How to track your heart rate with your Google Pixel phone

Your smartphone’s camera can track your heart rate

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GooglePixel smartphonesare capable of monitoring your heart rate even though there isn’t any dedicated hardware in the handset to track these metrics. It instead uses a smart approach that leverages your phone’s rear camera.

Within the Google Fit app, you’ll be able to track your heart rate and your respiratory rate. You’ll need a compatible smartphone to be able to do this though, which includes every Pixel handset since theGoogle Pixel 3andPixel 3 XL.

That means the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL,Pixel 3a,Pixel 3a XL,Pixel 4,Pixel 4 XL,Pixel 4a,Pixel 4a 5G,Pixel 5,Pixel 5a,Pixel 6andPixel 6 Proare compatible with this feature. Those with those two most recent devices may need to update their software to get the feature.

Google has said that it plans to roll this feature out to moreAndroid phonesin the future, but there’s no firm idea of when you’ll be able to use these features on handsets outside of the Pixel line.

How to measure your heart rate

To measure your heart rate on your Pixel phone, you’ll need the Google Fit app. This will be preinstalled on your Pixel handset, but if you’ve deleted it you may need to reinstall it. We’d recommend updating the Google Fit app before trying to do this, too.

When you open the app, you’ll find a home page that includes data such as your recent step count and your Daily Goals. Scroll down, and you’ll findCheck your heart rate.

PressGet started, and after allowing your phone’s app permissions to use the camera, your phone’s camera will boot up. Place your finger over the main camera lens on the rear of the phone.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

We’ve found it easiest using an index finger, but you may choose to use another one depending on how you’re holding the phone. You’ll want to see the screen for this, so don’t place your phone on a desk.

Hold your finger on the camera while you wait for the measurement to start up.

The app may ask you to move your finger during this process, so gently roll it in the direction that the user interface is telling you. When you hit 100%, you’ll be greeted with a notification informing you of your heart rate.

You can now save that, or you can delete it immediately if you don’t want to record your heart rate data.

How to measure your respiratory rate

This feature is also found within the Google Fit app, but you’ll need a touch more space to make this work. It’ll use your front camera to monitor your breathing, so you’ll want to find a well lit space where you can prop up your phone.

Scroll down toCheck your respiratory ratein the Google Fit app, and press onGet started. You’ll be asked to prop up your phone so your face and chest are in view of the camera, and to try to match the guides available on screen.

You’ll be asked to hold still, and then the phone will begin to measure your respiratory rate. Once it hits 100%, you’ll be greeted with your results and given the option to save these within the app.

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

How to lock apps on a Google Pixel phone

I’m a die-hard Apple fan, but even I’ll admit that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best-looking phone of the year

Smeg Combi Steam Oven review: a multi-functional countertop oven that looks stunning and cooks well