Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ & Help
The top sections called 'Top 10 Most Popular Questions' and 'Recent Known Issues' contain 95% of the most common questions we receive from users, all with steps to solve. Review this list of questions and answers first. For most people it just works 'straight out of the box'. But if you are having a problem or need a bit more information, then you'll find the answers below.
Recent Known Issues
App Crashing After iOS 18 Update?
Firstly, make sure when your iPhone updates to iOS 18 that your Apple Watch also updated to the latest WatchOS 11. We have found that iOS 18 does not like to play nicely with WatchOS 10. You can check your version by going into the Watch app on your iPhone (it is the black app icon with the watch image), and into General - Software Update.
*Users reporting this crash have found that a simple reboot of the iPhone and Apple Watch fixes the issue
If no luck with the reboot, follow the steps below exactly! It is very important to perform all these steps in the exact order to get the fix. Do not skip any steps.
***Especially 2 & 3 are these cause crashed Apple OS services to restart.***
1. Delete the AutoSleep iPhone app. It will prompt you to delete the local cached data and settings. This is ok. It will then confirm that you want to keep health data.
2. Power the iPhone off and on. i.e. Completely off and then back on as per this link.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
3. Power the Watch off and on.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
4. Download the AutoSleep iPhone app again. The App Store remembers past purchases from your Apple ID
5. Start the AutoSleep iPhone app and go through the setup process carefully accepting health permissions. MAKE SURE THAT ALL SWITCHES ARE TURNED ON when asked about health permissions.
6. After about 5 minutes, install the Apple Watch app from the Watch app (if required, it usually does this automatically).
This should fix the problem.
No Wellness Data Showing in AutoSleep
If you see the term "Failed" where data used to show like the image below, this is caused by an old setting you may have turned on in AutoSleep that restricts health permissions.
Make sure you have updated to the latest AutoSleep 6.14 version and reboot your devices following the update.
Follow these steps to fix:
Go to the AutoSleep Settings tab.
Select Advanced Options.
Scroll down and Turn off "support older watches" switch (see below image)
Force close the app by swiping up from bottom of iPhone and swipe up on AutoSleep (or reboot the iPhone)
Go back into AutoSleep and approve new health permissions that appear.
That should fix it.
If no luck above, follow the steps below:
It’s very important to perform all these steps in the exact order.
***Especially 2 & 3 are these cause crashed Apple OS services to restart.***
1. Delete the AutoSleep iPhone app. It will prompt you to delete the local cached data and settings. This is ok. It will then confirm that you want to keep health data. Do not delete the health data and you will be ok.
2. Power the iPhone off and on. i.e. Completely off and then back on as per this link.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
3. Power the Watch off and on.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
4. Download the AutoSleep iPhone app again from the App Store.
5. Start the AutoSleep iPhone app and go through the setup process carefully accepting health permissions. Say No to "support older Watches" during the AutoSleep setup. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT ALL SWITCHES ARE TURNED ON when asked about health permissions.
6. After about 5 minutes, install the Apple Watch app (if required, this may automatically install).
Contents
Top 10 Most Popular AutoSleep Questions & Answers
Question #1: My sleep data did not record?
Answer: Your Watch isn’t sending any health data to iPhone, or, the app has no permissions to read it. Click here to follow the steps to fix this issue.
Question #2: My sleep stopped tracking part way through the night?
Answer: What’s happening here is that your Apple Watch Health Data Synch to iPhone is incomplete. Click here to follow the steps to fix this issue.
Question #3: My sleep doesn't look accurate?
Answer: Easy, just perform a once only calibration using the Adjust/Calibrate option in the Clock tab. Click here to follow the steps to fix this issue. Remember you also have a choice between sleep modes such as using the data from the native Apple Sleep app in AutoSleep, refer to the Sleep Stages page for more information.
Question #4: Can I Use Apple's Sleep app and Sleep Stages in AutoSleep?
Answer: Yes, AutoSleep is fully integrated with the Apple Sleep Stages so you have the choice. Refer to the Sleep Stages page to learn all about it.
Question #5: Can I Use Apple's Sleep Schedules with AutoSleep?
Answer: Yes, but we strongly recommend turning off the option called 'Use Schedule for Sleep Focus'. Sleep Focus is an Apple requirement for capturing sleep stages and SpO2 data among other things. If this switch is enabled Sleep Focus will turn on and off automatically at the scheduled set times, so you might find it turns off Sleep Focus while you are still asleep if you slept past your wake schedule, resulting in missed/incorrect data. This especially catches out users on weekends. The easiest solution is to turn this off and just turn Sleep Focus on and off manually as needed. You can read all about using Sleep Focus here.
Question #6: My Smart Alarm Cannot Be Set Or It Turns Itself Off?
Answer: iOS updates can sometimes play havoc to iPhone and Watch connections. This can easily be reset following the steps in the below link.
Click here to follow the steps to fix this issue.
Question #7: I Cannot See My Sleep History Or It Disappeared?
Answer: This is either no write permission or not having background app refresh active.
Click here to follow the steps to fix this issue.
Question #8: Missing Environmental Noise, SpO2 (blood oxygen) or Respiration Rate
Answer for Noise: If you have a Series 4 or higher Apple Watch and you are not seeing environmental noise.
Refer to the "Why Don't I See Environmental Noise" section in the Specific AutoSleep Questions below for more information.
Answer for SpO2: If you have a Series 6 or higher Apple Watch and you are not seeing SpO2.
