How Swim Data Sync Works on Apple Watch

Swim.com syncs your swim data from the Apple Watch to its online server, ensuring seamless integration with the iPhone app. Below is a breakdown of the process, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to avoid sync issues.

How Swim Data Sync Works

Data Storage & Syncing

• Swim data is not stored locally on your iPhone once transferred from the Swim.com Apple Watch app.
• All swim data and account information are stored on Swim.com’s online server and retrieved by the iPhone app.
• Your iPhone must have an active internet connection (WiFi or cellular) for swim data to appear in the Swim.com app.

Automatic Sync Process

• As soon as you end a swim, the Swim.com Watch app automatically attempts to sync the data to Swim.com’s online server.
• The sync process runs in the background, requiring no manual input.

How Data is Transferred

1. Direct Upload from Apple Watch to Swim.com Server (Fastest & Most Reliable)

• If your Apple Watch has WiFi or cellular data enabled, it can upload swim data directly to the server, even if it’s not connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
• This method bypasses the iPhone, making it the fastest and most reliable way to sync data.

2. Bluetooth Transfer via iPhone (Most Common Method)

• If your watch is paired with your iPhone via Bluetooth, the swim data first goes to watchOS, where it waits for Bluetooth transfer to iOS.
• watchOS and iOS manage the transfer, meaning Swim.com cannot modify this process.
• Once the swim data reaches the iPhone, the Swim.com app must be running (in the foreground or background) to retrieve and upload the swim data to the online server.
• If your iPhone has a poor internet connection, the swim data may get “stuck” in iOS and fail to upload.

How to Refresh the Swim Feed on iPhone

If your swim data does not appear immediately, try the following:

1. Pull down on the feed to refresh.
2. Toggle between the Progress and Feed tabs.
3. Force quit and reopen the Swim.com app.

Troubleshooting Sync Issues

If your swim does not sync, follow these steps in order:

1. Force quit the Swim.com app on Apple Watch
   ➝ How to force quit apps on Apple Watch

2. Force quit the Swim.com app on iPhone
   ➝ How to force quit apps on iPhone
   (Force quitting resets all app processes and allows them to restart fresh.)

3. Restart both your Apple Watch and iPhone
   (This clears any temporary data caches that may be interfering.)

4. Ensure:

   • Your watch and iPhone are paired via Bluetooth.
   • Your iPhone has an active internet connection.
   • Your watch is connected to WiFi (if available).
     ➝ How to connect Apple Watch to WiFi

5. Open the Swim.com app on both devices and leave them running for 2-3 minutes.

6. Refresh the Swim Feed on the iPhone app:

   • Swipe down on the Feed tab to refresh.
   • Toggle between the Progress and Feed tabs.

Still not syncing?

• Check for updates: Go to Settings > About > Check for Update in the Swim.com app.
• Create a test swim:
  1. Start a swim on your Apple Watch.
  2. Mimic a freestyle stroke with your arm until the app registers at least one length.
  3. End the workout and check if the test swim syncs.
  4. If the test swim syncs but your previous swims do not, contact support@swim.com for help retrieving potentially "stuck" data.

Preventing Sync Issues

Avoid These Common Sync Disruptions

1. Do not submerge your Apple Watch immediately after ending a swim.

   • Bluetooth & WiFi cannot transmit through water, and submersion can interrupt the sync process.

2. If your phone is left in a locker room or moves in and out of Bluetooth range, sync errors may occur.

   • To prevent this, disable Bluetooth on your iPhone while swimming and re-enable it when you’re ready to sync.

3. If your phone has a weak internet connection, sync errors may occur.

   • If your iPhone has poor connectivity, the Swim.com app may fail to send your swim data to the server.
   • To avoid this, enable Airplane Mode on your phone while swimming and wait until you have a strong internet connection before syncing.

Final Tips

✔ Best Sync Method: If possible, keep your Apple Watch connected to WiFi or cellular while swimming for direct uploads.
✔ Check Internet Connection: Ensure your iPhone has a strong data connection before syncing.
✔ Enable Background App Refresh: In iPhone Settings → General → Background App Refresh, ensure Swim.com is enabled.
✔ Restart Devices Regularly: Restart your watch and phone weekly to clear temporary caches.

For more support, visit the Swim.com Help Center or contact support@swim.com.