The pulse oximeter of a smartwatch is a sensor on the underside of the sports watch that can be used to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2). The blood vessels are x-rayed with the help of red LEDs and infrared. In this way, the sensor can draw conclusions about the oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2) of the wearer. The normal value for SpO2 is 92 to 98 percent. How does the pulse oximeter on a smartwatch work and how accurate is it? We have the most important information at a glance.

This article is for information only and must never be used for self-diagnosis. In the event of acute complaints, please consult a doctor immediately and under no circumstances should you undertake any self-treatment.

I had a detailed, daily sports program started and lost a total of 17 kilograms. The pulse oximeter on my smartwatch confirmed the improved Fitness. No sensor on the smartwatch could predict that my physical vital signs had improved as clearly as the measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2). Not even my smart scales could see the clearly positive change in my fitness.

She was still warning me about a high BMI and being overweight, even though I was already fit and a normal weight. The main reason I could tell how sporty I had become was my improved SpO2 value. Secondary to my lower resting heart rate, which Heart sensor my smartwatch was measured - and the excellent one EKG (electrocardiogram)that showed my sports watch.

But the oxygen saturation measurement using a smartwatch pulse oximeter can not only detect positive changes, but of course also negative tendencies. Namely when the SpO2 value drops as a result of an illness - this occurs, for example, at night during sleep apnea or can indicate circulatory and metabolic problems, lung problems, kidney failure or serious illnesses such as Covid-19. The measurement of oxygen saturation can also serve as an additional backup for the patient with the lung disease COPD.

You can find more information about oxygen saturation here. Of course, a pulse oximeter cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but in some cases it may provide valuable information. However, if you feel sick, you should not experiment with the smartwatch oxygen saturation measurement, but rather consult a doctor directly. Incidentally, you can not only have the oxygen saturation in the blood measured by the doctor or with the smartwatch. There are special pulse oximeters that you put on your fingertip.

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How does a smartwatch pulse oximeter work?

Pulse oximetry on smartwatches is a non-invasive method of measuring oxygen saturation. The manufacturers of smartwatches repeatedly point out that this is not a medical device, but merely a backup function with which the wearer of a sports watch can obtain information from doctors in addition to official measurements.

Blood oxygen saturation is measured using the corresponding sensor on the bottom of the smartwatch. This sensor emits red light and infrared light to scan the blood vessels in the arm. In this way, the blood vessels are screened using different wavelengths of light.

Device determines the amount of oxygen in the blood

The device then determines the amount of oxygen in the blood and displays it on an easy-to-read display. The sensor combines readings from both wavelengths to determine how much oxygen is in each blood vessel. Using this information, it calculates the total oxygen saturation level in the body. The results are then sent wirelessly to your smartphone, where they can be saved or shared with your doctor.

Smartwatch Wiki - the most important smartwatch terms at a glance

Letter	Term
A	Smart watch strap
E	EKG (electrocardiogram)
D	Digital crown (multifunction button)
G	GPS tracking (location)
H	Heart sensor
K	Complications (clock)
L	Bezel (rotating ring)
P	Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou)
	pulse
	Pulse oximeter
S	Measure oxygen saturation
	Smartwatch sensors
T	Touchscreen (touch sensitive screen)
W	Watch Faces (Smartwatch Dial)
U	Watch glass (smartwatch cover glass)

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Which sports watch or smartwatch are you currently using? Which functions do you attach great importance to? Share your experiences in the comments.