Refer to the "No Blood Oxygen SpO2 Data Showing" section in the Specific AutoSleep Questions below for more information. We also have a seperate blood oxygen page that goes through the setup steps: Click here to follow the steps to fix this SpO2 issue.
Answer for Respiration Rate: If you have a Series 3 or higher Apple Watch, on iOS15+ and WatchOS 8+ and you are not seeing Respiration Rate.
Refer to the "No Respiration Rate (BrPM) Data Showing" section in the Specific AutoSleep Questions below for more information. We also have a seperate respiration rate page that goes through the setup steps: Click here to follow the steps to fix this Respiration Rate issue.
Note: Apple restricts measuring blood oxygen and respiration rate if the age in Health is under 18 years. This can sometimes catch out users who may have swapped iPhones with their children and have not updated their date of birth.
Question #9: Do I Need to Use Lights Off?
Answer: No. Everything is automatic, but using Lights Off is great for tracking your time to fall asleep and eliminating false detection for people that lie in bed watching TV in a totally motionless state. Click here for more information
Question #10: I Work Shifts or Sleep Odd Hours, How Do I Setup?
Answer: This is all handled in your sleep schedule setup. Refer to the Sleep Schedules section in "Specific AutoSleep Questions" below for more information.
Recent Popular Known Issues
No Wellness Data Showing in AutoSleep
If you see the term "Failed" where data used to show, this is caused by an old setting you may have turned on in AutoSleep that restricts health permissions. Follow these steps:
Go to the AutoSleep Settings tab.
Select Advanced Options.
Scroll down and Turn off "support older watches" switch (see below image)
Force close the app by swiping up from bottom of iPhone and swipe up on AutoSleep (or reboot the iPhone)
Go back into AutoSleep and approve new health permissions that appear.
App Crashing After iOS 18 Update?
It’s very important to perform all these steps in the exact order.
***Especially 2 & 3 are these cause crashed Apple OS services to restart.***
1. Delete the AutoSleep iPhone app. It will prompt you to delete the local cached data and settings. This is ok. It will then confirm that you want to keep health data.
2. Power the iPhone off and on. i.e. Completely off and then back on as per this link.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
3. Power the Watch off and on.
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
4. Download the AutoSleep iPhone app again. The App Store remembers past purchases from your Apple ID
5. Start the AutoSleep iPhone app and go through the setup process carefully accepting health permissions. MAKE SURE THAT ALL SWITCHES ARE TURNED ON when asked about health permissions.
6. After about 5 minutes, install the Apple Watch app from the Watch app (if required, it usually does this automatically).
This should fix the problem.
Seeing Interrupted Sleep at Same Time Each Night
There is a bug in the latest iOS that is showing a period of interrupted sleep at the same time each night. For example, at exactly 2am each night. It seems to only be impacting a small number of users, but is different times for different people.
The iOS bug is that the motion sensor on the iPhone is reporting an occurrence at the same time each night, and AutoSleep is simply reporting what the sensor tells it. Users can go into the AutoSleep Settings, into Advanced Options and turn off the switch 'iPhone handled means awake'. Hopefully a fix will be coming shortly in an iOS update.
Seeing a Failed Message after activating Wrist Temperature
When you set up the AutoSleep app you indicated that you want to support older Watches. This disables noise and other newer features. Here is how to fix:
Press AutoSleep Settings tab
Go into Advanced Options
Turn off the support older Watches switch
Go back to Clock tab
Exit the app
Force close the app (swiping up, or reboot the iPhone if you do not know how to force close)
Go back into the AutoSleep app
Pull down to refresh and it should now ask you for any new permissions. Accept permissions and you should be fine.
Updated to iOS16/WatchOS 9 and No Longer Measuring SpO2 or Respiration Rate?
Apple have added a new requirement for background measures of SpO2 and Respiration Rate while sleeping called 'Track Sleep with Apple Watch'. This needs to be on the Watch you wear to bed. Steps to check:
Open the Apple Watch settings app (you can find it on your iPhone by looking for a black icon with an image of a Watch)
Scroll down and tap into Sleep, you will see a switch to enable called 'Track Sleep with Apple Watch'
If still having issues, we recommend reviewing the full setup steps incase another permission has been changed on your iPhone during the iOS update:
If you cannot find the Sleep app in the Watch app, you may need to install it again in case it was removed. You can do this by opening the App Store and searching for "Apple Sleep App" and it will appear. Alternatively, here is the link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sleep/id1505627600
Low Power Mode on WatchOS 9
Please be aware that using low power mode on your Apple Watch will turn off background heart measures and blood oxygen readings among other things. So it makes sleep tracking of little use as heart rate is one of the essential health metrics required. This will show an error in AutoSleep when opened if no heart rate data can be collected. Try avoid low power mode before sleeping. Here is the link to the official Apple site on low power mode and other limitations.
Various WatchOS 9 Bugs. Losing haptics/vibrations is one of them.
1. Remove the app from your Apple Watch by going into the Apple “Watch” app, on your iPhone scroll down until you find AutoSleep and then remove it.
