How to check your heart rate on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The watch measures your pulse through the sensor on its back, all day in the background and continuously during a workout. The Heart Rate app shows the latest values.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are either our own screenshots from Apple's watchOS 26 simulator or simplified diagrams of the watch screen.

Step by step

1. Open the Heart Rate app

   Press the Digital Crown to see your apps and tap the red heart. The watch starts a measurement.

   Done

2. Read the number

   The large number is your heart rate now. The last earlier measurement is shown below it.

   Done

3. Turn the Digital Crown

   Scroll to Range, Resting Rate or Walking Average to see how your heart rate behaved through the day.

   Done

4. See longer periods on the iPhone

   Open the Health app on the iPhone and look under Heart. It shows the last hour, day, week, month or year.

   Done

Good to know

For a good measurement the watch must sit snugly, and the wrist and the back of the watch must be clean and dry.

If no values are recorded, check the setting. On the watch: Settings, Privacy & Security, Health, Heart Rate. On the iPhone: Watch app, My Watch, Privacy, Heart Rate.

During a workout the heart rate is shown on the workout screen.

The watch can warn you about unusual values: how to set up heart rate notifications on an Apple Watch.

In short: Heart Rate app. Turn the Digital Crown for resting rate and walking average.