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GPS Troubleshooting Guide for iPhones
If you’re having difficulties tracking distance with your Runtastic app, it is likely that your iPhone is experiencing GPS issues. The steps below should help you to obtain and maintain a strong GPS signal.
There are a number of troubleshooting steps to try to get your GPS working again on your iPhone. We recommend going through them in this order to determine what the cause might be:
Step 1 Install the latest version of iOS once it becomes available and make sure you have installed the latest version of the Runtastic app on your iPhone
Step 2 Ensure that the GPS signal indicator is green before you hit start. Try to avoid starting your activity in area where there may be a weaker GPS signal, for example near high buildings, deep forests or near huge amounts of water like lakes or sea.
Step 3 Check the app’s location permissions
One of the most common issues is people forget to enable location services for the Runtastic app. To check, follow the steps below:
- Go to your iPhone settings and select Privacy
- Select Location Services.
- Make sure that Location Services is enabled*
- Scroll down to find Runtastic in the list
- Tap the app and select “Always”
* If Location Services are already enabled, try switching the toggle on and off again to refresh the setting
Step 4 Check that Airplane mode is switched off
To check Airplane mode settings, follow the steps below:
- Go to your iPhone settings and select Airplane Mode
- Toggle Airplane mode on and then off again. Make sure it remains disabled before you start your activity
Step 5 Set your timezone correctly
For GPS-enabled apps to work properly, your device needs to have the correct date and time.To verify your date and time settings on your iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Go to your iPhone’s settings
- Select Date & Time
- Select Set Automatically
Step 6 Reset Network settings
In order to obtain a strong GPS signal, your iPhone must have a satisfactory network reception. Be sure to deal with any network issues first if you’re facing GPS difficulties using the troubleshooting steps below:
- Disconnect then reconnect to your network
- Turn off LTE and select 3G
Step 7 Perform a soft reset
- Press and hold the Sleep/wake button and the power button at the same time. Hold the buttons for at least 10 seconds
- release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Step 8 Check whether you have given the app permission to use the "approximate location" on iOS14, as this can also result in GPS issues.
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What is E-sports?
Take a look at the following article regarding E-sports if you want to understand the difference to Virtual Sports.
E-sports should not be confused with running on the treadmill or cycling on a home trainer.
Rather E-sports refers to competitive gaming against other online players in an online lobby.This is usually performed on a computer, Xbox or Playstation and popular games include the likes of Fortnite, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, FIFA and many more.
Note: You can also track your single-player gaming sessions if you wish.
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Story Running
Are you looking for something to keep you focused and motivated during your run, but you don’t feel like listening to your same old workout playlist again and again?
Why not check out one of our Story Runs?
Story Runs are like audiobooks that will guide, coach or simply entertain you during your runs and workouts.
We currently have 24 different Story Runs available for you to choose from. You can download them in either English or German.
Check out our Story Runs below (please note that these links are only accessible via Mobile devices):
Coaching:
“Run to Reconnect” (Female voice)
“Run to Reconnect” (Male voice)
Sci-Fiction:
“Mirror’s Edge Catalyst: A Runner’s Destiny”
Adventure:
Motivation:
“Your Journey to Weight Loss I”
“Your Journey to Weight Loss II”
Travel:
Fantasy:
Inspiration:
“Run Wild: The elusive Snow Leopard”
Want to know how to start a Story Run on your device? Follow the simple instructions here. (iOS)
Story Runs are included for Premium Members and available for purchase for non-Premium Members.
Note: Once you begin a Story Run, you cannot change it during the same activity. Be sure you choose the right Story Run before you get started.
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Troubleshooting Heart Rate Monitor And Bluetooth Issues
If you own a heart rate monitor (HRM) with Bluetooth 4.0 (Smart) capacity, you can use it to record your heart rate while tracking with the adidas Running app. Instructions on how to connect your device can be found here.