2. Power the iPhone off as per this link. (i.e. Shut the iPhone down completely so that it restarts with the on screen).
https://support.apple.com/HT201559
3. Power the Watch off and on as per this link.
https://support.apple.com/HT204510
4. Now go into AutoSleep iPhone app and this should restore all permissions
5. Wait 5 minutes and then Install the watch app (using the Apple “Watch” app.)
I Am Only Seeing 2 Sleep Rings Instead of 4
You may have switched to sleep stage tracking mode even though you do not capture sleep stage data using the Apple Sleep app. You have 2 ways to turn this off and default back to the AutoSleep sleep analysis tracking:
(1) By Settings tab:
Go into the AutoSleep Settings tab and scroll down to 'Sleep Stages'
Turn off the switch for Sleep Stages. This will now default back to the AutoSleep Sleep Analysis mode
(2) By Sleep Session Graph:
Go into the sleep session graph by touching the graph on the Today tab, or the Clock tab.
Press sleep analysis instead of sleep stages above the graph
This is all explained in full in the Sleep Stages page.
Missing Complications on Series 3 and Below
We have noticed a WatchOS bug where complications disappear on the Watch Face and they cannot be seen when you try to re-add directly from the Watch, as no AutoSleep complications show to select from the list. We have no control on the complications edit sorry, this is controlled by the iOS & WatchOS. As a work around, we have noticed that you can use the Watch app on the iPhone to add the AutoSleep complications.
Open the Apple Watch app (black Watch icon) on your iPhone
Select the Watch face from the top 'My Faces' section
Add AutoSleep in the Complications list
They will now appear on the Watch again
If you haven't read the Quick Start Guide of AutoSleep's main features yet, we highly recommend this as a first step for beginners as it explains some of the common setup issues that catch out new Apple Watch owners.
If looking for instructions on how to use specific AutoSleep functions, refer to the User Guide, as it contains a list with links to all the different parts of AutoSleep.
Specific AutoSleep Questions
Why Am I Getting an Error Message?
Touch where it says Error Help in the middle of the screen. This will explain what the error is and provide a link to a page that will explain how to fix the problem.
Updated to WatchOS 9 Issues
Recently updated to WatchOS 9 on your Apple Watch and getting some strange issues? We have found missing haptics/vibrations a common reported one. To fix:
Remove the app from your Apple Watch by going into the Apple “Watch” app, on your iPhone scroll down until you find AutoSleep and then remove it.
Power the iPhone off as per this link. (i.e. Shut the iPhone down completely so that it restarts with the on screen).
https://support.apple.com/HT201559
Power the Watch off and on as per this link.
https://support.apple.com/HT204510
Now go into AutoSleep iPhone app and this should restore all permissions
Wait 5 minutes and then Install the watch app (using the Apple “Watch” app.)
iOS 15 Issue Only: I do not see any health permissions in iPhone settings for AutoSleep
Some customers have discovered a bug in iOS 15's health permission sheet after updating their iPhone.
Try this method instead:
1. Go into Apple Health app on iPhone. It has a white icon with a red heart.
2. Select Sharing tab.
3. Scroll down and select Apps.
4. Select AutoSleep. You can now manage permissions.
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Everything is Working But I Cannot See My History
All the history is stored in Apple Health so it can be shared with other apps and is secure and backed up.
Therefore you need to be sure that the AutoSleep app has read and write permissions enabled for sleep. Follow these steps:
1. Go into Apple Health app on iPhone. It has a white icon with a red heart.
2. Select Sharing tab.
3. Scroll down and select Apps.
4. Select AutoSleep. You can now ensure all switches are turned ON.
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Also, you may have turned off background app refresh, You check this by going into iPhone Settings, then General, then Background App Refresh and finding AutoSleep to make sure it is enabled.
If you do this, the history won’t be written unless you go into the app.
You can rebuild history by force/long pressing on an empty day in the history tab. This will show the clock view. If you press edit the history will be re-generated.
How do I Track My Sleep?
If you aren't sure how to track your sleep then refer to the Quick Start guide as a good first step. This section has many handy hints including how to setup your Apple Watch for sleep, capturing sleep data and monitoring your data, plus some great Apple Watch tips.
AutoSleep has two methods of tracking sleep. Either wearing the Watch or not Wearing the Watch. Wearing the Watch is the best method as it will capture information about your sleep quality.
If you do wear your Watch to bed:
Go to Sleep.
Wake up.
The other method is to track the time that you don't wear your Watch as a simple record of sleep.
If you don't wear your Watch to bed:
Put your Watch on charge before you go to sleep.
Sleep.
Put your Watch back on*.
* or touch your iPhone when you wake up then put your Watch on within 30 minutes. You will see the sleep on your clock once you put the Watch back on. Sometimes it may take a few minutes.
Sleep Doesn't Look Right?
If your sleep is not being accurately captured then please refer to the Calibrate section for sleep/wake detection. This gives directions on using the Adjust button in the Clock tab to adjust your sleep and help AutoSleep learn for future sleeps.
Want to Track Time to Fall Asleep?
This is optional, but recommended if you are interested in tracking how long it takes you to fall asleep and the benefits this gives to your sleep efficiency calculations. Click here for how to use lights off.
Can I Use AutoSleep with the Apple Sleep app?
Absolutely. They both work independently of each other. We have setup an Apple Sleep Integration page to answer all the common questions.
Watch App Display
You can use the Watch app to display "live" sleep updates and other details. Here's some info about using the Watch app.
Do I Need to Start and Stop my Sleep Tracking?
No. You do not need to press any buttons at all to track your sleep.
If you wear the Watch when sleeping and you want to optionally track the time that it takes you to fall asleep, then there is a "lights off" button on the Watch and also on the iPhone app. You can learn more about that on this page.
