How to record an electrocardiogram with the ECG app on Apple Watch

Tuesday October 13, 2026 5:29 am EAT by Kevin Hollington

Apple Watch has an electrical heart rate sensor that, along with the ECG app, allows you to take an electrocardiogram (or ECG). It’s quick.

To use the ECG app, update your iPhone 11 or later or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) to the latest version of iOS and Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS. Then you set it up in the Health app and record from your wrist, and at the end of the recording, you receive a classification.

Note: The ECG app isn’t available on Apple Watch SE 3 or in all countries or regions.

Open the Health app on your iPhone and then follow the onscreen steps to set up ECG.

If you don’t see a prompt to set up, tap Browse at the bottom-right, tap Heart, then tap Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Open the ECG app on your Apple Watch.
Rest your arm on a table or in your lap.
With the hand opposite your watch, hold your finger on the Digital Crown. Wait while Apple Watch records the ECG.

You don’t need to press the Digital Crown during the session.

At the end of the recording, you receive a classification. You can then tap Add Symptoms and choose your symptoms. Tap Save to note any symptoms, then tap Done. To view your results on iPhone, go to the Health app on iPhone, tap Browse at the bottom-right, tap Heart, then tap Electrocardiograms (ECG).

Important: To ensure the best reading after swimming, showering, heavy perspiration, or washing your hands, clean and dry your Apple Watch. It may take 1 hour or more for Apple Watch to completely dry. ECG is designed to function between 32 and 95 °F (0 and 35 °C).