Beatcast
Can a heart rate strap connect to two devices at once?
By Andreas B. Diendorfer · ORCID · LinkedIn · Updated
Short answer
Some can. Many straps accept one Bluetooth connection by default, and some accept two or three. Polar's manual lists two for the H10, the Wahoo TRACKR and TICKR take up to three, and the Garmin HRM-Dual takes two plus ANT+. Wahoo's own page gives the TICKR FIT arm band one connection in two places and up to three in a third. A watch on ANT+ does not use a Bluetooth slot.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. Read the table's sources before you rely on a number.
The table
| Strap | Bluetooth connections | What you do | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar H10 | Two simultaneous connections per Polar's current manual. An older Polar article says one by default. | Check the "2 Bluetooth devices" setting in Polar Flow (on by default per the manual). In Polar Beat: Settings, HR sensor, "2 receiving BLE devices"; Beat needs firmware 2.1.9 or newer. | Polar H10 manual (PDF dated 26 Jan 2026) and Polar Support, read 12 Oct 2026 |
| Wahoo TRACKR | Up to 3. Wahoo recommends one where possible. | Nothing to switch, per Wahoo. | Wahoo's heart rate monitor page, read 12 Oct 2026 |
| Wahoo TICKR (current) and TICKR X | Up to 3. Wahoo recommends one where possible. | Nothing to switch, per Wahoo. Fewer is steadier. | Wahoo Support article 204281384 |
| Wahoo TICKR FIT (arm band) | Wahoo's page says one in two places and up to three in a third | Nothing to switch. | Wahoo's heart rate monitor page, read 12 Oct 2026 |
| Garmin HRM-Dual | 2 Bluetooth, plus ANT+ | Nothing documented to switch. | DC Rainmaker's 2019 review, where Garmin corrected an earlier one-connection answer |
Other straps are left out because we have no source for them. Assume one connection until the maker says otherwise.
What "connected" means in practice
A strap is a radio. It advertises, a receiver connects, and each receiver takes a slot. Slots are the limit.
- A watch over Bluetooth takes one slot, like a phone.
- A watch over ANT+ takes none of them. ANT+ is a separate radio.
Why Wahoo recommends one
Wahoo says to connect only one Bluetooth device where possible to reduce interference. It also warns that leftover connections cause trouble later: a previously paired device that is still active can block pairing with a phone and a bike computer. So three is the ceiling, not the plan.
Beatcast and a second device
Beatcast reads one sensor at a time. If your strap accepts two, the other slot can go to a watch, a bike computer or a training app, as long as the strap's setting allows it. If it only accepts one, Beatcast cannot connect while another device holds it. Our checklist covers what to close first.
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Questions
Can the Polar H10 connect to two devices?
Yes. Polar's manual lists two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Check that the "2 Bluetooth devices" setting is on in Polar Flow. See the H10 page.
Can a heart rate strap connect to a watch and a phone?
If the strap takes two connections, or if the watch uses ANT+. Otherwise one of them has to let go.
Why does Beatcast say to quit the app that holds the strap?
Because many sensors accept only one or two connections, and another app, watch or bike computer may be using them.
Related
See also: Wahoo TICKR and TRACKR, Polar Verity Sense, Coospo.
Good to know
Beatcast is not a medical device. It is built for training and general wellbeing, and it cannot detect, diagnose, treat or monitor any condition. If something about your heart worries you, talk to a doctor rather than to an app.
The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. Polar, Wahoo, Garmin and other names belong to their owners and are used only to say which sensors Beatcast can read. Beatcast is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or certified by any of them.
Got a strap that behaves differently? Report it in r/beatcast and it goes on the list.