Need to Manually Edit?
You shouldn't need to use this, but there might be some rare occasions when you need to edit your sleep. First we always recommend using the Calibrate function, but for more detailed edits you can use the Day/Edit function.
Exclude a Day from History/Apple Health
If your Watch wasn't being worn or you just want to exclude a day from your history and averages, then you'll find this at the bottom of the clock screen. Refer to the Clock page and scroll to the Exclude section to see how.
How Do I Track Naps?
Any naps thirty minutes or longer will be automatically tracked as sleep.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you track your main sleep wearing your Watch then you should also wear your Watch when having a nap. If you do not wear your Watch when tracking your main sleep, then you should also take off your Watch when tracking a nap.
More information on multiple sleep sessions can be seen in the Sleep page.
No Blood Oxygen SpO2 Data Showing
Provided you have an Apple Watch Series 6, Oxygen Saturation in the health permissions needs to be on to see SpO2 in AutoSleep. To check:
Go into iPhone Settings, then Privacy, then into Health
Find AutoSleep in the list and make sure that Oxygen Saturation is turned on
You also need to ensure that background measurements are enabled to measure SpO2 while sleeping. Refer to the Sleep SpO2 page for instructions.
No Respiration Rate (BrPM) Data Showing
The requirements for respiration rate are an Apple Watch Series 3 or above and to be on iOS 15 and WatchOS 8, along with having the health permissions and Watch privacy setting for respiratory rate on. Additionally, respiration rate will only be measured if you you have the 'Track Sleep with Watch' setting on. To check this, go into the Watch app on your iPhone, then into Sleep and you will see the switch. This needs to be on the Watch you wear to bed.
If you have all this the thing that catches out users is that you need to enable Sleep Mode for the Apple Watch to record breathes per minute (BrPM) while you sleep. We have detailed all the setup steps in our Respiration Rate page.
Where is the Breathe App
The breathe app in Watch OS8 and above was moved into the Mindfullness app on the Apple Watch. This comes pre-installed with each Apple Watch. Refer to the official Apple link to understand more: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/apd371dfe3d7/watchos
No HRV captured by Breathe App
Firstly, HRV is not supported in China, Malaysia, South Africa and Turkey due to government regulations at the time of writing. Though it has become very reliable in WatchOS 8 and up, sometimes the Breathe app can fail to capture HRV.
The two main reasons are:
Your wrist moved too much or the skin contact between Watch and your wrist wasn’t solid for the duration. I tend to lie there with my arms by my side and it’s been very reliable for me.
The Watch needs a quick reboot. To do this, press the reset button and the crown together until you see the .
You can learn all about HRV in the Readiness page.
How do I set my Notifications?
This changed in AutoSleep 6 so you now no longer need to unlock the iPhone to get the notification and it will always be delivered at a set time.
Notifications & reminders are set on the Settings tab now. Refer here to learn about setting up notifications.
Also, on the Today view, on the Today’s Sleep tile you can set up the Daily Sleep notification.
On the Latest Bedtime you can set up bedtime reminders.
Where is my lovely Sleep Graph?
In AutoSleep 6, select the clock tab, scroll and then touch the sleep session below the clock. Here you will find a much nicer graph. We have explained this graph in the Sleep section on the Clock page.
Why don't I see Environmental Noise?
This feature requires iOS 13 or above and an Apple Watch Series 4 or above Watch running WatchOS 6+.
If you have all that and aren't seeing noise on your sleep session graph then there are two things to check:
Go into the Apple Watch settings app. It has a black icon with a picture of a Watch. Select noise. Turn it on.
If still not working, then go into iPhone Settings, Privacy, Health, AutoSleep and make sure that environmental noise health permission is turned on.
Everything is working but my sleep is wrong
There's an easy way to adjust your sleep detection with the Calibrate function. Here's what to do:
If you get no joy from this, then it is usually
Because your iPhone is reporting itself being moved but you have turned on the setting to say iPhone being moved indicates you are awake. This is also covered in the above link.
You activated lights out after your sleep. This is also covered in the above link.
Sleep Reporting Schedule (Including Shift Workers)
If you are a shift worker or your sleep is being cut off at a strange hour. Firstly, AutoSleep is fully automatic. You don't need to tell it when you go to bed and wake up.
However, what is important is to define the sleep reporting schedule. The purpose of this is to prevent sleep from being split across reporting days.
Night Hour
In the Settings tab, Wizard option, there is a panel called "Night Hour". This doesn't affect sleep detection, it affects sleep attribution. For example, if you set your night hour to 9PM / 21:00 then any sleep detected after this hour will be attributed to the next day. Any sleep before will be attributed to the previous day.
The default setting is 9:00PM to 8:59PM. This works well for most people.
What About Shift Workers?
The trick is to set your Night Hour to an hour that you are always awake regardless of your shift. We find the most common choices for shift workers are 6PM / 18:00 or 7PM / 19:00.
About Time Zones
AutoSleep shows the actual time you went to sleep instead of the adjusted time so you can see the true impact on your body clock.
It doesn’t really make a lot of sense to show an adjusted time, and, if you for example live in Sydney and travel to San Francisco it becomes comical as you arrive there before you left.
A few pilots have asked for a pilot mode that locks it at all times into your home time zone so you’ll always get a true 24 hour representation. This is on the current development schedule.
Why Do I Have to Set My Smart Alarm Each Night?
