Unlock the Secrets of Apple Watch's Body Temp Sensor

The Apple Watch has the ability to monitor your wrist temperature once Sleep has been configured properly and the watch has been worn for at least four hours per night for five consecutive nights. In addition, it is also compatible with Cycle Tracking. With the 2022 update, Apple has added a temperature sensor to the back of the watch, which operates differently than you might expect. The sensor is designed to detect minor changes in body temperature while you sleep by resting against your wrist. Rather than providing an exact temperature reading like a traditional thermometer, it displays deviations from your baseline reading.

Set Up Sleep and Cycle Tracking Use the Apple Watch Thermometer

In order to utilize this feature, it is essential to wear your Apple Watch for at least four hours during your five nights of sleep. It's important to note that the feature will not provide an immediate reading upon setup. Your data will eventually become available in the Health app under Browse > Body Measurements > Wrist Temperature. It's important to keep in mind that various factors can affect your wrist temperature such as diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, sleep environment, illness, and the current stage of your menstrual cycle.

To utilize wrist temperature tracking, you can set up Sleep through the Health app on your iPhone. Simply open Health, go to Browse > Sleep, and tap “Get Started” to begin tracking your sleep. Make sure to enable “Track Sleep with Apple Watch” and use the Sleep Focus to ensure accuracy.

For Cycle Tracking, the temperature sensor can also come in handy. Navigate to Browse > Cycle Tracking in the Health app and tap “Get Started” to begin. According to Apple, wrist temperature can improve ovulation estimates and period predictions, but you’ll need to wear your watch for at least two cycles for accurate results.

Can the Apple Watch Take Your Temperature?

Although Cycle Tracking on your Apple Watch can provide insights into your menstrual cycle and ovulation prediction, it should not be solely relied upon as a form of birth control. This is because wrist temperature readings can be affected by various environmental and physiological factors, such as illness or seasonal changes. While the Apple Watch can track fluctuations in your baseline temperature, it cannot provide an accurate traditional temperature reading nor can it diagnose any medical conditions. Therefore, it's important to use additional forms of birth control in conjunction with Cycle Tracking.

The Apple Watch can potentially identify health issues such as cardiovascular disease, and its Fall Detection feature can swiftly contact emergency services on your behalf.

As for wrist temperature readings, only the Apple Watch Series 8 and the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra (2022) have this capability. The Apple Watch SE models do not currently offer wrist temperature readings.

Which Apple Watch Models Support Temperature Readings?

Can You Take Your Temperature with an iPhone?

You can take your temperature with an iPhone but you’ll need an accessory to do so. You can use a smart thermometer that connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and records your body temperature to the iPhone Health app like the Withings Thermo.

Smart Thermometer for iPhone

- Withings Thermo

The Withings Thermo smart thermometer is an FDA-approved no-contact thermometer with 16 infrared sensors that automatically records the temperature of up to eight users.

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Alternatively, you can buy a cheap thermometer like the Vicks SpeedRead and manually record any readings to the Apple Health app instead (just as you can with a cheap set of scales and bodyweight readings).

Is the Apple Watch Series 8 Temperature Sensor Worth Upgrading For?

To determine if the Apple Watch Series 8 is worth it for you, consider if tracking your wrist temperature is a valuable feature. Our full review of the Series 8 provides insight into Apple's first smartwatch with this sensor, as well as its compatibility with Cycle Tracking and sleep tracking. However, for those who do not see the benefit in tracking temperature, upgrading from the Series 7 or Series 6 may not be necessary. Alternatively, the Apple Watch SE (2022) offers similar features such as Crash Detection and fitness tracking at a more affordable price point.