Does the Galaxy Watch 3 support ECG?

Galaxy Watch 3 45mm Black
Galaxy Watch 3 45mm Black (Image credit: Android Central)

Best answer: No, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 doesn't currently support ECG. However, the hardware is there, and the FDA has recently approved the feature, and it will roll out in a software update later this year.

Can you use the Galaxy Watch 3 to take an ECG reading?

In recent years, ECG has become somewhat of a buzz word in the realm of smartwatches. If unfamiliar, an ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that reads the electrical activity within your heart. This test can check for irregularities within your heart that may be an indicator of a potentially severe condition. A more thorough explanation can be found here.

Thankfully with the importance that an ECG can have, Samsung has decided to include the hardware within the Galaxy Watch 3. The ability to take an ECG has been built into the Watch Active 2 since it was released nearly a year ago. However, since this type of test requires regulatory approval, it isn't available — yet. Until recently, there had not been any announcements as to when owners of these smartwatches would be able to take advantage of ECG on their devices.

Galaxy Watch 3 41mm Silver

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

In terms of smartwatches for Android users, the FDA approved the functionality and app for Galaxy Watches containing the hardware for ECG to be used. It's not clear exactly when consumers will be able to begin using the feature as the announcement only states later in 2020. Unfortunately, if you absolutely need ECG on a smartwach now you're a bit out of luck. Currently in the U.S. the only smartwatch that offers ECG is the Apple Watch. Other health features that we are also waiting for are blood pressure monitoring and fall detection.

Chris Wedel
Smart Home Writer
Chris Wedel is a fan of all things tech and gadgets. Living in rural Kansas with his wife and two young boys makes finding ways to get and stay online tricky. By utilizing his years of experience with the tech and mobile communications industries — success is assured. When not conquering connectivity challenges and testing new gadgets, he enjoys cruising a gravel road in his UTV with some good tunes.