an app in between that reads it.
Battery
Broadcasting costs extra battery. WHOOP says continuous use leads to higher battery usage, without giving a number (WHOOP Support). If you only need it for runs, switch it off afterwards.
Troubleshooting
The strap doesn't show up
- Check the toggle. Heart Rate Broadcast can switch off after a WHOOP app or firmware update (WHOOP Support).
- One receiver at a time. Disconnect WHOOP from other bikes, watches and apps, or remove it there and pair again.
- Restart the link. Switch Heart Rate Broadcast off, turn Bluetooth off, then turn both back on and reconnect.
- Allow Bluetooth for the app. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Bluetooth, and make sure the running app is allowed (Apple Support).
Heart rate drops out or spikes on a run
- Wear it snug. WHOOP recommends about one finger-width above the wrist bone. If you can see the green lights, it's too loose (WHOOP Support).
- Keep the sensor clean. Sweat, lotion, dirt and cold can all affect optical readings.
- Expect some lag. Wrist sensors can trail or spike when your effort changes quickly, compared with a chest strap (Gillinov et al., 2017). WHOOP suggests its Body apparel (bicep, torso or calf) for activities with a lot of wrist movement.
Using it with ZoneTempo
ZoneTempo is an iPhone running coach that reads your WHOOP's broadcast heart rate and speaks your zone and pace over your music. What it does with the signal:
- Finds your strap by itself. No pairing screen: it picks up your WHOOP when broadcast is on, and remembers it for next time.
- Reconnects after dropouts. If the signal drops mid-run, it keeps trying to reconnect in the background.
- Never shows a stale number. If no heart rate arrives for five seconds, the zone is cleared instead of frozen, so the coach doesn't talk about old data.
- Shows the signal during setup. Onboarding shows your live bpm the moment the strap comes in.
ZoneTempo currently connects to WHOOP straps only. More on running with WHOOP in the WHOOP running guide.
Questions
How do I turn on WHOOP Heart Rate Broadcast?
In the WHOOP app, tap the device indicator in the top right of Home (or go to More, then Device Settings) and switch on Heart Rate Broadcast. Your WHOOP must be connected to your phone and Bluetooth must be on.
Which WHOOP straps can broadcast heart rate?
WHOOP says all its sensors can broadcast real-time heart rate over Bluetooth Low Energy. WHOOP 5.0 and MG are Bluetooth only, with no ANT+.
Does Heart Rate Broadcast drain the WHOOP battery?
Yes, somewhat. WHOOP says continuous use of the broadcast feature leads to higher battery usage. It gives no exact figure, so turn it off when you don't need it if battery life matters.
Why did Heart Rate Broadcast turn itself off?
WHOOP notes that the setting can switch off after an app or firmware update. Check it before a run if your strap suddenly stops showing up.
Can I connect WHOOP to two apps at once?
WHOOP advises connecting to only one broadcast-enabled device at a time. If a strap won't connect, remove it from devices you paired before and pair it again.
Sources
- WHOOP Support. Heart Rate Broadcast (June 2025). support.whoop.com/s/article/Heart-Rate-Broadcast?language=en_US
- WHOOP Support. Sensor battery drains too quickly (August 2025). support.whoop.com/s/article/Sensor-Battery-Drains-Too-Quickly?language=en_US
- WHOOP Support. What affects WHOOP accuracy? (August 2026). support.whoop.com/s/article/What-Affects-WHOOP-Accuracy?language=en_US
- Apple Support. If an app would like to use Bluetooth on your device. support.apple.com/102267
- Gillinov S, Etiwy M, Wang R, et al. Variable accuracy of wearable heart rate monitors during aerobic exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017;49(8):1697–1703. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001284
ZoneTempo is an iPhone running coach that speaks pace and heart-rate cues over your music. Free to use, with 3 Pro runs on us.
ZoneTempo is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by WHOOP, Inc. WHOOP is a trademark of WHOOP, Inc. Steps checked against WHOOP Support in October 2026; WHOOP may move menus in later app versions.