How to use the Irregular Rhythm Notifications on Apple Watch

About Irregular Rhythm Notification in Health App iPhone

If you own an Apple Watch Series 1 or later, the enhanced heart rate features and corresponding notifications can help keep you abreast of possible issues. Once such feature is the Irregular Rhythm Notification which can help detect patterns possibly associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Wondering what exactly this feature is and what it can do? Here’s how to use the Irregular Rhythm Notifications on Apple Watch.

Basics on the Irregular Rhythm Notifications feature

As Apple describes:

Using the optical heart sensor in Apple Watch Series 1 or later, the irregular rhythm notification feature will occasionally check the user’s heart rhythm in the background for signs of an irregular heart rhythm that appears to be AFib and alerts the user with a notification if an irregular rhythm is detected on five rhythm checks over a minimum of 65 minutes.

Enable the Irregular Rhythm Notifications feature

Obviously, you need to enable this notification to receive the alerts. So, open the Watch app on your iPhone and do the following:

1) Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.

2) Scroll down to and tap Heart.

3) Under Heart Rate Notifications, move the slider to turn on Irregular Rhythm.

Enable Irregular Rhythm Notification Watch app

View the Irregular Rhythm Notifications data

Now, if you would like to view the data for this feature, head over to the Health app on your iPhone.

1) Tap the Health Data tab at the bottom.

2) Scroll down to and tap Heart.

3) At the bottom, select Irregular Rhythm Notifications.

On this screen, you can select Show All Data at the top to view what’s been collected. To make it easier to access, you can move the slider to enable Add to Favorites. Then, you’ll be able to see the Irregular Rhythm Notification widget on the Health Data > Heart screen.

Heath Data Heart Screens for Irregular Rhythm Notifications iPhone

Be informed

While you are on the Irregular Rhythm Notifications screen, you will see four sections with helpful information.

  • About Irregular Rhythm Notifications provides you with a short description of AFib, the seriousness of the condition, and symptoms to be aware of.
  • How It Works explains how the Apple Watch obtains the readings.
Irregular Rhythm Notification detail screens how works
  • Four Things You Should Know goes into detail with things you must keep in mind when using the feature.
  • Receiving a Notification tells you what to do if you receive an alert identifying an irregular rhythm pattern.
Irregular Rhythm Notification detail screens four things

Remember, to use the Irregular Rhythm Notification feature, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 1 or later running at least iOS 12.1.1.

Wrapping it up

If you do receive an Irregular Rhythm Notification on your Apple Watch, you should see your physician to discuss the alert.

Is this a feature you’re going to enable on your Apple Watch?

And if you’re interested in tutorials regarding the other heart health feature for Apple Watch, check out our articles on low heart rate alerts and elevated heart rate notifications. If you own an Apple Watch Series 4, be sure to take a look at how to use the ECG app as well.