As there are many devices on the market from various manufacturers with different specifications, we cannot always guarantee that your device will work flawlessly with the app. However, the following tips will resolve many of the most common connection issues:
Minimum Requirements (iOS):
- Your phone: iOS12
- Your heart rate monitor: Bluetooth 4.0 capability (Smart)
- Your adidas Running app: Latest version installed from the App Store
Configure the following settings in your phone:
- Make sure that bluetooth is turned on and that your phone screen is on
- Close any background apps that may be using the sensor before connecting to the adidas Running app
- Do not connect the HRM directly in your phone’s bluetooth settings. If it already is connected there, be sure to disconnect it:
iOS: Settings > Bluetooth > tap “i” next to your HRM > Forget This Device.
- Connect the HRM in the adidas Running app via the Activity Setup icon next to the "Start" button followed by “Heart Rate”. More info here. (link to connect HRM article)
- If you cannot establish a Bluetooth connection between the HRM and your phone, please try the following:
- Switch Bluetooth off and back on from your mobile device.
- Restart your mobile device. (Make sure you close out of all open apps before trying to reconnect)
- Disconnect and reconnect your HRM directly in the adidas Running app.
Make sure that the HRM itself is in good condition:
- Check whether the battery of the device needs replacing
- Make sure the device’s firmware is up-to-date
- Wipe the sensor with a damp cloth and hand wash the belt well with soap and water as dirt can often cause connection errors.
- Make sure the HRM is tight but comfortable around the chest to ensure a good connection; if the monitor moves or slips it may disrupt readings
- Close the adidas Running app and remove the heart rate sensor from the strap. Wait 30 seconds, place the sensor back on the strap then reopen the app.
- If this does not help, remove the battery and touch and hold both sensor points for at least 10 seconds. Wait 5 minutes then put the battery back in.
If your connection issues persist and the device’s LEDs are still working, it is possible that you’re experiencing a signal interference from a nearby app or device. In this case, please unpair your HRM from any previously paired apps or devices. Keep in mind that certain devices that transmit wireless signals could also be interfering with the connection, such as wireless headphones, wireless routers, or fitness machines, e.g. treadmills. You may need to move to a new environment away from any potential interferences.
Note: You can also track your heart rate using wireless headphones with integrated HRM (Bluetooth Smart Technology). Use these same troubleshooting steps if you have any difficulties with the connection.
Still having trouble with the connection? Please submit a request below and include details of the phone and device you are using.
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Image Sharing
Create your own custom image and share it to any of the platforms installed on your device, for example, Instagram, Facebook, or Whatsapp.
The Share screen will pop up immediately after you’ve saved your activity with the adidas Running app. Follow the simple steps below:
- When the share screen pops up, tap “Create and share your image”
- Click on any of the two icons displayed directly under your stats
- Now let’s create your image:
Icon 1. Select a previous photo from your gallery or tap the photo icon to take a photo with your camera
Icon 2. Select one of the default images that we’ve created for you. Look for new images around your favorite holiday!
- Tap “Share” in the top right corner
- Select your preferred platform and inspire your family, friends, or followers with your adidas Running progress!
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Apple Music
If you’re subscribed to Apple Music, you can access four awesome Runtastic music playlists to accompany you during your workouts and help keep you motivated! To choose your playlist, follow the simple steps below:
- Tap the Music Player icon on the left side of the “Start” button
- Under “Music and Fitness” swipe through the available playlists
- Tap on a playlist to view the song titles, artist names and the playlist duration
- Select “Start” and your Runtastic playlist will begin playing
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Connect a Heart Rate Monitor
The adidas Running app gives you the option of connecting a Heart Rate Monitor so you can record your heart rate during a running session. To connect a Heart Rate Monitor, simply open the Activity Setup by tapping the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button and tap “Heart Rate”.
Runtastic Heart Rate Combo Monitor
To connect the Runtastic Heart Rate Combo Monitor, make sure that the Bluetooth of your device is switched on and then put on the Monitor like you would when going for a run.
Other Monitors
This option allows you to connect other Heart Rate Monitors. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that your HR monitor will work as each device can have different specifications.
Setting up Heart Rate zones
The option "Edit your Heart Rate Zones" allows you to customize the Heart Rate Zones to fit your personal values.
