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Greavri
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Apple Watch ECG not working and resets at 29 seconds

My ECG is not working on my watch. It starts but tells me to hold finger on crown which is what I am doing. If it does start it resets at 29 seconds.

Posted on Nov 2, 2026 1:47 PM

1 reply

poonam_kumawat
User level: Level 4 (1,080 points)

Nov 3, 2026 10:21 AM in response to Greavri

The ECG recording should take approximately 30 seconds. If yours repeatedly stops at 29 seconds or keeps asking you to hold your finger on the Digital Crown, it may be having difficulty maintaining electrical contact.


Try these steps:


  1. Clean and dry the watch: Wipe the Digital Crown and the back of the watch. Make sure your finger and wrist are completely dry.
  2. Check the fit: Wear the watch snugly, with the back making good contact with your wrist.
  3. Use the correct technique: Sit down, rest your arm on a table or your lap, and gently place a finger from your opposite hand on the Digital Crown. Don't press it.
  4. Avoid movement: Stay still and relaxed throughout the 30-second recording.
  5. Restart both devices: Restart your Apple Watch and paired iPhone, then try again.
  6. Check for available watchOS and iOS updates.


More info: Take an ECG with the ECG app on Apple Watch.



Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387788