Can Tattoos Affect SmartWatch Functions? (Solved!)

This site contains affiliate links to products, and we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

There is no doubt that tattoos are becoming more and more popular. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly half of all millennials have at least one tattoo. As tattoos become more mainstream, you may be wondering if tattoos affect Smartwatch functions.

Tattoos can interfere with the smartwatch’s functions. This is because the smartwatch uses optical sensors to track your heartbeat and oxygen levels in your blood. If you have a tattoo on your wrist, it could block the light from these sensors and prevent the watch from getting an accurate reading.

In this blog post, I will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide some solutions.

Can Tattoos Affect SmartWatch Functions
Photo by Ryan Grice from Pexels

Can Tattoos Affect SmartWatch Functions?

Tattoos can affect the smartwatch’s functions in a few ways.

Blocking the Optical Sensors

One way is that the tattoo can block the light from the optical sensors. This would prevent the watch from getting an accurate reading of your heartbeat and oxygen levels in your blood.

The optical sensors are located on the underside of the watch. They use light to track your heartbeat and oxygen levels in your blood. If you have a tattoo on your wrist, it could block the light from these sensors and prevent the watch from getting an accurate reading.

In addition, tattoos can cause skin irritation that can lead to swelling and inflammation. This can also block the light from the optical sensors and prevent the watch from getting an accurate reading.

If you have a tattoo on your wrist, carefully monitor the swelling and inflammation. If you notice any increase in swelling or inflammation, please consult your doctor immediately.

Interfering with Electric Signals

Another way that tattoos can affect the smartwatch’s functions is by interfering with the electric signals. The watch uses electric signals to communicate with the sensors.

A tattoo in between the watch and the sensors could interfere with the electric signals and prevent the watch from working correctly.

READ MORE! Why Does My Smartwatch Flash Green?

Tattoo Ink Can Get into the Watch

Another way that tattoos can affect the smartwatch’s functions is by getting tattoo ink into the watch. If you have a tattoo on your wrist, there is a chance that the tattoo ink could get into the watch.

This would cause the watch to malfunction.

If you consider getting a tattoo on your wrist, it is essential to consult with your doctor or tattoo artist first. They will be able to advise you on the best way to avoid this problem.

What Can You Do?

If you have a tattoo on your wrist, you can do a few things to prevent it from affecting the smartwatch’s functions.

Use a Band-Aid

You can use a band-aid to cover the tattoo. This will help to protect the tattoo from the watch’s optical sensors. Band-aids are also effective at protecting the tattoo from getting irritated.

Use it on an Untattooed Part of Your Skin

You can also use the watch on an untattooed part of your skin. This will prevent the tattoo from blocking the light from the optical sensors.

Ankles and forearms are good places to use the watch if you have a tattoo on your wrist.

READ MORE! Can You Wear a Bluetooth Watch on the Inside of Your Wrist?

Get It Checked Out by a Professional

If you have a tattoo on your wrist and have problems with the smartwatch’s functions, it is important to get it checked out by a professional. They will be able to identify the cause of the problem and provide you with a solution.

Get a New Watch

If you are concerned about your tattoo affecting the smartwatch’s functions, you can get a new watch. There are a number of Smartwatches on the market that are designed to be used with tattoos.

Monitor Swelling and Inflammation

If you have a tattoo on your wrist, carefully monitor the swelling and inflammation. If you notice any increase in swelling or inflammation, please consult your doctor immediately.

Turn off Wrist Detection

Another thing you can do is to turn off wrist detection. This will prevent the watch from trying to take a reading from your wrist.

To do this, go to the Settings menu on your watch and select “Wrist Detection.”

Wear an External Heart Rate Monitor

If you are concerned about the tattoo on your wrist affecting the smartwatch’s functions, you can wear an external heart rate monitor.

This will allow you to still get accurate readings from the watch.

FAQs

Can Tattoos Affect Smart Watch Functions?

Yes, tattoos can affect the smartwatch’s functions. The watch uses electric signals to communicate with the sensors. A tattoo in between the watch and the sensors could interfere with the electric signals and prevent the watch from working properly.

There is also a chance that the tattoo ink could get into causing the watch to malfunction.

Are There Any Precautions People with Tattoos Should Take When Using a Smartwatch?

If you have a tattoo on your wrist, there are a few things you can use as a band-aid to cover the tattoo. This will help to protect the tattoo from the watch’s optical sensors. Band-aids are also effective at protecting the tattoo from getting irritated.

You can use the watch on an untattooed part of your skin to prevent the tattoo from blocking the light from the optical sensors.

What Should I Do If My Tattoo is Affecting My Smartwatch’s Functions?

If you have a tattoo on your wrist and you are having problems with the smartwatch’s functions, it is important to get it checked out by a professional. They will be able to identify the cause of the problem and provide you with a solution.

They will be able to advise you on the best way to avoid this problem.

READ MORE! The Correct SmartWatch for You in 2022! (Cheat Sheet!)

Final Thoughts

Tattoos can affect the functions of Smartwatches. This is because the watch uses electric signals to communicate with the sensors. A tattoo in between the watch and the sensors could interfere with the electric signals and prevent the watch from working properly.

I hope this article has answered the questions you have on whether tattoos affect the functions of a smartwatch and how to fix this problem.


Espen is the Director of ProPairing

Espen

Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.


Similar Posts