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Start an Activity with Siri
Siri is your personal assistant on your iPhone. As of now, you’ll be able to control your fitness activities with Siri: “Hello Siri, start a run!” starts a running activity with your adidas Running app.
Additionally, you can cancel, pause, resume or stop an activity by telling Siri to do so.
Note: Make sure to allow Siri to access the adidas Running app. Open the settings on your iPhone and select “Siri”. Select “App support” and enable the adidas Running app. -
GPS Info, Tips & Tricks
If your GPS results appear to be inaccurate or you are not able to get GPS signal please follow these instructions:
1. Make sure you have installed the latest version of the relevant adidas Runtastic app.
2. Reboot your iPhone and make sure that you open the app with a direct line to the sky - then wait to lock a GPS signal with green indicator - this may take several minutes.
3. Turn airplane mode and Wi-Fi off in phone settings.
4. Before you start tracking your next session, be sure to wait until there is a green GPS signal indicator. If not, open iOS maps, then open the adidas Running app and let it search for 2-5 minutes to lock onto a GPS signal.
5. If none of the above work, it is possible the app did not download to the phone correctly, try deleting/reinstalling the app.6. Keep an eye on the battery level of your phone as tracking can drain the battery quickly.
Note: Your activity history will be cleared from the device, so make sure that you upload all sessions to your adidas account beforehand.
Note: If you do experience a weak GPS signal and your activity tracking appears inaccurate, you can edit your session manually in the adidas Running app afterwards. Also it needs to be said that due to the different built-in GPS modules in each iPhone we can’t guarantee exact tracking results. When starting please try to avoid the following areas:
- High buildings
- Deep forests
- Areas where it's very cloudy
- Huge amounts of water like lakes, sea etc.If you end up in these areas above this can affect your GPS signal during your activity.
Be aware that just because some map apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps etc. may show your location on the map, this does not mean that the device's GPS is functioning properly or that a GPS fix has been obtained. The data used to show your location on the map may be based on cellular network or Wi-Fi signals. -
iPhone Crash
Generally, if you delete the app and reinstall, most crashing issues are resolved. You will NOT be charged again if you use the same iTunes Account and all of your data will be synced, so you will not lose any activity data.
Note: Please upload all sessions to your adidas account from the Progress tab of the adidas Running app beforehand.
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Step Counting
If you have an iPhone 5S or higher, the adidas Running app can now count your steps during an activity. You can access this information after your activity when you open the session in the History of the app. There you will see your average and maximum number of steps as well as your step length. The step length is calculated from the distance and step count.
Note: For the steps to be counted, you have to allow the app access to the motion sensor of your iPhone. When you install the update of the adidas Running app you will be asked to do so. If you want to change these settings later on, you can do so in the settings of your iPhone. Go to the settings, select "Privacy" and then "Motion & Fitness". Check if you have enabled access for the adidas Running app.
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Manually set the Heart Rate Zones
You can customize the Heart Rate Zones in the adidas Running app. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Select "Heart Rate Monitor"
- Tap “Heart Rate Zones”
- To change the values of the individual zones, tap the current value
- Save your changes by using the go back arrow at the top left
If you choose a resting heart rate or a maximum heart rate at the top, the values of the other zones will change automatically as well.
*This option is available to you in the adidas Running app as a Premium Member.
Which zone is the best for me?
Easy: If you are a beginner or have not exercised in a while, use the easy zone. This zone will increase your fitness levels and burn fat as well.
Fat Burning: If your aim is endurance training, use the fat burning zone. This zone will help improve the supply of energy to the working muscles. Your heart will benefit and stored body fat will be burned.
Aerobic: If you want to increase your cardiovascular capacity and your pace, the aerobic zone is right for you. Here you will improve your muscle strength and continue to burn stored body fat.
Anaerobic: If increasing your anaerobic threshold (AT) is what you want, use the anaerobic zone. Training in this zone will delay the point (AT) where your body cannot remove lactic acid from the working muscles quickly enough.
