Maximize Apple Watch Series 4 Battery Life for Long Races

Hey there, fellow runners and tech enthusiasts! Let’s dive into my recent adventure with the Apple Watch Series 4, where I found out how turning off cellular can turn your battery woes into a victorious race day. Ready to join me on this journey? Let’s get into it!

Battery Life Test with Apple Watch Series 4

So here’s the scoop: I recently took my Apple Watch Series 4 for a spin during a half marathon. My mission? To see just how far I could go with the cellular setting turned off. Last year, I had a close call with my Apple Watch Series 3 running out of juice. This time, I was determined to end my race and still have enough battery to celebrate with a brunch (aren’t post-race pancakes the best?).

The Test Results

Before the race at 6:49 AM, the charge was at 95%, and by the time I crossed that 13.1-mile finish line around 9:15 AM, it had only dipped to 54%! So, I managed to run the race using just 41% of my battery. If you’re piecing it together, that means turning off cellular really makes a difference.

Why Cellular Off Matters

  • Extended battery life of approximately an additional hour.
  • Freedom to enjoy post-race activities without the battery panic.
  • A stress-free brunch with plenty of power to spare!

Experiences and Observations

The difference this time? I didn’t need to worry about those last-minute 10% battery alerts and got to focus on running and improving my time. And yes, I did shave off some precious minutes from my last year’s race time. Had a blast, stayed connected (in a different sense), and learned a crucial Apple Watch survival tip for marathon runners.

The Heart Rate and Music Setup

I kept my setup simple and battery-friendly. The key was using a Bluetooth heart rate monitor and a locally synced playlist, making sure only essential features were on. If you’re wondering, I’m more of a Bose SoundSport Free person when it comes to long runs, but others swore by their trusty AirPods.

Tips for Managing Apple Watch Battery During Runs

If you’re like me and you love those long outdoor workouts, here are some tips to maximize your Apple Watch’s battery:

Optimize Your Settings

  • Use Power Saving Mode in Settings → General → Workout to automatically turn off cellular and heart rate during long runs.
  • Manually manage cellular settings if you’re using third-party apps.

Why It’s Worth It

  • You can still use GPS, so your running routes remain tracked accurately.
  • Completely avoid those mid-race distractions and battery alerts.

Is it inconvenient to miss those supportive texts or share your live location? Maybe, but the peace of mind and extended battery life sure do help finish strong!

FAQ

Why should I turn off cellular on my Apple Watch during a race?

Turning off cellular can significantly extend your watch’s battery life, allowing you to focus on the race without worrying about running out of power mid-way.

Can I still track my distance and pace without cellular?

Absolutely! Your GPS will still function with cellular off, ensuring accurate route and pace tracking.

Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?

Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.

CarrierCost (per month)Additional Details
US MobileFREE with Unltd Premium
Or $6.5/mo annually
Or $9.5/mo
Taxes & fees included!
Works with any plans.
Verizon$15 + tax & fees$7.50 credit with certain plans​Verizon
AT&T$10 + tax & fees
T-Mobile$12 + tax & feesOnly works with certain plans​www.iphonelife.comiMore
Xfinity Mobile$10 + tax & feesPairs well with Xfinity home internet​ www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic
C Spire$10 + tax & feesOnly available in select regions​Wear To TrackiMore
Maximize Apple Watch Series 4 Battery Life for Long Races