Content last updated: 053019
Caution! The information gathered from Samsung devices and/or related software is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. The accuracy of the information and data provided by these devices and related software, including heart rate readings, may be affected by factors such as environmental conditions, skin condition, specific activity performed while wearing the device, settings of the device, user configuration/user provided information, sensor placement, and other end-user interactions. Please refer to the user manual for each device for more information on proper wear and use.
What does the heart rate sensor measure?
The heart rate sensor measures your heart rate in Beats per Minute using an optical LED light source and an LED light sensor. The light shines through your skin, and the sensor measures the amount of light that reflects back. The light reflections will vary as blood pulses under your skin past the light. The variations in the light reflections are interpreted as heartbeats.
Note: When the device is synced with a compatible Samsung Health application, it can be used to then estimate measurements such as heart rate and calories burned. Additionally, when your device is paired with the Samsung Health application, you can use additional features. These additional features include checking your exercise records, and more.
What does it tell you about your overall health?
Knowing your heart rate can be useful because it helps you determine whether your exercise is intense enough to provide health benefits, but not so intense that it could present physical complications. Doctors do not typically recommend that individuals track only their heart rates, but what they eat, drink, and how much rest is needed to recover after any physical activity. Heart rate monitors can be great tools for getting interested in your health, but you should always start by speaking with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen*.
*If you have an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, please consult your doctor or health care provider before using any handheld or wearable wireless mobile device and carefully review the health and safety manual for your device model for tips on preventing interference. For additional information www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
The accuracy of the information and data provided by this device and its related software, including heart rate readings, may be affected by factors such as environmental conditions, skin condition, specific activity performed while using/wearing the device, settings of the device, user configuration, user-provided information, placement of the sensor on the body, and other end-user interactions. Please refer to the user manual for more information on proper wear and use.
What doesn’t it tell you?
Heart rate monitors or activity trackers cannot tell you if you are fit for any physical activity. Your doctor should be able to assess your current health, and help you create an exercise program that’s right for you. While the heart rate sensor on your device can be a useful tool for motivating you and tracking your exercise intensity, the heart rate sensor and compatible Samsung Health application are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent a disease or medical condition. *
* Some applications or prolonged usage may increase device temperature. Prolonged skin contact with a device that is hot to the touch may produce skin discomfort or redness, or low-temperature burns. If the device feels hot to the touch, discontinue use and close all applications or turn off the device until it cools. Always ensure that the device has adequate ventilation and air flow. Covering the device with bedding, your body, thick clothing or any other materials that significantly affect air flow may affect the performance of the device and poses a possible risk of fire or explosion, which could lead to serious bodily injuries or damage to property.
What do the different heart rate zones and statuses mean?
(Wearables and Phone)
Resting heart rate varies from person to person depending on factors that include age, height, weight, and health.
Heart Rate Ranges
Resting heart rate range (male)
| Age group | Average range (bpm) | Total range (bpm) |
| Under 1 | 118 - 137 | 104 - 158 |
| 1 | 110 - 125 | 95 - 139 |
| 2-3 | 98 - 114 | 88 - 125 |
| 4-5 | 87 - 104 | 76 - 117 |
| 6-8 | 79 - 94 | 69 - 106 |
| 9-11 | 76 - 91 | 66 - 103 |
| 12-15 | 70 - 87 | 60 - 99 |
| 16-19 | 69 - 85 | 58 - 99 |
| 20-39 | 66 - 82 | 57 - 95 |
| 40-59 | 64 - 79 | 56 - 92 |
| 60-79 | 64 - 78 | 56 - 92 |
| 80 or over | 64 - 77 | 56 - 93 |
Resting heart rate range (female)
| Age group | Average range (bpm) | Total range (bpm) |
| Under 1 | 115 - 137 | 102 - 155 |
| 1 | 107 - 122 | 95 - 137 |
| 2-3 | 96 - 112 | 85 - 124 |
| 4-5 | 84 - 100 | 74 - 112 |
| 6-8 | 76 - 92 | 66 - 105 |
| 9-11 | 70 - 86 | 661- 97 |
| 12-15 | 70 - 87 | 60 - 99 |
| 16-19 | 66 - 83 | 57 - 97 |
| 20-39 | 61 - 78 | 52 - 92 |
| 40-59 | 61 - 77 | 52 - 89 |
| 60-79 | 60 - 75 | 50 - 91 |
| 80 or over | 61 - 78 | 51 - 94 |
Status
When you measure your heart rate using the heart rate sensor, choose your status depending on your level of activity at the time of the measurement.