Red Line: Do not train in the red line zone unless you are a serious athlete. Here you will increase your pace and develop speed, but be careful! You should only train in this zone for short intervals.
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Customize the displayed values
You can easily customize the values displayed on your main activity screen to suit your preferences. For example, you may wish to have “Distance” displayed most prominently during your run. Press and hold on the value you want to change, then select one of the values from the list that appears. Now you have successfully changed the value.
Alternatively, tap the Activity Setup icon next to the "Start" button, then tap “Customize displayed values”. You can then customize the values for both outdoor and indoor activities.
Note: A maximum of four values can be displayed.
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Selecting a Training Plan
Whether you’re an advanced runner and want to run your first marathon, or you’re a complete beginner and want to learn the basics of running, the adidas Running app will guide you to the Training Plan that’s right for you.
- Navigate to “Progress” on your tab bar
- Scroll down to where it says “Plan”
- Choose what you would like to achieve with your training plan
- Tap “Get Started”
- Follow the short on-screen questionnaire to help us guide you to a training plan that suits your goals. Just tap the option that meets your needs
- Once you’ve selected your start date*, just tap “Go to Plan”
Training Plans are available to you as a Premium Member. Purchase your Premium Membership here.
NOTE: It is only possible to have one active Training Plan at any one time. If you wish to start a new Training Plan, you need to either complete all your scheduled trainings or delete your active Training Plan.
Follow these simple steps to delete your active Training Plan:
- Navigate to “Progree” on your tab bar
- Select your active Training Plan
- Scroll to the bottom and tap the “Delete” icon and confirm the deletion
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Start a Story Run
Follow these simple steps to start a Story Run in the adidas Running app:
- Go to the “Activity” tab
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Select “Music & Story Running”
- Download the Story Run of your choice to your phone*
- After completing the download, tap “Start.” You should now see the Story Run in your Activity Setup
- Start your activity as usual by tapping “Start”
- If you choose to run without a Story Run, tap “No Music"
*You can view the details of the Story Run by tapping it. You will find a listening sample, the audio language and the price. Swipe right or left to view the details of the other Story Runs.
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Create an Interval Training
Follow these steps to create an Interval Training* in the adidas Running app:
- Navigate to the “Activity” tab
- Tap the Gear icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “Select your workout”
- Tap “Interval Training”
- You can now select one of the default trainings or create your own by tapping the “+” in the top right corner
- Enter a name for your workout
- Enter a Warm-Up and Cool-Down time
- Add intervals by tapping the “+” on the left and right side
- Change the values (distance or time) in the middle by scrolling up or down
- When you're done, tap “Save” in the top right corner
To delete a manually added Interval Training, swipe the training in the overview to the left until the red “Delete” button shows up.
* Interval Trainings are available to you as a Premium Member
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Set a Workout Goal
Follow these steps to set a Workout Goal in the adidas Running app:
- Go to the “Activity” tab
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “Select your Workout”
- Select “Workout Goal”
- Select the category in which you would like to set a goal. You can choose between
- Distance & Duration (in combination)*
- Distance
- Duration or
- Calories*
- Tap one of the categories and either choose from default goals or create your own by tapping the “+” in the top right corner
- Select the values you want to set as goals and save them by clicking “Done”
- Start your activity by returning to the Activity screen and pressing “Start”
If you have activated the Voice Coach, you will get feedback when you have reached your goal.
* This feature is available to you in the adidas Running app as a Premium Member.
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Challenge an Existing Activity
Follow these simple steps to challenge an existing activity* in the adidas Running app:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “Select your workout”
- Tap “Challenge an Activity”
- Select one of your previous activities to challenge
- Start your activity by returning to the Activity screen and pressing “Start”
* This feature is available to you in the adidas Running app as a Premium Member.
