In addition to sensors capable of recording an electrocardiogram, the Apple Watch (from Series 6 onwards) also started to allow you to check how the oxygenation of your blood — also using technologies present on the back of the watch.
Although the Apple makes it very clear that the sensor is not intended for medical use, it may be an indication that perhaps there is something wrong with your body – there are even cases in which it helped users to identify problems.
However, if you have a compatible watch and are experiencing issues involving the feature, here are some tips that may help.
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Factors that can influence the use of the app
- If your heart rate is above 150BPM (beats per minute) and you are at rest, the measurement will not work.
- Certain tattoos can also interfere with blood oxygen measurements by blocking the sensor.
- If you are in an area where the temperature is very low, the blood supply to your wrist may be too low for the sensor to work.
- The function to measure blood oxygen is designed to work only for users aged 18 and over. Therefore, it is not available to minors.
What to do if the app doesn’t work
- Update iOS and watchOS to the latest OS versions.
- Try resting your arm on the table or lap during the measurement, so that it is done successfully.
- Make sure the Apple Watch band is flush with your wrist; it cannot be too loose or too tight.
- Make sure the back of Apple Watch lines up with the top of your wrist. If your wrist bones get in the way, try moving the watch back a little further (towards your elbow) by about an inch to two inches.
- Apple also states that keeping your arms loose at your sides or keeping your hand closed, for example, can impair the reading and, consequently, the result.
- Make sure the rear sensors are clean and free of any residue.
- Try restarting your Apple Watch.
- Delete the Blood Oxygen app and install it again. To do this, press the Digital Crown to open the apps view. If you’re using wide view, press and hold your finger on top of the screen and go to “Edit Apps” so that they all start to shake. Then tap the “X” on top of the app in question and confirm. If you are using the visualization grid style, do the same procedure above or simply swipe your finger from right to left over the app, tap the trash can icon and confirm. Then open the App Store, search for “Blood Oxygen” and download it.
- Unpair your Apple Watch using the Watch app on your iPhone and set it up again. Don’t worry, when you unpair the watch from the iPhone, a backup of the watch will be created on your phone.
If still nothing is working for you, contact Apple. This can be done by calling 0800-761-0880, via the website or via the Support app.
You can also make an appointment at one of the two Apple Stores located in Brazil or at an Apple Authorized Service Center.
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via iMore