Software / Apps Services
Apple Watch ECG App Instructions for Use
Quick guide for the Apple Watch ECG app, covering setup, recording procedures, result interpretation, troubleshooting, and essential safety cautions.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The ECG app is a software-only mobile medical application for Apple Watch designed to record a single-channel electrocardiogram (ECG) similar to a Lead I ECG. It is intended for users aged 22 and over to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) or sinus rhythm. The app is for informational use only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
App Setup and Onboarding
- Ensure your Apple Watch and iPhone are updated to the latest OS.
- Open the Health app on your iPhone and select Browse.
- Navigate to Heart and select Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the onboarding process.
- For region availability and device compatibility, visit support.apple.com/HT208955.
Recording an ECG
- Ensure the Apple Watch is snug on your wrist (check Settings > General > Orientation).
- Open the ECG app on your Apple Watch.
- Rest your arms on a table or in your lap.
- Hold your finger on the Digital Crown for the duration of the 30-second recording. You do not need to press the crown.
ECG Analysis
After a successful 30-second recording, the app provides one of the following classifications:
- Sinus Rhythm: Heart is beating in a uniform pattern between 50–100 BPM.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Heart is beating in an irregular pattern between 50–120 BPM.
- Inconclusive: The recording could not be classified due to factors like movement, loose watch fit, or heart rates outside the 50–120 BPM range.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot take a reading: Ensure onboarding is complete, the watch and wrist are clean and dry, and you remain still during the recording.
- Artefact or noise: Rest arms on a table, ensure the watch is snug, and move away from electronics plugged into power outlets.
- Waveforms upside down: Check your watch orientation settings in the Watch app on your iPhone (My Watch > General > Watch Orientation).
Safety and Cautions
- The ECG app cannot detect heart attacks. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, contact emergency services.
- Do not take recordings during physical activity or medical procedures (e.g., MRI, cautery, defibrillation).
- Do not use the app if you have a cardiac pacemaker, ICD, or other implanted electronic devices.
- Do not use the app outside the operational temperature range of 0°C – 35°C or humidity range of 20% to 95%.
Official resources from the manual
Manufacturer information
Apple Inc.
Practical help
Common problems
Inconclusive ECG result
Ensure arms are resting on a table, the watch is snug on the wrist, and the heart rate is within the 50-120 BPM range.
Cannot take a reading
Verify that onboarding is complete in the Health app and that the watch and wrist are clean and dry.
Waveforms appear upside down
Check the Watch Orientation setting in the Watch app on your iPhone (My Watch > General > Watch Orientation).
Before use
- Ensure Apple Watch and iPhone are updated to the latest OS.
- Complete the onboarding process in the Health app.
- Verify the watch is snug on the wrist.
- Ensure the watch and wrist are clean and dry.
- Check that you are not in close proximity to strong electromagnetic fields.
Specs in practice
- Sinus Rhythm
- Heart rate between 50-100 BPM with a uniform pattern.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
- Heart rate between 50-120 BPM with an irregular pattern.
- Operational Temperature
- 0°C to 35°C; do not use outside this range.
Model compatibility
- Requires Apple Watch and iPhone with latest OS.
- Not intended for use by individuals under 22 years old.
- Not compatible with cardiac pacemakers, ICDs, or other implanted electronic devices.
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor
Reviews PDF manuals for structure, safety notes, and practical product details so readers can find the right information quickly.