Connecting your Polar stride sensor involves both physically attaching it to your shoe and digitally pairing it with your Polar sports watch or the Polar Flow app. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to ensure accurate and reliable running metrics.
1. Physically Attaching Your Polar Stride Sensor
Proper attachment is crucial for accurate data collection. Follow these steps to secure the stride sensor holder to your shoe:
- Prepare Your Shoe: Begin by unlacing your running shoe.
- Position the Holder: Place the stride sensor holder on top of the tongue of your shoe, ensuring the flap on the holder is facing upwards.
- Thread the Laces (Step 1): Take your shoelaces and thread them in through the holes located on the sides of the holder.
- Thread the Laces (Step 2): Continue threading the laces out through the single hole on the bottom of the holder.
- Insert the Sensor: Once the holder is securely laced into place, insert your Polar stride sensor into the holder. Make sure it's snug and facing the correct direction, usually with the Polar logo visible.
- Secure and Tighten: Re-lace and tie your shoes as you normally would, ensuring the sensor holder remains stable.
For optimal performance, position the sensor on the shoe you typically lead with or the one that feels most natural for consistent data.
2. Digitally Pairing Your Polar Stride Sensor
After physically attaching the sensor, you need to pair it wirelessly with your Polar device or app. This process establishes the connection for data transmission.
Pairing with a Polar Sports Watch
Most Polar sports watches follow a similar pairing procedure. Here's a general guide:
- Activate Your Watch: Turn on your Polar sports watch.
- Access Settings: Navigate to the "Settings" menu on your watch. This is often found by swiping down from the top of the screen or pressing a dedicated button.
- Find Pairing Options: Look for a section like "General settings" or "Pair & sync."
- Initiate Pairing: Select "Pair & sync" and then choose "Pair other device" or "Pair new device."
- Activate Stride Sensor: Gently tap the stride sensor or take a few steps to activate it. The watch needs to detect its signal.
- Select Sensor: Your watch should display a list of available devices. Select your Polar stride sensor from the list. It often appears with a unique ID.
- Confirm Pairing: Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the pairing. Once successful, your watch will usually indicate "Pairing complete" or "Paired."
Note: Specific menu paths may vary slightly depending on your Polar watch model (e.g., Polar Vantage, Grit X, Ignite). Refer to your watch's user manual for precise instructions if needed.
Pairing with the Polar Flow App
If you prefer to use the Polar Flow app on your smartphone, the pairing process is also straightforward:
- Open Polar Flow App: Launch the Polar Flow app on your iOS or Android device.
- Go to Devices: Tap on the main menu (usually three horizontal lines or dots) and select "Devices" or "Start new training."
- Add New Device: Choose "Add new device" or "Pair new device."
- Activate Stride Sensor: Gently tap the stride sensor or take a few steps to activate it, allowing your phone to detect its Bluetooth signal.
- Select Sensor: The app will display nearby Polar devices. Select your stride sensor when it appears.
- Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing.
For more detailed app-specific instructions, visit the official Polar Flow App support page or search within the app's help section.
3. Tips for Optimal Performance
- Battery Check: Ensure your stride sensor has sufficient battery life before starting an activity. Low battery can lead to intermittent connections or inaccurate data.
- Firm Attachment: A wobbly sensor can affect accuracy. Always double-check that the sensor is securely fastened in its holder.
- Calibration: For the most accurate speed and distance readings, consider calibrating your stride sensor. This can usually be done through your Polar watch settings or the Polar Flow app after a known-distance run.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your Polar watch's firmware and the Polar Flow app to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features and bug fixes. You can find updates on the Polar support website.
4. Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
If you're experiencing problems connecting your stride sensor, try these solutions:
| Issue | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Sensor not detected during pairing | 1. Ensure the sensor is awake (tap it, take a few steps). 2. Check battery level. Replace if low. 3. Make sure the sensor is not already paired to another device nearby. 4. Restart your Polar watch/phone and try again. |
| Connection drops during activity | 1. Check battery level. 2. Ensure the sensor is firmly attached and not moving excessively. 3. Minimize interference from other Bluetooth devices. 4. Keep your watch relatively close to the sensor (e.g., on the same wrist as the sensor's shoe side). |
| Inaccurate speed/distance readings | 1. Perform a stride sensor calibration if you haven't already. 2. Ensure the sensor is attached securely and not shifting. 3. Check for recent firmware updates for your watch/app. 4. Verify your personal settings (height, weight) in Polar Flow as they can impact estimations. |
| Pairing failed message | 1. Forget the sensor from your watch/phone's Bluetooth settings (if it appears there) and retry pairing through the Polar app/watch interface. 2. Move closer to your Polar device/phone during pairing. 3. Reset the stride sensor (if your model has a reset option - consult the sensor's manual). |
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to connect your Polar stride sensor and enhance your running experience with precise data.