You must enable the alarm each day at some time on your Watch as this is an Apple operating system requirement of the native Smart Alarm functionality on Apple Watch. However in AutoSleep version 6.7 we introduced a Waketime Schedule as part of the Tonight's Bedtime, this lets you enable the smart alarm for any day of the week. We recommend reviewing the Configure Waketime section in the Tonights Bedtime page to understand more.
What Happened To My Old Lights Off Widget Before iOS 14?
Apple has removed the ability to have a widget when force pressing an icon in iOS 14. The old lights off widget can still be used on 14.2 or higher by adding to the Apple Today screen. Refer to the Lights Off page for information on setting up the Widget.
Switching from iPhone Tracking to Watch Tracking
If you select the Settings tab (the last button on lower bar in the iPhone app), then choose the Wizard option, on the second panel you will find the sleep method options. Go through the step by step Wizard and this will switch the tracking method. Refer to the Wizard section for more information.
Note: You can switch between these methods, but not on the same day. It is perfectly fine to do this on different days though.
How Do I Use HomeKit?
Please refer to the HomeKit page, this has everything in detail to understand how AutoSleep can work with HomeKit.
What are the Buttons Under HomeKit Switch on the Watch
These let you control HomeKit Scenes easily with just a tap, like turning off the lights. Please refer to the HomeKit page, this has everything in detail to understand how AutoSleep can work with HomeKit.
Not Seeing the Apple Sleep app Sleep Stage Data in AutoSleep?
Remember that Sleep Stages is only available for users with an Apple Watch Series 4 or above with WatchOS 9 or higher running. If you have both of those and you have AutoSleep sleep analysis data but no sleep stage data from the Apple Sleep app showing? Could be a number of things and you may have to contact Apple (they own the Apple Sleep app), but the most common ones we have seen are:
You have not setup the Watch to Track Sleep in the Watch app settings (requirement by Apple to track)
You did not put the Watch into Sleep Focus mode at bedtime (requirement by Apple to track)
There is a lag/delay in the processing of the sleep stage data, we have seen reports on this. Just allow some time, 1-2 minutes generally for the processing from Apple. Note that the Apple Sleep Stages processing will not begin until the Sleep Focus is turned off on your Watch.
I Am Only Seeing 2 Sleep Rings Instead of 4
You may have switched to sleep stage tracking mode even though you do not capture sleep stage data using the Apple Sleep app. You have 2 ways to turn this off:
(1) By Settings tab:
Go into the AutoSleep Settings tab and scroll down to 'Sleep Stages'
Turn off the switch for Sleep Stages. This will now default back to the AutoSleep Sleep Analysis mode
(2) By Sleep Session Graph:
Go into the sleep session graph by touching the graph on the Today tab, or the Clock tab.
Press sleep analysis instead of sleep stages above the graph
This is all explained in full in the Sleep Stages page.
I Am Using Apple Sleep Stages Mode But Only Seeing 2 Sleep Rings
Most likely you have Sleep Stages mode on and may have an older Apple Watch, as sleep stages requires an Apple Watch 4 or greater. If you do have a Series 4 or greater Watch, note there is a lag/delay in the processing of the sleep stage data from the Apple sleep app, where only 2 sleep rings will populate with data while the other 2 rings will wait to be processed by the Sleep app. Just allow some time, 1-5 minutes generally for the processing from Apple but we have heard of extended delays. Note that the Apple Sleep Stages processing will not begin until the Sleep Focus is turned off on your Watch. The processing time of the Apple Sleep Stages has nothing to do with the AutoSleep app as it generates from the Apple Sleep app, we cannot make it process faster sorry. Hopefully over time this will improve.
Why is Sleep Analysis and Sleep Stages Data Different?
Different sleep classifications and modes are used. Users have the choice of using either mode in AutoSleep. This is all explained in full in the Sleep Stages page.
Cannot Turn on 'Track Sleep with Apple Watch' because I have No Sleep App
If you cannot find the Sleep app in the Watch app, you may need to install it again in case it was removed. You can do this by opening the App Store and searching for "Apple Sleep App" and it will appear. Alternatively, here is the link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sleep/id1505627600
Can I Turn Off The Apple Sleep Watch Face at Night?
By default, with Sleep Focus mode enabled, you need to hold in the digital crown to remove the sleep watch face. This is a pain if you like to track your sleep during the night when you wake up as you can glance at the AutoSleep complication on your Watch. Luckily there is an option in the Sleep Focus settings, under options called 'Sleep Screen'. Steps:
Go into Settings on your iPhone and open Focus
Tap into Sleep
Scroll down to Options in customise screens (note their are multiple 'Options' button on this page)
Turn off the Sleep Screen switch
Can I Use Apple's Sleep Schedules with AutoSleep?
Yes, but there are a few items you need to setup. We strongly recommend turning off the 'Use Schedule for Sleep Focus' if using Schedules and just turn the Sleep Focus on and off manually. This is all explained here.
Why is Wrist Temperature Not Working?
You need to have an Apple Watch Series 8 or Ultra, plus it needs to be turned on in AutoSleep Settings, Track Sleep with Watch needs to be on and you must enable Sleep Focus each time. All details are explained on the Temperature page here.
System Error
Error Shows on Clock Tab
If you are seeing System Error on your clock face, you can touch it and AutoSleep will tell you what the problem is and how to fix it. There are two main reasons for errors:
These are either Watch / iPhone Settings Issues:
Is bluetooth turned on? Some people accidentally turn it off. It’s easy to do.