General status is best measured when you are not resting, but not working out either. This is for typical day to day activity.
Before Exercise status is best measured after warming up or stretching before a workout.
Resting status is best measured when you first wake up or after sitting still for 5 minutes.
After Exercise status is best measured directly after a workout.
Where is the sensor located on my device?
Samsung Health measures your heart rate with a light and sensor located on the back of supported devices.
Caution! Do not look directly at the heart rate sensor’s lights. Doing so may impair your vision.
How do I measure my heart rate?
(Wearables and Phones)
Note: Gear devices include wearable products such as Gear S, Gear Fit, and IconX.
Measuring heart rate with your wearable:
When measuring your heart rate, ensure the device fits snugly on your arm above your wrist as shown in the following figure. Do not fasten the Gear too tightly.
Caution! If you feel discomfort while using the device, stop using it and remove it from your wrist. If your device becomes hot to the touch, remove it until it cools.
Measuring heart rate with your mobile phone:
When measuring your heart rate, place your finger on the sensor as shown. Press your finger to the sensor lightly.
Measuring heart rate with your Galaxy Buds:
Caution! Do not touch the heart rate sensor with your finger when handling or while in use for measuring heart rate, as this may affect accuracy of the device reading. Do not put the earbuds in your ears without earbud tips. Doing so may cause injury. Do not pull the earbud tip excessively, as the earbud tip may tear.
When measuring your heart rate, make sure to attach the earbud tips and wingtips to the earbuds.
- Check the direction of each earbud and insert them into your ears with the wingtip facing upwards until they sit comfortably in your ears.
- Adjust the earbuds by rotating them to the left or right to fit your ears.
The heart rate sensor will automatically detect that you are wearing the earbuds once inserted. The earbuds will automatically turn on and emit a beep.
Note:
- If there is sweat or liquid placed on the charging terminals, corrosion may occur over time. It is recommended that if sweat/liquid is placed on these terminals or earbuds, you clean them properly before charging the device.
- If the heart rate sensor does not make contact with you ear, the earbud may not work. Use the wingtips and earbud tips that fit your ears
- Follow all posted warnings and directions from authorized personnel in areas, such as airplanes and hospitals.
For best results when measuring your heart rate:
- Remove the protective plastic from the heart rate measurement sensor before taking measurements. The heart rate figures may not be accurate depending on factors such as environmental conditions, your skin condition, specific activity performed while using or wearing the device, the settings of the device, your user configuration or user-provided information, the placement of the sensor on your body, and other end-user interactions.
-
Take heart rate measurements when you are seated and relaxed.
Note: This is not the case for the IconX device. - If heart rate measurements are taken at low temperatures, the result may be inaccurate.
- Do not move your body while taking heart rate measurements. Doing so may cause your heart rate to be recorded inaccurately.
- Users with thin wrists may receive inaccurate heart rate measurements.
- If the measurement is very different from the expected heart rate, rest for 30 minutes and measure it again.
- Measurements are calculated using average values and may need to be repeated at least five times. During winter or in cold weather, keep yourself warm when measuring your heart rate.
- Smoking or consuming alcohol before taking measurements may cause your heart rate to be different from your normal heart rate.
- Do not talk, yawn, or breathe deeply while taking heart rate measurements.
- If your heart rate is extremely high or low, measurements may be inaccurate.
- Heart rate measurements taken for infants and toddlers may be inaccurate.
- Your device is not a toy. Do not allow children to play with it because they could hurt themselves and others, or damage the device.
- Do not look directly at the heart rate sensor’s lights. Doing so may impair your vision.
- If heart rate measurement is not working properly, adjust the position of the wearable on your wrist or the position of your finger on the sensor.
- If the heart rate sensor is dirty, wipe the sensor and try again.
Additional considerations if you have an Implantable Medical Device, such as a pacemaker
A minimum separation of 15.24 cm (6 inches) should be maintained between a handheld/body worn wireless mobile device and an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, to avoid potential interference with the device.
Persons who have such devices:
- Should ALWAYS keep the mobile device more than 15.24 cm (6 inches) from their implantable medical device when the mobile device is turned ON;
- Should not carry the mobile device in a breast pocket;
- Should use the ear opposite the implantable medical device to minimize the potential for interference;
- Should turn the mobile device OFF immediately if there is any reason to suspect that interference is taking place;
- Should read and follow the directions from the manufacturer of your implantable medical device. If you have any questions about using your wireless mobile device with an implantable medical device, consult your health care provider.
For more information see: www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html