With the Apple Watch Series 4 it is possible to measure your heart rate more precisely and faster than with older models. All you need for this is the Digital Crown.
Precisely measure the Apple Watch Series 4 heart rate: this is how you do it
Measuring your heart rate with the Apple Watch has been possible for years. However, the Watch Series 4 has multiple electrodes which makes the measurement more accurate and faster. All you have to do is put your finger on the Digital Crown.
In principle, this function is intended for making ECG films, but unfortunately that is not yet possible in the Netherlands. Fortunately, the electrodes are not useless, because Apple Watch Series 4 owners can quickly check their heart rate with them. To do this, follow these steps:
- Update your Apple Watch to watchOS 5.1.2;
- Open the Heart Rate app on your Apple Watch Series 4;
- Put your finger on the Digital Crown;
- The heart rate is now being measured.
You will see that your heart rate is updated much more often and the measurement is more accurate. Your pulsation is now measured every second, instead of the usual five seconds with the optical heart rate sensor.
Also read: Tip: this way you can update the Apple Watch much faster
This is how the precise heart rate monitor works
By putting your finger on the Digital Crown you create a closed circuit. The electrodes now send signals to your heart to measure the pulsation. The new and more precise measurements can also be carried out on your Dutch Apple Watch Series 4. That’s nice, because that way you can still use the new sensors. These are actually only intended for the ECG function, but unfortunately it does not work here yet.
On Apple Watches older than the Series 4, you could only measure the heart rate with the two lights on the back. This heart rate monitor flashes hundreds of times per minute to take an accurate measurement. Your pulse will be checked every five seconds.