Are either of the devices in flight mode?
Did the Watch go into low power mode (< 10% battery)?
Do you have a passcode on your Watch? This is required for background heart rate data.
In Passcode in the Apple Watch settings app have you turned on Wrist Detection? This is required for background heart rate.
In Privacy in the Apple Watch settings app, both Heart Rate & Fitness Tracking need to be turned on.
Do you have a prominent wrist tattoo?
Are you wearing a Milanese loop or Stainless Steel band? These have poor skin contact and can prevent the heart rate sensor from working properly.
Or,
Apple's iPhone & Watch software gets more complicated all the time and therefore has more scope for possible problems & bugs. This especially common after an iOS or WatchOS update.
You can fix so many problems simply by "turning it off and on".
Power the iPhone and Watch off and on as per these links. i.e. Shut down completely and restart.
That usually fixes it. Otherwise the problem is usually due to health permissions. It may look like you have granted all health permissions but sometimes iOS just decides to ignore this.
To reset Health permissions and iOS and Watch health services and ensure everything works on the watch going forward, please perform these 7 steps. It is important to do all steps in this exact order especially steps 3 & 4 as this restarts the crashed system services on your iPhone and Watch.
Remove the app from your Apple Watch by going into the Apple “Watch” app, on your iPhone scroll down until you find AutoSleep and then remove it.
Next we want to turn all permissions off. Go into Apple Health app on iPhone (the app icon is white with a red heart):
Select Sharing tab.
Scroll down and select Apps.
Select AutoSleep.
Make sure that all the switches are turned OFF
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Power the iPhone off and on as per this link. (i.e. Shut the iPhone down completely so that it restarts with the on screen). https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
Power the Watch off and on as per this link. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
Next is allowing health permissions by turning them to ON. Go into the Apple Health app on iPhone (the app icon is white with a red heart):
Select Sharing tab.
Scroll down and select Apps.
Select AutoSleep.
Make sure that all the switches are turned ON
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Now go into AutoSleep iPhone app and this should restore all permissions
Wait 5 minutes and then Install the watch app (using the Apple “Watch” app if required.
Last chance saloon. If you get to here then it means the app has not been correctly installed.
It’s very important to perform all these steps in the exact order.
***Especially 2 & 3 are these cause crashed OS services to restart.***
Delete the AutoSleep iPhone app. Make sure you keep any data associated with it when it asks though. Note when you delete the app you get questions. The Keep question is the 2nd one.
Power the iPhone off and on. i.e. Completely off and then back on as per this link. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
Power the Watch off and on. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
Download the AutoSleep iPhone app again.
Start the AutoSleep iPhone app and go through the setup process carefully accepting permissions. MAKE SURE THAT ALL SWITCHES ARE TURNED ON when asked about health permissions.
After about 5 minutes, install the Apple Watch app (if required).
General Questions
Do I Need to Install the Watch App on my Watch?
No. The Watch app is optional. Your Watch will automatically synch all of the required sensor data to your iPhone as part of the WatchOS and iOS operating system services.
However, if you wear the Watch when sleeping, the Watch app is very useful as it will automatically show you your sleep information.
Can I Use More than One Apple Watch?
Yes. You can use multiple Watches. Just make sure that both Watches are on the same WatchOS version and are paired with your iPhone.
Here’s an explanation of how to set this up.
How Do I Stop My Apple Watch from Waking Me with Notifications?
You can enable Do Not Disturb mode. The best way to do this is to go into your Apple iPhone Settings app, select Do Not Disturb and then enable scheduled Do Not Disturb. This will automatically transfer to your Apple Watch.
You can also control this manually on your Watch by swiping up on the clock face. You will see a button with a crescent moon on it. Pressing this will turn Do Not Disturb on or off. This is all explained with images in the Quick Start page.
How Do I Stop My Apple Watch from Lighting Up During the Night?
If you swipe up on the clock face, you will see a button that has two Greek Theatre masks on it. If you press this it will turn orange and your Watch will no longer light up unless you touch the screen. This is all explained with images in the Quick Start page.
Can I Use Flight Mode / Airplane Mode on my Apple Watch or iPhone?
AutoSleep will still track your sleep if you put your watch into flight mode. The only thing to keep in mind is that the data will not be sent to your iPhone until you turn flight mode off whilst wearing the Watch. This may take a few minutes to complete. You can do this at any time.
Can I Turn Bluetooth Off?
If you wear the Watch to sleep, you can still track sleep without a bluetooth connection to your iPhone. As with flight mode above, you'll need to wear the Watch and have a bluetooth connection between your Watch & iPhone again for it to send all the sleep data to the iPhone.
Can I Turn my iPhone off at Night?
If you wear the Watch to sleep, you can still turn the iPhone off at night. As with flight mode above, you'll need to wear the Watch and have the iPhone turned on again for it to send all the sleep data to the iPhone.
How Do I Stop Bumping into Things When I Wake up and go to the Bathroom?
If you swipe up on the clock face, you'll find a button with picture of a flashlight on it. Touch this and you'll have a handy nightlight. To turn it off press the Digital Crown.
Where is the Watch App?
This is a lovely little bug introduced in iOS 13 and above. If the Watch app isn’t showing in the Apple “Watch” settings app on your iPhone then here's what to do.
You fix this by "turning it off and on".
Power the iPhone and Watch off and on as per these links. i.e. Shut down completely and restart.
