What you can and cannot do with your iPhone
Your iPhone cannot measure your blood pressure on its own. The phone has no sensor that detects blood pressure, and Apple does not make one built into the device. What your iPhone can do is connect to a separate blood pressure monitor via Bluetooth and display the readings that monitor sends to it.
If you want to track blood pressure on your iPhone, you need two things: a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor (a physical device you buy separately) and an app on your phone that receives and stores the data from that monitor. The monitor does the actual measuring. The app just records what the monitor found.
This matters because it changes what you need to buy and how much it costs. A basic blood pressure monitor without Bluetooth costs $20 to $40 and works fine—you just write down the numbers by hand. A Bluetooth monitor costs $50 to $150 and sends the data to your phone automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone needs a separate Bluetooth blood pressure monitor to track readings; the phone itself has no blood pressure sensor.
- Common compatible monitors include Withings BPM Connect, Omron Connect, and iHealth, which sync directly to health apps on your phone.
- The Health app built into iOS can receive and store blood pressure data from compatible monitors, and many third-party apps also work.
- Bluetooth monitors range from $50 to $150, while basic monitors without wireless capability cost $20 to $40 but require manual entry.
Which blood pressure monitors work with iPhone
The most common Bluetooth monitors that connect to iPhone are made by Withings, Omron, and iHealth. Each one pairs with your phone through Bluetooth and sends readings directly to an app. You do not need to manually type in numbers—the data transfers automatically once you take a reading.
Withings BPM Connect is one of the most widely compatible options. It syncs with the Health app on iOS and also works with third-party apps like MyFitnessPal. The monitor itself is a wrist cuff, and it stores up to 120 readings in its own memory if your phone is not nearby.
Omron Connect monitors come in both wrist and upper-arm styles. They sync to the Omron Connect app and can also send data to the Health app. Omron makes several models at different price points, so you can find one that fits your budget.
iHealth monitors work through the iHealth app and are often sold at drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens. They tend to be less expensive than Withings or Omron and are a common first choice for people starting to track blood pressure.
How to set up a Bluetooth monitor with your iPhone
The basic steps are the same for most monitors. First, buy the monitor and charge it if it has a rechargeable battery. Then download the app that goes with it—either the manufacturer's own app (like Omron Connect) or use the Health app if the monitor supports it directly.
Open the app and look for a "pair" or "add device" button. Turn on Bluetooth in your iPhone Settings. Hold your monitor near your phone and follow the app's pairing steps. Most monitors will appear in a list of available devices, and you tap to connect. Once paired, the monitor will automatically send readings to the app every time you use it.
If you are using the Health app, open it and tap the Browse tab at the bottom. Look for Blood Pressure in the list and tap it. Then tap "Add Data" or look for an option to connect a device. The Health app will guide you through adding your specific monitor model.
Storing and viewing your blood pressure history
Once your monitor is connected, every reading you take appears in the app automatically. The Health app stores readings in a timeline you can scroll through, and most manufacturer apps do the same. You can see your readings organized by date, and many apps show trends over weeks or months.
The Health app on iOS lets you see all your blood pressure data in one place if you use multiple apps or monitors. It also lets you share specific readings or your full history with your doctor if you export the data. To do this, open the Health app, go to your blood pressure readings, and look for a share or export option.
Third-party apps often add features the Health app does not have, like charts that show patterns or alerts if a reading is unusually high. Some apps let you add notes to each reading—for example, "stressed" or "after exercise"—which can help you and your doctor spot patterns.
Free apps that work with blood pressure monitors
The Health app built into iOS is free and works with many Bluetooth monitors. It does not have as many features as some third-party apps, but it stores your data securely on your phone and does not require you to create an account or pay a subscription.
Most manufacturer apps—Omron Connect, Withings Health, iHealth—are also free to download. They may offer paid premium features like detailed analytics or cloud backup, but the basic tracking and syncing work without paying anything.
Other free apps like MyFitnessPal and Google Fit can receive blood pressure data from compatible monitors, though not all monitors work with all apps. Check the monitor's documentation to see which apps it supports before you buy.
What to know before you buy a monitor
Not every blood pressure monitor has Bluetooth. Before you buy, check the product description or box to confirm it says "Bluetooth" or "wireless" or "connects to app." A monitor without Bluetooth will not send data to your phone—you will have to read the numbers on the screen and write them down yourself.
Check which app the monitor uses. Some monitors only work with their own app, while others work with the Health app or multiple third-party apps. If you already use a specific health app and want your blood pressure data there, make sure the monitor you choose is compatible with it.
Wrist cuffs are more portable and convenient, but upper-arm cuffs are often more accurate. If you plan to track blood pressure regularly or share readings with a doctor, an upper-arm monitor is usually the better choice, even if it is less convenient to carry around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone to measure blood pressure without buying a separate monitor?
No. Your iPhone has no blood pressure sensor built in. You must buy a separate Bluetooth monitor. The phone can only display and store readings that the monitor sends to it.
Do I need to pay a subscription to track blood pressure on my iPhone?
No. The Health app is free and does not require a subscription. Most manufacturer apps like Omron Connect and iHealth are also free. Some apps offer paid premium features, but basic tracking and syncing work without paying anything.
Will my blood pressure monitor work with the Health app?
Many do, but not all. Check the monitor's documentation or the product page to see if it lists "Health app" or "Apple Health" as a compatible app. If it does not, you can still use the manufacturer's own app to track readings.
What is the difference between a wrist cuff and an upper-arm monitor?
Wrist cuffs are smaller and easier to carry, but upper-arm cuffs are generally more accurate because they measure closer to your heart. If you are tracking blood pressure for health reasons or to share with a doctor, an upper-arm monitor is usually the better choice.
Can I share my blood pressure readings with my doctor?
Yes. Most apps let you export or share your readings. The Health app lets you generate a report of your data. Check your app's settings or help section for export or sharing options, then contact your doctor to ask how they prefer to receive the information.