Chest HRM Help & Support
Let's get your Chest HRM connected.
No tech skills needed. Follow the simple steps below and you'll be tracking your heart rate in just a few minutes.
The one rule that fixes most problems: Put the strap on your body before you try to connect. The monitor only wakes up when it touches your skin. If it's sitting on a table, your phone can't find it.
Connect in 6 simple steps
Do these in order. Take your time — there's no rush.
Wet the two pads
On the back of the strap are two textured pads. Splash a little water on them. This is the most important step for an accurate reading — do it every single time.
Clip on the sensor
Snap the small sensor button onto the strap. The little "L" mark should point to your left side.
Put the strap on
Wear it around your chest, just below your chest muscles. Tighten until snug but comfortable, with the wet pads flat against your skin.
Clear any old connection
Open your phone's Settings → Bluetooth. If you see the heart monitor listed, tap it and choose "Forget This Device." This is the #1 cause of connection trouble.
Open your fitness app
Open the app you want to use (Strava, Polar Beat, Elite HRV, etc.). Find its "heart rate" or "sensor" screen and let it search. Connect from inside the app — not from the phone's main Bluetooth menu.
Watch for the white light
When it connects, a white light flashes for about 20 seconds, then turns off. That's normal — it means you're connected and ready to go!
One device at a time. The monitor can only talk to one app or device at once. If your phone grabbed it, your watch or app won't connect until you "Forget" it on the phone first.
What the light is telling you
The small white light is your status signal. Here's what each pattern means.
Flashes ~20 seconds, then goes off
You're connected! The light turning off is completely normal. Nothing more to do — start training.
Goes off sooner than 20 seconds
The connection dropped. Try connecting again from your app, and make sure no other device is already using the monitor.
No light at all
The monitor isn't awake. Wet the pads and put the strap on your skin. If there's still no light, it's time for a fresh battery (see below).
Troubleshooting & common fixes
Tap any question to see the simple fix.
It won't connect / my app can't find it
This is almost always your phone holding onto the connection. Do this:
- Put the strap on — skin contact wakes it up.
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth and tap "Forget" if the monitor is listed.
- Fully close your fitness app, then reopen it.
- Connect from the app's heart rate / sensor screen, not the phone's Bluetooth menu.
- Still stuck? If your device supports ANT+, try connecting that way.
The heart rate looks wrong or jumps around
Almost always caused by dry pads or a loose strap.
- Wet the two pads before every session — dry pads cause bad readings.
- Make sure both pads sit flat against your skin and the strap is centered.
- Tighten the strap so it doesn't slide around.
- Try switching between Bluetooth and ANT+ in your app.
- If the strap looks worn or old, it may need replacing.
My heart rate shows a very high number
High spikes are a signal problem, not a broken unit.
- Re-wet the pads thoroughly.
- Reposition the strap so both pads fully touch your skin.
- Switch between ANT+ and Bluetooth.
- If it keeps happening, contact us and we'll help.
It connects to my phone but not my watch
The monitor only connects to one thing at a time, and your phone has claimed it.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth on your phone.
- Find the monitor and tap "Forget".
- From now on, connect from your watch or app's sensor menu instead.
No HRV / R-R data in Elite HRV
- The Chest HRM does capture R-R intervals — start a new recording and select it as the sensor.
- Make sure it isn't already connected to another app or device.
- Check the pads are moist and the strap is positioned correctly.
Still wrong even after a new battery
- Check the battery is in the right way — match the + / − marks.
- Re-test with freshly wet pads and the strap in the correct position.
- If it's still off, contact us — we're happy to help you get it sorted.
Apps & devices
Works with 400+ fitness apps and most heart-rate gear. Tap an app for its pairing guide.
Popular apps
Hardware devices
Bluetooth and ANT+ both run at the same time — no switching needed. If one gives shaky readings, switch to the other inside your app. ANT+ works best with Garmin and Wahoo; Bluetooth is standard for phone apps.
Apple Health doesn't pair directly with chest monitors. Use a compatible app like Strava or Elite HRV, which syncs your data into Apple Health automatically.
Battery
Which battery you need
One standard CR2032 coin battery — the common, widely available kind you'll find at any store. Lasts about 10 months with regular use.
Signs it's low
Jumpy readings, dropped connections, or no light when you put it on. Time for a fresh one.
How to change the battery
Find the round battery door on the back of the sensor.
Use a coin to twist the door counter-clockwise until it pops out.
Take out the old battery and set it aside for recycling.
Put in the new CR2032 the right way — match the + / − marks.
Twist the door clockwise to lock it shut.
Put the monitor on to test — the light should flash.
Keep batteries away from children. Recycle used CR2032 batteries following your local guidelines.
Caring for your strap
Never machine wash the strap or use cleaning chemicals on it. That damages the pads and stops it working.
After every use
Rinse the strap under running water to remove sweat and salt, then hang it to dry. Never store it damp. Wipe the sensor with a damp cloth only.
When to replace the strap
Straps last 6–18 months depending on use. Replace it if readings stay jumpy, the pads look worn or cracked, or it's lost its stretch.
The strap is a consumable wear item. Replacement straps are available on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
The light flashed then went off — is that bad?
No, that's perfect. The white light flashes for about 20 seconds after connecting, then turns off. You're still connected.
Bluetooth or ANT+ — which do I use?
Both run at the same time, so you don't have to choose. Most phone apps use Bluetooth; Garmin and Wahoo gear often prefer ANT+. If one is shaky, switch to the other inside your app.
Why won't it connect to my watch?
It can only connect to one thing at a time, and your phone probably has it. Go to Settings → Bluetooth → Forget, then connect from your watch.
How long does the battery last, and which one is it?
About 10 months with regular use. It runs on a standard CR2032 coin battery, available at most stores.
Is it waterproof? Can I swim with it?
It's rated IP67 — great for sweat, rain, and a quick rinse. It's not made for continuous swimming.
Does it track HRV (heart rate variability)?
Yes — the Chest HRM captures R-R intervals for HRV in apps like Elite HRV and Heart Graph.
Full specifications
| Weight | 16 g |
| Dimensions | 59.5 × 34 × 11.8 mm |
| Battery | 1× CR2032 (included, pre-installed) |
| Battery life | ~10 months with moderate use |
| Heart rate range | 30–240 BPM |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 & ANT+ (both at once) |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
| HRV / R-R intervals | Supported |
| Compatible apps | 400+ fitness apps |
| Warranty | 12 months (sensor) |
| Intended use | Recreational fitness — not a medical device |
Your warranty
No registration required — your coverage is automatic with your purchase.
12-month coverage
The sensor is covered for 12 months from your purchase date against hardware faults.
What's not covered
The strap is a consumable wear item and isn't covered, as it naturally wears with use.
Need a hand? We're here.
If you've worked through the steps above and still have a question, the fastest way to reach us is to message us through your order page on the store where you purchased — we'll help you get dialed in. Have your order number handy.
Prefer email? Reach our support team at support@powr-labs.com
The Powr Labs Chest HRM is intended for recreational fitness use only and is not a medical device. It is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.