Buying guide

Which Apple Watch Models Have ECG?

Updated on · By the Monitorlyr team

Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, except Apple Watch SE, support ECG. Apple Watch Ultra models also support the ECG app. Availability depends on your country and software requirements.

On this page (9 sections)
  1. What series Apple Watch has EKG?
  2. Does Apple Watch SE have ECG?
  3. Which Apple Watch models have ECG monitoring?
  4. What should you check before buying an Apple Watch for ECG?
  5. How do you set up and record an Apple Watch ECG?
  6. How accurate is an Apple Watch ECG?
  7. What if your Apple Watch does not have ECG?
  8. Which accessories can help with everyday watch use?
  9. Which Apple Watch should you choose for ECG?

Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, except Apple Watch SE, support ECG. Apple Watch Ultra models also support ECG, subject to regional availability and setup requirements.

If you want an Apple Watch with ECG monitoring, check the exact model name. If you're also considering Garmin, see whether the Venu 4 has ECG.

Then confirm Apple offers the ECG app where you live.

What series Apple Watch has EKG?

Apple Watch Series 4 and later, except SE, support ECG. Apple Watch Ultra models support it too, subject to Apple’s regional availability and setup requirements.

“EKG” and “ECG” refer to the same type of heart recording. Apple calls its watch feature the ECG app, so you may see either term while searching.

Apple Watch familyECG app support
Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3No
Apple Watch Series 4 and laterYes, except SE
Apple Watch SE modelsNo
Apple Watch Ultra modelsYes

Model support does not guarantee that the app is available in every country or works with every older iPhone and software version. Check Apple’s current ECG app requirements before you buy or set up a watch.

Does Apple Watch SE have ECG?

No, Apple Watch SE models do not include ECG monitoring. If ECG is the deciding feature, compare a supported Series or Ultra watch instead of choosing an SE based on its release date or general health features.

Apple Watch SE can still provide other health and fitness features, but those do not substitute for recording an ECG. If you already own an SE, you’ll need a compatible ECG device or another supported watch to record one.

Which Apple Watch models have ECG monitoring?

The Series 4 introduced Apple’s ECG app, and later numbered Series models continued to support it. Apple Watch Ultra models also support ECG, while SE remains the exception among Apple’s main watch families.

A newer generation can still be subject to regional restrictions and setup requirements. Before buying used, ask for the exact model and check that its features match Apple’s support information for your country.

If you’re comparing a specific older model, see our guides to Apple Watch Series 5 ECG and Apple Watch Series 8 ECG.

What should you check before buying an Apple Watch for ECG?

Check the exact model, regional availability, and paired iPhone compatibility before choosing a watch. These details determine whether you can install and set up the ECG app.

  1. Find the model name and generation in the watch’s settings or purchase details.
  2. Confirm that it is a supported Series model or an Ultra, and not an SE.
  3. Check Apple’s current country or region availability for the ECG app.
  4. Confirm the paired iPhone and operating system meet Apple’s requirements.
  5. Make sure you can set up the watch with your Apple account and region.

For a used watch, don’t rely only on its appearance or case size. Ask for its model identifier, because different generations can look similar.

How do you set up and record an Apple Watch ECG?

A supported Apple Watch records an ECG through the ECG app after setup on the paired iPhone. For the next step, learn ECG export guide.

Keep your finger on the Digital Crown during the recording and follow the on-screen prompts.

Our How to Record an EKG on Apple Watch: Easy Guide walks through the recording steps. ECG results are not a diagnosis, and the feature is not a substitute for medical care.

How accurate is an Apple Watch ECG?

An Apple Watch ECG records a single-lead tracing, but it does not provide a full clinical ECG or diagnose every heart condition. If you use Garmin, see how to Garmin ECG sharing guide.

The result may be inconclusive, and it cannot rule out a heart attack.

Read How Accurate Is an Apple Watch ECG? to understand what the recording can and cannot tell you. Contact a clinician about symptoms or a result that concerns you, and seek urgent care for severe or sudden symptoms.

What if your Apple Watch does not have ECG?

An SE or older unsupported model cannot use Apple’s ECG app. You can compare a supported Apple Watch or consider another ECG device, after checking that it meets your needs and is available in your region.

For other options, see our Best Apple Watch Alternative For ECG and Best Cheap Alternative To Apple Watch ECG guides.

Which accessories can help with everyday watch use?

Watch bands can make a watch more comfortable to wear, but they do not add ECG support. Match the band’s lug width and connector to your specific watch before ordering.

Which Apple Watch should you choose for ECG?

Choose a supported Series model or Apple Watch Ultra if you need Apple’s ECG app, and confirm the feature is available in your region. Choose an SE only if you’re comfortable without ECG; for recording steps, use the Apple Watch ECG guide.

Frequently asked questions

What series Apple Watch has EKG?

Apple Watch Series 4 and later support the ECG app, except Apple Watch SE models. Apple Watch Ultra models support it too.

Availability can depend on your country or region, compatible iPhone, and software, so confirm Apple's current requirements for the model you plan to use.

Does Apple Watch SE have ECG?

No. Apple Watch SE models do not include the ECG app, so they cannot record an ECG with that feature.

If ECG is a deciding factor, compare a supported Series or Ultra model and confirm regional availability before buying.

Does Apple Watch Series 5 have ECG?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 5 supports the ECG app where the feature is available.

You can review the steps in our Series 5 ECG guide, and check that the watch and paired iPhone meet Apple's current software requirements.

Can Apple Watch ECG diagnose a heart problem?

No. Apple says the ECG app is not intended to diagnose a heart attack, stroke, or other conditions.

It can record a single-lead ECG and may help you share information with a clinician, but seek urgent care for severe or sudden symptoms.