The Samsung Galaxy Watch offers an Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature that lets users monitor their heart rhythm for irregularities such as atrial fibrillation. While this feature is optimized for Samsung smartphones, many users want to use ECG on their Galaxy Watch paired with non-Samsung phones. This guide explains how to use ECG on Samsung Galaxy Watch with a non-Samsung phone, covering setup, limitations, and troubleshooting.
What You Need to Know About ECG on Samsung Galaxy Watch
- The ECG app is FDA-cleared and available on Galaxy Watch models like the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 4.
- It requires the Samsung Health Monitor app on your paired smartphone.
- Samsung Health Monitor is officially supported only on Samsung phones.
- To use ECG on non-Samsung phones, workarounds are needed to install and run Samsung Health Monitor.
- Some countries have regional restrictions for ECG functionality.
Step 1: Confirm Your Galaxy Watch Supports ECG
Check your model:
- Galaxy Watch 3 and later Galaxy Watch 4 models support ECG.
- Older Galaxy Watches do not have ECG sensors.
Also, verify your watch firmware is updated:
- Open Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
- Go to Watch settings > Software update and update if available.
Step 2: Install Samsung Health Monitor App on Your Non-Samsung Phone
Samsung Health Monitor app is mandatory to access ECG data.
How to Install:
- Officially, Samsung Health Monitor is not available on Google Play for non-Samsung devices.
- To install, you need to:
- Download the Samsung Health Monitor APK from a trusted APK repository.
- Enable Install from Unknown Sources on your phone in Settings > Security.
- Install the APK manually.
Step 3: Set Up Samsung Health Monitor and Pair Your Galaxy Watch
- Open the Samsung Health Monitor app.
- Sign in with your Samsung account or create one.
- Allow all requested permissions (storage, location, phone).
- Pair your Galaxy Watch using the Galaxy Wearable app if not already paired.
- Open Samsung Health Monitor and complete initial setup instructions.
Step 4: Enable ECG Feature on Your Galaxy Watch
- On your Galaxy Watch, open the Samsung Health Monitor app.
- Follow on-screen prompts to calibrate and start your first ECG reading.
- Make sure your watch fits snugly on your wrist for accurate measurement.
- Place your finger on the watch’s top button as directed to complete the ECG.
Step 5: Viewing and Sharing ECG Results
- The ECG data syncs with Samsung Health Monitor on your phone.
- You can review your heart rhythm graphs and download PDF reports.
- Share reports with your healthcare provider if needed.
Limitations and Important Notes
- Samsung Health Monitor app might not receive updates or support on non-Samsung devices.
- Regional restrictions may disable ECG functionality; check your country’s availability.
- ECG on Galaxy Watch is not a substitute for professional medical devices.
- Some features may not work smoothly due to compatibility issues on non-Samsung phones.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- App crashes or won’t open: Reinstall the Samsung Health Monitor APK and clear cache.
- Watch not connecting to Health Monitor: Restart both devices, ensure Bluetooth is on.
- ECG feature grayed out on watch: Verify region and software version; some regions disable ECG.
- Permission issues: Grant all permissions to Samsung Health Monitor and Galaxy Wearable apps.
My Experience Using ECG on Galaxy Watch with Non-Samsung Phones
I used my Galaxy Watch 4 with a Pixel phone by installing Samsung Health Monitor manually. The initial setup required patience with permissions and APK installation. Once set, ECG worked reliably and data synced smoothly. However, occasional app crashes and delays in updates were minor hurdles. For regular ECG checks, it’s a feasible option if you don’t have a Samsung phone.
Summary
To use ECG on Samsung Galaxy Watch with a non-Samsung phone:
- Confirm your watch supports ECG.
- Download and install Samsung Health Monitor APK manually.
- Pair your watch using Galaxy Wearable app.
- Enable ECG on the watch and follow measurement instructions.
- Understand regional and compatibility limitations.
- Troubleshoot app and connection issues as needed.
This method allows non-Samsung users to benefit from the Galaxy Watch ECG feature with some setup effort.