The Watch app should now appear in the “Watch” settings app on iPhone so that you can install it to Watch.
Where has my data gone?
If you have updated AutoSleep and are not seeing your history anymore, then this is due to Apple Health permissions. You can fix it with these steps:
First we want to turn all permissions off. Go into Apple Health app on iPhone (the app icon is white with a red heart):
Select Sharing tab.
Scroll down and select Apps.
Select AutoSleep.
Make sure that all the switches are turned OFF
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Power the iPhone off and on as per this link. (i.e. Shut the iPhone down completely so that it restarts with the on screen). https://support.apple.com/HT201559
Power the Watch off and on as per this link. https://support.apple.com/HT204510
Next is allowing health permissions by turning them to ON. Go into the Apple Health app on iPhone (the app icon is white with a red heart):
Select Sharing tab.
Scroll down and select Apps.
Select AutoSleep.
Make sure that all the switches are turned ON
Note if on iOS 14 or under, you can find health permissions by going into the iPhone Settings - Privacy - Health - AutoSleep
Now go into AutoSleep iPhone app and pull down to refresh the data.
Not Seeing Sleep Mode Icon?
Sleep Mode is found in the Apple Focus app and required if you are looking to measure respiration rate. Provided you have iOS 15 and WatchOS 8 installed, you may need to go and setup the Sleep Mode in the new Focus app. This is found by going into your iPhone Settings, then into Focus. If you cannot see a Sleep option you have to select the + (add) icon and add in the default sleep mode. Here is the official Apple link for more details, as this is all controlled by the Focus app:
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT212608
Cannot add Complications?
Sometimes the Watch setting app on iPhone doesn't get informed that there are shiny new complications.
You can resolve by adding them directly on the Watch itself.
Why is it draining my Watch battery?
Well, it isn't really. There's an Apple install bug that sometimes doesn't end gracefully and keeps the comms open between your Watch & iPhone and drains your battery.
It’s very important to perform all these steps in the exact order. Especially 2 & 3 are these cause crashed OS services to restart.
Remove the Watch app (via the Apple “Watch” settings app on your iPhone - black icon with picture of Watch).
Power the iPhone off as per this link. (i.e. Shut the iPhone down completely so that it restarts with the on screen). https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
Power the Watch off and on as per this link. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
After a couple of minutes, install the watch app.
I Used AutoSleep on my old Watch, but now I've got a New Watch replacing my Series 2 or Below
Lucky you! There is just one setting to remember to switch off so you can extra functionality in AutoSleep. Go into the Settings tab in the AutoSleep iPhone app, then go into Advanced options, scroll down to 'Support Legacy Watches' and make sure that the switch is off.
I've got a Shiny New iPhone! How do I keep my data?
Everything is stored in the Apple Health database.
There are two ways to restore this on a new iPhone:
Using iTunes (my preferred method as it is faster and much more reliable)
Once you are happy your old iPhone is up to date and have decided on what you want to carry across to your new iPhone, turn on flight mode on your old iPhone.
Connect to iTunes on your Mac or PC.
Perform a backup, but, make sure that you have turned on the password protection option. As long as you do this, it will save all your encrypted data, such as health data, network settings passwords etc.
When you get your new iPhone, connect to iTunes and restore from the backup of your previous iPhone.
Using iCloud on iOS 11 or higher
If on iOS 11 or higher and you have previously enabled iCloud health synch then you restore your health data by signing into your iCloud account on the new iPhone. Then go into the Apple Health app and you’ll start to see all the data appearing. It can take quite some time for everything to show up. Sometimes a whole day.
If everything fails to show up in the app, then is sometimes due to permissions not being carried across. Usually deleting and re-installing the app solves this. But remember to press Keep on the second message that you get when you delete the app.
Finally. Always unpair the Watch from your old iPhone and set up as a new Watch on your new iPhone. The automatic method Apple provides is not very reliable.
I just updated iOS on my iPhone / WatchOS on my Watch and things stopped working.
The most common problems are updating Watch without updating iPhone, Updating iPhone without Watch, or doing automatic updates. Even doing things properly, there are some Apple Health synch bugs where system services are not correctly started after an update. Step 4 below usually fixes those.
When updating iPhone or Watch, here's what's important.
1. Never, ever do automatic updates. They break things.
2. Always update your iPhone first. This is in iPhone Settings, General, Software Update.
3. Then update your Watch. This is in "Watch" app (black icon with a picture of a Watch on it), General, Software Update.
4. When the update has finished, power both devices off and back on again.
Power the iPhone and Watch off and on as per these links.
i.e. Shut down completely and restart.
iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201559
Watch: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204510
In most cases, everything should now be just fine.
If not, then the update may have removed health permissions. Yes, honestly, they do this sometimes. You can resolve that problem below in the respective sections for each app.
Finally, in extremely rare cases, the update can corrupt the Watch's pairing to iPhone. You can solve that problem by unpairing then re-pairing as a NEW WATCH per this link: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT205025
Family Sharing Not Working
Family Sharing is enabled with AutoSleep (and encouraged by us!). We have found this solves the issue for most users:
Go onto the other person's iPhone who are looking to family share with
Open the App Store App.
Touch their profile icon in top right corner.
Select Purchased.
You can now download from Family Purchases.
Family Sharing has Stopped Working
We have heard of the rare issue in iOS 13. Many folk have been able to solve via this method:
https://www.iphonejd.com/iphone_jd/2019/04/this-app-is-no-longer-shared-with-you.html
We have also heard of some solutions by users who have fixed it by hiding the app from purchased apps and then restore it from account page.
