Is it possible that the ECG isn't working due to a non-original steel mesh strap bought on Amazon? My watch can't do the ECG with that strap but if I put another one on, for example the silicone one it works. Are there any known problems like this?
Apple Watch Series 8, watchOS 10
I can't say for certain, but your report suggests there might be a conflict between the third party metal bracelet and the ECG function. Logic for my opinion as below:
Your heart generates tiny electrical signals which can be measured by the electronics. The ECG sensor has two components, an electrode on the back of the watch which detects the voltage in your watch arm, and another sensor in the Digital Crown which uses finger contact to detect the voltage in your non-watch arm. Together your two arms behave in the same way as the two input wires on a voltmeter, the detected voltage can be amplified to produce the ECG tracing.
Untested, but I think what might be happening is that the Digital Crown is electrically connected to the watch body (but not the watch back electrode). The third party strap is electrically conductive with a big contact area, so the signal from your non-watch arm is short circuited to your arm very near the watch-back electrode and the ECG circuits see the same signal from both sides, no difference between them (probably micro volts or less anyway) so ECG flat line!
I can't say for certain, but your report suggests there might be a conflict between the third party metal bracelet and the ECG function. Logic for my opinion as below:
Your heart generates tiny electrical signals which can be measured by the electronics. The ECG sensor has two components, an electrode on the back of the watch which detects the voltage in your watch arm, and another sensor in the Digital Crown which uses finger contact to detect the voltage in your non-watch arm. Together your two arms behave in the same way as the two input wires on a voltmeter, the detected voltage can be amplified to produce the ECG tracing.
Untested, but I think what might be happening is that the Digital Crown is electrically connected to the watch body (but not the watch back electrode). The third party strap is electrically conductive with a big contact area, so the signal from your non-watch arm is short circuited to your arm very near the watch-back electrode and the ECG circuits see the same signal from both sides, no difference between them (probably micro volts or less anyway) so ECG flat line!
Hey there Alec-18,
Thanks for asking about these features on Apple Watch.
Make sure you're on the latest version of iOS and watchOS supported by your devices.
Check here to see if a feature is available in your region.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful:
Heart health notifications on your Apple Watch
Take an ECG with the ECG app on Apple Watch
Track your AFib History with Apple Watch
If you have any other questions, please contact our team here.
If you believe that you're experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your local emergency services.
Take care.
ECG Apple Watch not working
