How to check your pulse with your Pixel phone

You can now use your Pixel phone to check your heart rate and respiratory rate without using a third-party app or fitness device.

Until now, if Android users wanted to check their heart rate or breathing without a smart watch or a wearable fitness item, they had to go to the Google Play Store and download some apps. Although some of these types of applications are free, it is difficult to judge their accuracy – which is obviously extremely important when checking your cardiovascular health. A wellness app can’t help you stay healthy if it gives you bad data. The new Pixel features seem to be extremely reliable, at least; Google says the heart rate monitor is accurate within 2%, according to its tests.

The new heart rate and breathing monitors are being launched today for “accepted” Pixel devices, but are also planned for non-Pixel Android devices in the future. The Google ad did not include certain devices, but all Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, and 5 phones are likely to be included.

New vital tests appear in the Google Fit app. Both features use your device’s cameras to check your vital aspects. The back camera will measure your finger color changes to calculate your heart rate, while the front-facing camera uses facial recognition to count how many breaths you breathe. You can also save your results after each test if you want to track your vital items over time.

Check your heart rate

1. Open Google Fit.
2. Select “Check your heart rate.”
3. Touch “Next” to go through the on-screen instructions.
4. Allow Mobile Vitals to take photos and videos.
5. Place your finger on the back-facing camera when prompted.
6. Wait until the app takes its measurements. The progress bar will appear on the screen.
7. When the test is over, you will see your heart rate. Touch “Save” to store results in Google Fit or “X” close.

Check respiratory rate

1. Select “Check respiratory rate” in the Google Fit app.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your camera correctly. You will need to support your phone so that it stays completely still during the test.
3. Allow the app permission to record videos when prompted
4. Use the guides to make sure your face and chest are visible, then stand still.
5. The app will measure your breaths as the progress bar fills up.
6. You will see your results after the test. Touch “Save” to store results in Google Fit or “X” close.

Keep in mind that these monitors are for occasional testing – you still need a smart watch or a fitness band if you want constant reading.