People wearing Apple Watch on ankles? The reason is not what you think

Apple Watch

If you have seen people wearing Apple Watch strapped to their ankle in TikTok or Instagram reels, you are not alone. A lot of people are ditching their wrists and wearing the smartwatch lower down. Well, this trend is not just for fun, people have a reason behind it.

It turns out, for some users, the Apple Watch doesn’t work well on their wrists. People with small wrists often struggle to get an accurate heart-rate reading because most of the time, the strap does not fit well. People with wrist tattoos also fail to get accurate results, they say the sensors can get confused, according to a report by The New York Times. Others, like healthcare workers, aren’t allowed to wear watches on their hands at work, so the ankle is the next best option.

The trend has taken off on TikTok, where users are sharing creative ways to make it work. Some have found that Velcro straps do the job, while others have repurposed bands from discount stores like Marshalls.

Apple hasn’t said anything about this ankle-wearing trend, but the company has previously stated that the watch is designed for the wrist. Still, that hasn’t stopped people from experimenting. Many say they’re getting accurate readings, and some even find it more comfortable.

Will Apple ever make an official ankle band? Probably not. But this trend shows how people find their own solutions—whether it’s for better tracking, workplace rules, or just because they feel like it. For now, the “smart anklet” is here, and it’s making waves.