How to take an ECG on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open the ECG app on the watch, rest your arm on a table and hold a finger of the other hand on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds without pressing it. The result appears on the watch and is saved in the Health app on your iPhone.

The ECG app records the electrical signals of your heartbeat and checks the rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation, a common form of irregular heartbeat. It works on Apple Watch Series 4 or later and on every Apple Watch Ultra. It is not available on Apple Watch SE.

Apple says the app is for people aged 22 and over, and it is only available in certain countries.

Step by step

  1. Set it up on the iPhone

    Open the Health app on the iPhone and follow the instructions. If you see no prompt, tap Browse, then Heart, then Electrocardiograms (ECG), then Set Up ECG App. The app then appears on the watch.

  2. Sit down and rest your arm

    Make sure the watch fits snugly on the wrist you chose in the settings. Rest your arms on a table or in your lap.

  3. Open the ECG app on the watch

    Its icon is a white circle with a red heartbeat line.

  4. Hold a finger on the Digital Crown

    Use a finger of the other hand. Touch the crown, but do not press it. Keep still.

  5. Wait 30 seconds

    A countdown runs on the screen. At the end the watch shows the result.

  6. Read the result

    Sinus rhythm means a regular beat between 50 and 100 beats per minute. Atrial fibrillation means an irregular pattern was found. Low or high heart rate means the rate was outside the range the app can judge. Inconclusive or Poor recording means it could not be classified. Try again and keep still.

Good to know

The ECG app cannot detect a heart attack. It also cannot detect blood clots, a stroke, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. With chest pain, pressure or tightness, call the emergency number.

All recordings are saved in the Health app on the iPhone. There you can open one and tap Export a PDF for Your Doctor.

A result of atrial fibrillation that you did not know about is a reason to talk to your doctor. The app does not replace a diagnosis.

A poor recording is often caused by a loose strap, moving arms, or a wet wrist.

In short: ECG app, arm on the table, finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Take an ECG with the ECG app on Apple Watch

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.