I’ve always relied on my Apple Watch for tracking my steps, heart rate, and even sleep. So, naturally, I wondered—can it measure blood pressure too? It would be so convenient to get a quick reading right from my wrist.
After checking the settings and searching through the Health app, I realized something surprising. The Apple Watch doesn’t actually have a built-in blood pressure monitor. I was expecting a simple feature, but it turns out, it’s a bit more complicated.
That got me thinking—how do smartwatches measure blood pressure? And if Apple Watch can’t, what are the alternatives?
Table of Contents
Why Apple Watch Can’t Measure Blood Pressure (Yet)
I thought my Apple Watch could track everything. Steps, calories, heart rate—it does it all. So, why can’t it measure blood pressure?
Apple Watch and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
- The Apple Watch does not have a built-in blood pressure sensor.
- It can only measure blood pressure with an external cuff connected via Bluetooth.
- Unlike heart rate tracking, blood pressure needs pressure on the arteries, which a smartwatch alone can’t provide.
Why Smartwatches Struggle with Blood Pressure Tracking
- Measuring blood pressure requires squeezing the arteries, which watches can’t do without a cuff.
- Optical sensors in smartwatches track blood flow, but they can’t calculate pressure.
- Some brands, like Samsung, use advanced methods, but they still need calibration with a cuff.
Is Apple Working on Blood Pressure Monitoring?
- Apple has filed patents for wrist-based blood pressure tracking.
- Rumors suggest future Apple Watches may include this feature.
- For now, you’ll need a compatible blood pressure monitor to get accurate readings.
How I Check My Blood Pressure on Apple Watch 7
I wanted to track my blood pressure with my Apple Watch 7. Turns out, it’s possible—but not without a little help.
What You’ll Need
- An Apple Watch 7 or later – Any model after Series 7 works.
- A compatible blood pressure cuff – Devices like Omron or QardioArm work best.
- A tracking app – Apple Health, Qardio, or similar apps sync your readings.
Steps to Measure Blood Pressure
- Pair your blood pressure cuff with your Apple Watch via Bluetooth.
- Open the tracking app on your watch or phone.
- Follow the instructions to position the cuff correctly.
- Start the reading and let the cuff inflate.
- Check your results in the app once the reading is complete.
- Sync data to Apple Health for tracking over time.
It’s not as simple as checking my heart rate, but it works!
Can My Apple Watch Track Blood Sugar and Heart Rate?
I love how my Apple Watch keeps track of my health. But can it measure blood sugar? And how accurate is its heart rate tracking?
Can Apple Watch Measure Blood Sugar?
- Not yet, but Apple is working on non-invasive glucose tracking.
- Some continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) sync with Apple Health for tracking.
- You’ll need a separate device, like the Dexcom G6, to monitor blood sugar.
Does Apple Watch Track Heart Rate?
- Yes! It uses optical sensors for real-time heart rate tracking.
- You can check your heart rate manually or set up automatic alerts.
- It also tracks heart rate variability (HRV) for fitness insights.
Other Health Features Worth Noting
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring for oxygen levels.
- ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect irregular heart rhythms.
- Activity tracking to monitor overall heart health.
Apple keeps adding more health features, but some still need extra devices!
Can My Samsung Watch Measure Blood Pressure?
I was surprised to hear that some smartwatches can track blood pressure. Unlike Apple Watch, Samsung actually has this feature—but there’s a catch.
How Samsung Watches Measure Blood Pressure
- Works on Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, 5, and later models.
- Uses optical sensors and AI to estimate blood pressure.
- Requires calibration with a standard blood pressure cuff.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Readings are estimates, not replacements for medical devices.
- Must be recalibrated every four weeks for accuracy.
- Feature is only available in certain countries due to regulations.
Samsung is ahead of Apple in this area, but it still has limitations!
Smartwatches That Actually Track Blood Pressure
Since my Apple Watch can’t do it, I started looking for alternatives. Turns out, some smartwatches can measure blood pressure—but each has its own way of doing it.
Best Smartwatches for Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 → Uses optical sensors but needs calibration with a cuff.
- Omron HeartGuide → FDA-approved and works like a mini blood pressure monitor.
- Fitbit Sense 2 → Tracks BP trends based on research-based technology.
- Aktiia 24/7 BP Monitor → Provides continuous wrist-based tracking for day and night readings.
Finding the right one depends on whether you want real-time readings or long-term tracking!