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Change the Activity Type
Follow these simple steps to change the Activity Setup in the adidas Running app:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “Activity Type”
- Select one of the activity types from the list. The most recently used activity types are listed at the top
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Set a Starting Countdown
Follow these simple steps to set a starting countdown in the adidas Running app:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon in the bottom right corner of the main activity screen
- Scroll to “Countdown”
- Toggle the “Countdown” on or off
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Change Units
Follow these simple steps to change units (kilometers, miles, pounds, Celsius, etc.) in the adidas Running app:
- Tap “Profile” on the tab bar
- Tap the “gear icon” in the top right corner
- Select “Units”
- Now you can change the units of distance, weight and temperature by tapping each one
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Share Activities
You can share your activities not only on social networks like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter but also on every other app installed on your phone that supports the sharing of information.
The Share screen will show up automatically after finishing an activity in the adidas Running app. If you want to share an older activity, follow these simple steps:
- Tap the “Progress” tab
- Tap “Show more” next to “Recent Activities” to view your adidas Running history
- Select one of your activities
- In the top right corner, you will find the Sharing icon
After tapping this icon, you can share the activity with your friends and followers on the social network of your choice
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Enable/Disable the Auto Pause Feature
Follow these simple steps to enable/disable the Auto Pause* feature in the adidas Running app:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Scroll down and tap “Auto Pause”
- Toggle the Auto Pause on or off
* This feature is available to you in the adidas Running app as a Premium Member.
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Enable/Disable the Voice Coach
Follow these simple steps to enable/disable the Voice Coach in the adidas Running app:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “Voice Coach”
- Toggle “Voice Coach” on or off
On this screen, you can decide when you wish to receive the voice feedback, for example after each kilometer, or after you have reached a certain duration. You can also choose your prefered audio language and adjust the volume settings.
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LIVE Tracking
Enable LIVE tracking to let your followers know that you’re going out for a run.
Follow these simple steps to enable LIVE Tracking in the adidas Running app and allow adidas Runtastic apps members to see where you are on the map, how far you’ve gone, and how fast you’re going:
- Tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button
- Tap “LIVE Tracking”
- Toggle LIVE Tracking on
How will my followers be notified that I am LIVE tracking?
Shortly after you tap “START LIVE,” the link to your LIVE activity will be sent via push notification to your followers (those who have enabled push notifications for LIVE tracking). Those who do not have push notifications activated can find the link to your LIVE activity either in the Notification Inbox or at the top of the News Feed under “Now LIVE.”
Cheering
Cheering is a feature in the adidas Running app that allows your followers to “cheer” you on in real-time while viewing your LIVE tracking activity. By selecting one of several preselected cheers, you will hear this played in your headphones or through your phone’s speaker if the volume is enabled.
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Setup & Activity Setup Screen
To change the Activity Type, tap the Activity Setup icon next to the “Start” button (the current Activity Type will be displayed).
You will reach the Activity Setup screen, which allows you to choose all aspects of your next activity in one place.
This view allows you to configure the following elements of your activity:
- Activity Type: Select the type of your activity, eg Running, Walking etc
- Music & Story Running: Select if you want to listen to music while exercising or try one of our Story Runs
- Workout Type: Select how you want to work out
- Select a Route*: Pick one of your Routes to follow
At the bottom of the screen, you can activate or deactivate a few more functions:
- Customize displayed values: Take a look at this article for more information about this function
- Heart Rate Monitor: If you own a compatible Heart Rate Monitor, you can connect it with the app right here
- Voice Coach: Here you can find all the settings relating to the Voice Coach feature
- LIVE Tracking: Here you can find all the settings relating to LIVE Tracking
- Auto Pause: Here you can find all the settings relating to the Auto Pause feature
- Countdown: Enable/Disable a 15-second countdown before the start of your session. This option comes in handy when you need some time to put your phone away and get ready
Tap “Done” in the top right hand corner to save any changes you have made.
Once configured, you can simply hit “Start” on the main screen to start your activity. You don’t need to repeat this setup each time before you work out because the adidas Running app will remember your settings.
* This feature is available to you in the adidas Running app as a Premium Member.
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How Dehydration is Calculated
The amount of water your body loses during your activity is an approximate calculation based on exertion and calories burned. The calculation also factors in the outdoor temperature and your elevation.