You do not need Apple Watch to use Zonas.
You need a live heart rate source. A standard Bluetooth chest strap can be that source.
What You Need
- iPhone with Zonas
- a Bluetooth heart rate strap or arm band
- Bluetooth permission
- Health permission for workout saving
You do not need an account.
Setup
- Put on the chest strap.
- Open Zonas.
- Go to Settings.
- Choose
BLE STRAP. - Scan for devices.
- Tap your monitor.
- Start a workout.
If the monitor supports both Bluetooth and ANT+, Zonas uses Bluetooth.
Why The Workout Can Keep Running
Zonas uses two layers.
CoreBluetooth reads the strap.
HealthKit provides the workout session, background execution, recovery, and Apple Health saving.
That combination is the reason the app can read from a chest strap while still behaving like a real iPhone workout app.
What The Strap Sends
The strap sends live BPM.
Zonas turns that into:
- current zone
- zone color
- time in zone
- Picture-in-Picture display
- Live Activity display
- Apple Health samples
The app does not need brand-specific workout data to do this.
If The Strap Does Not Show Up
Try this:
- Wear the strap.
- Wet the electrodes.
- Move it near the iPhone.
- Close other apps connected to the strap.
- Check the battery.
- Scan again in Zonas.
Most pairing issues are physical contact, battery, or another app holding the Bluetooth connection.
When Apple Watch Is Better
Use Apple Watch mode when you want to start from the wrist and avoid a separate monitor.
Use BLE Strap mode when you want chest strap or arm band heart rate on iPhone.
They are separate paths. Pick one before the workout.
Common questions
Do I need Apple Watch to use Zonas?
No. You need either a Bluetooth heart rate monitor or Apple Watch. A chest strap or arm band can be enough.
Does iPhone support ANT+ straps?
Zonas on iPhone uses Bluetooth Low Energy through CoreBluetooth. If a strap supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth, use Bluetooth for Zonas.
Will the workout save to Apple Health?
Yes, when you save the workout. Zonas writes heart rate samples into the active HealthKit workout builder during the session.
Sources
- Assigned Numbers Document
Bluetooth assigned numbers define standard heart rate service identifiers used by BLE heart rate monitors.
- H10 User Manual: Getting Started
Polar documents H10 compatibility with Bluetooth devices and applications that support heart rate service.
- HRM-Pro Owner's Manual: Pairing with Your Bluetooth Device
Garmin documents pairing a heart rate monitor with a phone using Bluetooth technology.