If not, then you will need to contact Apple Support as they run the App Store and set up and control family sharing (developers have no access or control over this, it's all handled by Apple). Here's the link to use to do this: Contact Apple Support
Exporting CSV File Structure is Out
Refer here to the Exports page to see some hints for adjusting the separator
How do I Change Language in the App?
Go into the iPhone Settings app on your iPhone.
Select AutoSleep.
Change Language.
How Do I Improve My Sleep?
Your sleep is made up of key metrics. All these health metrics can be discussed in detail with your doctor. The below breaks up the metrics used and provides some common tips on how to improve.
Improving Sleep Duration
A lack of sleep over time can lead to health problems, it plays a critical part in your overall health.
Firstly, be sure that your sleep duration goal is setup accurately with the amount of sleep you feel you need to be refreshed. Suggestions on how to improve:
Be consistent with bedtimes, allowing a wind down time to relax before sleep. This includes weekends.
Start with small changes and increase over time, for example, if you currently get 6 hours duration, try a week getting 6hr 20mins, then the following try 6hrs 40mins.
Monitor the night to night changes. An option is to try use the Tonight's Bedtime feature in AutoSleep, that learns your sleep habits and suggests bedtimes to increase your duration. The 60min reminder before bed is also highly recommended to prompt you to start a wind down.
It goes without saying these days, but try avoid electronic devices before bedtime, and remove distractions like phones from your bedroom
Improving Your Sleep Bank
This one is simple, get more sleep. Go to bed earlier when possible and sleep longer. Do this consistently over a full week (or more) and you will see your sleep debt start to increase towards a credit.
Improving Sleeping BPM (Sleeping Heart Rate)
Throughout your sleep the heartbeat can vary according to your body’s physical needs. A goods night’s sleep decreases the work of your heart, however this is individual and dependant on health and external factors. Suggestions on how to improve:
Pay attention to the different factors that can influence your sleeping bpm, the obvious ones for most people being food and alcohol. Try avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
Diet choices and exercising during the day are important
Avoid eating after a certain time each night
Improving HRV (Sleeping HRV)
If you are finding a downward trend in your HRV, it’s a sign of your autonomic nervous system responding to stress and other fatigue related factors. Obviously there are things outside your control, such as your age lowering your HRV over time, but there are evidence based solutions to improve your HRV:
Try reduce stress and anxiety with meditation and breathing exercises. Try use the Breathe session before bedtime in the Mindfulness app that comes installed on Apple Watches to get started.
Exercise regularly and at the right intensity. If you already exercise a lot, try monitor your HRV if you adjust the intensity and timing of your workouts
Improve your sleep quality. Refer to the duration and bpm points above, as these are the key elements in getting extra quality. Good restorative sleep is one of the biggest factors of your HRV
Manage stress with box breathing. We have quite a lot of users who highly recommend this with results to show the improvement over time
Watch your nutrition, avoid alcohol, eat in moderation and monitor the times you are eating at night before bed
Try not to fixate too much on a single HRV measurement. Try the 7 Day Trend option in Eclipse Yourself to track longer term changes in your HRV
Improving SpO2 (Blood Oxygen)
SpO2 is unique to each person and their medical history, living at altitude, etc. The common research to improve your SpO2 includes:
Get plenty of fresh air during the day
Try exercise outdoors when possible
Setup indoor plants in your home or workplace where possible
Keep really well hydrated during the day
Try practice breathing techniques before bed (try the Breathe session under the Mindfullness app on the Apple Watch to start)
Be mindful of your diet with more iron rich foods
Improving Respiration Rate
This is your breathing while sleeping and there are ways to improve your respiration. Some common techniques include:
Breathing exercises to increase your lung capacity, including diaphragmatic breathing. Doing this over several weeks is recommended to see results
Sleeping position. Sleeping on your side can increase your lung capacity and improve your breathing pattern
Improve the air quality in your room, such as using an air purifier
Aerobic activities like walking, running and swimming will help the health of your lungs
Improving Waking Pulse (bpm)
Waking pulse is the gold standard measure for your resting heart rate first thing in the morning. So the lower the better. The Harvard Health report by doing these four things you can start to lower your resting heart rate and also help maintain a healthy heart:
Exercise more. When you take a brisk walk, swim, or bicycle, your heart beats faster during the activity and for a short time afterward. But exercising every day gradually slows the resting heart rate.
Reduce stress. Performing the relaxation response, meditation, tai chi, and other stress-busting techniques lowers the resting heart rate over time.
Avoid tobacco products. Smokers have higher resting heart rates. Quitting brings it back down.
Lose weight if necessary. The larger the body, the more the heart must work to supply it with blood. Losing weight can help slow an elevated resting heart rate.
Improving Temperature
AutoSleep will measure your wrist temperature variance. Your core temperature naturally falls in preparation for sleep. But if you help that along, it will be easier for you to fall asleep more quickly and deeply. The common recommendation for a good ambient temperature for sleeping should be around 18.3 degrees celsius (64.9 degrees Fahrenheit). The end goal isn’t to feel cold but to lower your core temperature (your body’s internal temperature). Additional to this, evidence shows that taking a bath or shower in the hours before bed can help your body temperature decrease in preparation for sleep.
Still Stuck?
Completely stuck or confused?
Please refer to our Contact Us page to see the options to get in touch