Most Apple Watch and iPhone users are familiar with the Apple Health app. The Activity section that tracks movement, calories, and standing frequency is the most well-known section of the app.
However, when you dig deeper into the Apple Health app, you can discover many more helpful functions. Fortunately, we've dug in for you: here are the best lesser-known features buried in the Apple Health app.
1. Cycle Tracking
While there are a lot of great period-tracking apps in the App Store, did you know that there is also a great cycle-tracking feature located in the Apple Health app? It has all the key features of the standalone tracking apps discreetly built in.
You can enter the start and end dates of your period and the length of your menstrual cycle (don’t worry if you’re not sure; the app will default to 28 days and adjust as you add data every month). The app will use this data to predict when your next period will start and when you may ovulate. You can also input data to track your symptoms throughout your cycle.
Tracking your cycle is helpful for several reasons. The most obvious is that it helps you know when to expect your period. It can also help you determine when you are most fertile if you are trying to conceive. Tracking this will also help you know if you are late—which can indicate pregnancy or a variety of underlying health concerns.
2. Mobility Data
You might not know this, but if you go for walks with your iPhone in your pocket, it will collect some interesting mobility data for you. Alternatively, wearing an Apple Watch can also collect mobility data.
To access this mobility data:
- Open the Apple Health App.
- Select the Browse icon.
- Scroll down to Mobility in the Health Categories List and select it.
Once you’ve navigated to the mobility data feature, you’ll be able to review some interesting pieces of data.
Double Support Time
This represents the time that both feet are on the ground while you are walking. A healthy person will have a double support time between 20 and 40 percent during a typical walk. Higher percentages could indicate a balance or coordination issue. Your iPhone will record your double support time while walking on flat ground.
Step Length
The distance between your front foot and back foot while walking. Step length records when you walk with your iPhone in your pocket. This can vary based on your height, walking speed, and what terrain you are walking on.
However, a significant decrease in step length could indicate a decline in strength, coordination, or overall mobility. This data can be especially useful for aging adults or people recovering from an injury.
Walking Asymmetry
A measurement of how symmetrical your walking pattern is. A healthy, even walking pattern occurs when the steps that you take with each foot occur around the same speed. If you are taking faster or slower steps with one foot, that could indicate injury, disease, or another health concern.
Your iPhone will automatically record your walking symmetry; check this data to look out for any changes or patterns.
Walking Speed
The speed at which you walk on flat ground. This is also auto-recorded when walking with your iPhone in your pocket or at waist level. Ensure that your height is saved in the health app to get the most accurate walking speed.
3. Medication and Health Data Tracking
You can keep track of important medical information such as inhaler usage, insulin delivery, blood sugar, vital signs, and health symptoms in the Apple Health App. If you are being monitored or treated for a health condition, this data can help you and your doctor assess your condition, symptom patterns, and the effectiveness of your current treatment plan.
Go to the Browse tab in Apple Health to view a list of health information that the app keeps track of. At the bottom of the list, select Other Data to view even more data-tracking features.
4. Hearing
Listening to music too loudly while using headphones can damage your hearing. To combat this issue, Apple includes headphone notification and audio level tracking features in the Health app.
If you enable Headphone Notifications in Apple Health, the app will send a notification if you have exceeded the seven-day recommended audio exposure limit. When this happens, it will also turn down the volume of your headphone audio and send you a notification.
That exposure limit measures volume and duration of audio to assess the potential damage to your hearing.
To turn on Headphone notifications:
- Open the Apple Health App.
- Go to the Browse tab on the bottom-right.
- Select Hearing from the menu.
- Choose Headphone Notifications and toggle them on.
If you have an Apple Watch, the Health app can also notify you if the noise levels near you are too high, resulting in potential damage to your hearing.
5. Sleep Tracking
The Sleep function in Apple Health can help you keep track of how much sleep you get each night. You can set a sleep schedule, sleep duration goals, turn on Sleep Mode, and set actions to help you wind down for bed. Sleep Mode turns on Do Not Disturb and simplifies your lock screen to limit distractions.
The Sleep function in Apple Health also integrates with other sleep tracking and support apps. For more info on making the most of it, see our guide to your iPhone's sleep tracking features.
Making the Most of Apple Health
Apple Health can provide a wide variety of meaningful health and medical data, but it’s only as useful as you make it. To get the most out of Apple Health, be sure to input any data that you want to track and review the activity data recorded by your iPhone or Apple Watch regularly.
While this data can be useful for monitoring your health, remember that it is not a replacement for proper medical care. Discuss any concerns that you have about your health with a medical professional.
