How to track your period with an Apple Watch

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

Cycle Tracking keeps a calendar of your periods and, from the days you log, predicts the next one and your fertile window. Logging takes a few seconds on the wrist. The predictions get better the more cycles you have logged.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Set up Cycle Tracking on the iPhone

   Open the Health app, tap Browse and then Cycle Tracking. Tap Get Started and follow the questions.

   Done

2. Choose what to be told

   During setup, switch on period predictions and their notifications, and fertile window estimates if you want them.

   Done

3. Log a period on the watch

   Open the Cycle Tracking app on the watch, select the day and log your period. You can also log symptoms such as cramps or a headache.

   Done

4. Log on the iPhone instead

   The same entries can be made in the Health app under Browse, Cycle Tracking. Entries from both devices end up in one calendar.

   Done

5. Wear the watch at night

   Models with a wrist temperature sensor use the temperature measured during sleep to improve the predictions and to estimate afterwards when you probably ovulated. For that, sleep tracking must be on.

   Done

6. Read the calendar

   Logged days and predicted days are marked differently in the app. Predictions are estimates and move as you log more.

   Done

Good to know

Apple states clearly that Cycle Tracking must not be used as a form of birth control, and that it does not diagnose any health condition.

Very irregular cycles, periods that stop, or unusually heavy bleeding are reasons to speak to a doctor. The log from the Health app is helpful at the appointment.

Health data is encrypted on the iPhone when it is locked with a passcode. With two-factor authentication on, the copy in iCloud is encrypted end to end, so Apple cannot read it.

For the night-time measurements: how to track your sleep with an Apple Watch.

In short: Health app on the iPhone, Browse, Cycle Tracking, Get Started. Log each day in the Cycle Tracking app on the watch. Wear the watch at night for better predictions. Not a contraceptive.