Technology for detecting whether a wearable device is misaligned is disclosed. The device can include a number of sensors, such as heart rate, temperature, or other sensors used to sense a physiologic aspect of the user, such as heart rate and can further contain components capable of providing data as to the proper alignment or placement of the wearable device on the user. The wearable device may communicate with a computing device, such as a mobile device which can receive data from the wearable device and output notifications to the user, including notifications about proper or improper placement or alignment of the wearable device.