Garmin ECG app: Compatible watches, countries and how the feature works

Garmin was relatively late to the party when it first received approval for its ECG app in January 2023, but the feature has expanded considerably since then.

Initially only available for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, a string of Garmin watches now support the health feature. Instead, the main issue remains the Garmin ECG app's limited availability, with it still only approved for use in a few countries. 

In this explainer, we'll list where you can access the ECG feature - and which watches have the necessary hardware in place. We'll also try to answer whether the health spot-check will roll out to more watches and regions throughout 2024. Let's jump in.

• What is an ECG - and the best watches with the health feature

Garmin ECG: Compatible watches

Garmin

The list of Garmin watches with the capacity to run the ECG app is pretty limited. Given that the feature rolled out via an update to some of the models below, the software version is also a factor. 

Read our guide on how to update your Garmin if this is a requirement before you can access the ECG app.

• Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 (all versions) - software version 14.68 or newer
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro (all versions) - software version 14.68 or newer
• Garmin Quatix 7 Pro - software version 14.68 or newer
• Garmin Tactix 7 (AMOLED Edition) - software version 14.68 or newer
• Garmin D2 Mac 1 Pro - software version 14.68 or newer
• Garmin Venu 2 Plus - software version 11.21 or newer
• Garmin Venu 3 - software version 7.07 or newer

Will ECG roll out to more Garmin watches in an update?

If you're hoping that your existing Garmin watch will receive support for the feature in a future update, we're here to disappoint you. 

As confirmed to DC Rainmaker in January 2023, only certain watches have the necessary hardware to perform ECGs. The tell-tale sign is the small ring around the edge of the optical HR sensor on the rear, with the watch's bezel - where the user places their fingers - also featuring the connecting wire.

It's likely new releases of Garmin's more premium sports watches (and smartwatches) will feature support as standard, but it's not something that the company necessarily reverse engineer. 

Where is Garmin's ECG app available?

Garmin

After initially launching in the United States following FDA approval, the Garmin ECG app is now available in a few more countries. 

• United States
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Vietnam

Will the Garmin ECG app roll out to more countries?

At the time of release, Garmin said the following regarding the extended rollout of the app: "Garmin intends to continue to expand its portfolio of products supporting the ECG App and launch it in new regions in line with necessary regulatory approval."

Since then, there have been no more official announcements or rumors related to a further rollout. 

It feels unlikely the feature won't come to the UK, Europe, Canada, and beyond at some point in 2024 - and we're hoping it does, because we want to test it out properly - but Garmin does tend to do these things at its own pace. Watch this space.

How the Garmin ECG app works

Garmin

As detailed in Garmin's initial release, the ECG app works similarly to other watches, with users placing their index finger and thumb on the metal edge of the case for 30 seconds to receive a reading. 

You'll need to set it all up in Garmin Connect first, though, which will also be a hub for historical data, as well as the place where you can export individual readings as PDFs (to a doctor, for example).

On the watch itself, the app will appear on the regular list alongside exercise modes.

Garmin's ECG functionality only extends to on-the-spot readings at present, and works to distinguish between normal sinus rhythms and signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib).