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Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 10:47 GMT by CNET- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Unlocking the Apple Watch: 9 Hidden Health Features You Should Enable Right Away
When the Apple Watch first launched, its most celebrated selling point was the promise of “health in your pocket.” Since then, Apple has quietly added a plethora of biometric tools, many of which are tucked away behind settings menus, app icons, or even the watch’s own “Health” interface. A recent CNET deep‑dive reveals that a lot of these features remain under‑utilized by the average user. If you want to squeeze every ounce of wellness data from your wrist, here’s a rundown of nine hidden health functionalities—and how to turn them on.
1. Sleep Tracking & Analysis
What it does
Apple Watch now monitors sleep patterns by detecting when you’re lying still and resting. It aggregates metrics like total sleep time, time spent in REM, light, and deep stages, and even how often you wake during the night.
Why it matters
The watch offers a visual sleep graph on your iPhone’s Health app, letting you compare trends week‑to‑week. A higher proportion of deep sleep often signals better recovery, while fragmented nights can flag stress or sleep apnea.
How to enable
- Open the Settings app on the watch.
- Tap Sleep > Track Sleep with Apple Watch and toggle it on.
- Set a bedtime schedule, and the watch will automatically prompt you to sleep.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Apple’s First Cardiac Test in a Wrist
What it does
Using the ECG app, the watch captures a single‑lead electrocardiogram by placing your finger on the digital crown. It analyses the heart rhythm for irregularities such as atrial fibrillation.
Why it matters
Clinical studies have shown the Apple Watch’s ECG accuracy to be comparable with standard ECG machines. Early detection of arrhythmias can lead to earlier medical interventions.
How to enable
- Install the ECG app from the App Store if it isn’t already on the watch.
- Open the app, select Take ECG, and follow the on‑screen instructions.
3. Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) Monitoring
What it does
The watch shines a red light on your skin and reads the absorption spectrum to estimate your blood’s oxygen saturation.
Why it matters
SpO₂ levels can reveal early signs of respiratory distress, sleep apnea, or simply reflect changes in altitude. It’s also handy for athletes monitoring recovery.
How to enable
- In Settings > Health > Blood Oxygen, toggle the switch.
- Once on, the app will prompt you to hold still for 30–45 seconds to get a reading.
4. Mindfulness & Breathe Exercise
What it does
A discreet, guided breathing exercise that uses the watch’s haptic motor to cue your inhale and exhale over a two‑minute cycle.
Why it matters
Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved mood, and better sleep. The watch’s built‑in timer removes the need for third‑party apps.
How to enable
- Open the Mindfulness app (or Breathe in older watchOS versions).
- Choose a 2‑minute session, then tap Start.
5. Noise Level Monitoring
What it does
When you’re in a loud environment, the watch’s microphone measures decibel levels and logs spikes that could be harmful to hearing.
Why it matters
Long‑term exposure to 85 dB or higher can damage hearing. The Apple Watch can alert you when noise levels exceed safe thresholds.
How to enable
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and enable Noise Monitoring for the Health app.
- Open Noise in the watch’s Health app and start a session.
6. Fall Detection & Emergency SOS
What it does
The watch uses the inertial sensors to detect a hard fall. If no user interaction follows, it automatically triggers an emergency call and shares your location.
Why it matters
For older adults or people prone to falls, this feature can save lives by providing a rapid response.
How to enable
- In Settings > SOS, turn on Fall Detection.
- Make sure the watch is unlocked and has cellular or Wi‑Fi connectivity.
7. Family Setup (for Kids & Seniors)
What it does
Allows a non‑Apple‑watch user (like a child or older relative) to be set up and managed from your own watch.
Why it matters
You can supervise activity rings, set health goals, and restrict usage. It’s a useful way to encourage healthy habits in younger family members without giving them a full‑powered device.
How to enable
- In the Watch app on your iPhone, tap All Watches > Add New Watch > Set Up for a Family Member.
- Follow the guided steps to pair the watch via Wi‑Fi and enroll in Family Sharing.
8. “Health Share” Feature
What it does
Apple Watch can now share certain health metrics (like blood pressure or heart rate) with your healthcare provider via the Health app.
Why it matters
This creates a digital medical record that can be reviewed during appointments, improving diagnostic accuracy and continuity of care.
How to enable
- In Health on the iPhone, tap the Share icon > Share Data with Doctor.
- Choose the metrics you’d like to share and follow the prompts.
9. Custom Workout Templates
What it does
Beyond the pre‑loaded workouts, the watch lets you create your own routine with specific metrics (e.g., target heart rate zones, interval times, or step goals).
Why it matters
Personalized workouts keep your training data precise and help you stay on track toward specific fitness milestones.
How to enable
- In the Workout app, scroll to the bottom and tap Add Workout.
- Set your custom parameters and name the routine for future use.
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve enabled these features, the Apple Watch turns from a simple “smart band” into a robust, integrated health platform. Whether you’re an athlete chasing performance metrics, a busy parent tracking your child’s sleep, or an older adult wanting peace of mind, the watch’s hidden health capabilities can bring measurable improvements to your well‑being.
Tip: Regularly review the Health app’s dashboards. Apple’s data aggregation is powerful, but the real value comes from consistent monitoring and timely action. By turning on these nine hidden features now, you’ll be setting yourself up for smarter health decisions tomorrow.
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/9-hidden-apple-watch-health-features-you-should-enable-right-away/ ]
