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Pulse Oximeter

Your watch has a wrist-based pulse oximeter to gauge the peripheral saturation of oxygen in your blood (SpO2). As your altitude increases, the level of oxygen in your blood can decrease. Knowing your oxygen saturation can help you determine how your body is acclimating to high altitudes for alpine sport and expedition.

You can manually begin a pulse oximeter reading by viewing the pulse oximeter glance (Getting Pulse Oximeter Readings). You can also turn on all-day readings (Setting the Pulse Oximeter Mode). When you view the pulse oximeter glance while you are not moving, your watch analyzes your oxygen saturation and your elevation. The elevation profile helps indicate how your pulse oximeter readings are changing, relative to your elevation.

On the watch, your pulse oximeter reading appears as an oxygen saturation percentage and color on the graph. On your Garmin Connect™ account, you can view additional details about your pulse oximeter readings, including trends over multiple days.

For more information about pulse oximeter accuracy, go to garmin.com/ataccuracy.


Screenshot of the pulse oximeter reading and graphs with callouts

1

The elevation scale.

2

A graph of your average oxygen saturation readings for the last 24 hours.

3

Your most recent oxygen saturation reading.

4

The oxygen saturation percentage scale.

5

A graph of your elevation readings for the last 24 hours.

Getting Pulse Oximeter Readings

You can manually begin a pulse oximeter reading by viewing the pulse oximeter glance. The glance displays your most recent blood oxygen saturation percentage, a graph of your hourly average readings for the last 24 hours, and a graph of your elevation for the last 24 hours.

NOTE: The first time you view the pulse oximeter glance, the watch must acquire satellite signals to determine your elevation. You should go outside, and wait while the watch locates satellites.
  1. While you are sitting or inactive, swipe up from the watch face.
  2. Scroll to the pulse oximeter glance.
  3. Select the pulse oximeter glance.

    The watch begins a pulse oximeter reading.

  4. Remain motionless for up to 30 seconds.
    NOTE: If you are too active for the watch to get a pulse oximeter reading, a message appears instead of a percentage. You can check again after several minutes of inactivity. For best results, hold the arm wearing the watch at heart level while the watch reads your blood oxygen saturation.
  5. Scroll down to view a graph of your pulse oximeter readings for the last seven days.

Setting the Pulse Oximeter Mode

  1. From the watch face, hold Middle-left button.
  2. Select Watch Settings > Health & Wellness > Pulse Oximeter.
  3. Select an option:

    • To turn on measurements while you are inactive during the day, select All Day.

      NOTE: Turning on All Day mode decreases battery life.

    • To turn on continuous measurements while you sleep, select During Sleep.

      NOTE: Unusual sleep positions can cause abnormally low sleep-time SpO2 readings.

    • To turn off automatic measurements, select On Demand.

Tips for Erratic Pulse Oximeter Data

If the pulse oximeter data is erratic or does not appear, you can try these tips.

  • Remain motionless while the watch reads your blood oxygen saturation.
  • Wear the watch above your wrist bone. The watch should be snug but comfortable.
  • Hold the arm wearing the watch at heart level while the watch reads your blood oxygen saturation.
  • Use a silicone or nylon band.
  • Clean and dry your arm before putting on the watch.
  • Avoid wearing sunscreen, lotion, and insect repellent under the watch.
  • Avoid scratching the optical sensor on the back of the watch.
  • Rinse the watch with fresh water after each workout.
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August 2026
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