If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you don’t need to worry as you can easily measure your heart rate using your Android device. Whether you’re looking for a professional smartphone heart rate monitor for your regular workouts or you’re just looking for a cool heart monitoring feature for your Android device, you can use this guide to find out the best heart rate monitor for Android. Using this guide, we’ll show you different ways that you can use to convert your Android device into a heart rate monitor. Not only will we focus on apps from the Google Play store for monitoring your heartbeat, but we’ll also show professional athletes how they can use a Bluetooth heart rate monitors with their Android device for the most accurate heart rate measurement.
Method 1: Polar WearLink Transmitter W/ Bluetooth
This method focuses on using the Polar WearLink Transmitter for measuring heart rate on your Android device. This is one of the most popular Bluetooth heart monitors available and this should provide you with the most accurate results. If you’re professional athlete or someone who wants to measure their heartbeat accurately during workouts, then this is possibly your best option. Obviously, you’ll have to purchase the device separately but it’s well worth the money if you really want to measure accurate heart rates. The device features a soft textile chest strap for comfort, adjusting to the size and the shape of your body. Aside from that, the strap is hand washable and it includes a nice connector that keeps water out, meaning that you can use it even while you’re swimming. Overall, the device is extremely easy to use as it uses a simple hook mechanism. It is anti-bacterial, doesn’t cause any itchiness or weird feeling and is rechargeable. Probably one of the best things about the app is that it works with several heart rate and workout apps available on the Google Play store.
Step 1
Step 2
Connect the transmitter device to the strap using the two small pins and wear it around your chest. For detailed instructions on how to wear the device on your chest, you can use the instructions manual that comes with the device.
Step 3
Open the Settings app on your Android device, tap on Wireless & network and select Bluetooth settings.
Step 4
Make sure that your Bluetooth is enabled and tap on Scan for devices.
Step 5
Select the Polar Transmitter device from the list of Bluetooth devices available. The device should appear as Polar iWL under Bluetooth devices. If you get a pairing request popup, enter 0000 as the PIN and tap on OK. You device should now be paired you should see a Paired status under Bluetooth devices.
Step 6
Download and install the app that you want to use for displaying the heart rate on your Android device. SportsTracker PRO is possibly one of the best apps that you can use to measure your heart rate. You can download it through the Google Play button below. Alternatively, you can use other apps supported by Polar such as RunKeeper and SportyPal.
Step 7
Tap on HR ONLY to monitor your heart rate.
Step 8
Your heart rate will now be displayed on the screen and this should be pretty accurate as you’re using a separate heart rate monitoring device.
Method 2: Zephyr HxM Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor
This method also focuses on letting you measure your heart rate accurately using a separate heart rate monitor and you can use this device instead of Polar’s WearLink if you have had problems with the Polar device or if you’re able to get the Zephyr device at a lower price. This device is also quite similar to WearLink as it features a soft and washable strap, a rechargeable battery with up to 26 hours of usage, a water resistant transmitter and support for various apps available on the Google Play Store. Aside from that, the device also comes with a limited 1 year warranty.
Step 1
Step 2
Follow Steps 2 to 5 from Method 1 in order to wear the device around your chest and pair it with your Android device.
Step 3
Download and install Zephyr Heart Monitor on your Android device. You can get the app through the Google Play button below. Alternatively, you can use any other app supported by the Zephyr device depending upon your preferences and desired features.
Step 4
Open the app, tap on Connect to HxM and your heart beat should now be displayed on the screen.
Step 5
You can also slide down the notification bar as your heart rate will also appear constantly in the Heart Rate notification. That’s it!
Method 3: Instant Heart Rate
Instant Heart Rate is another popular app available on the Google Play Store that lets you measure your heart rate directly on your Android device. Receiving over 10 million downloads, Instant Heart Rate works similar to Method 3, offering certain additional features such as cardio workout monitoring. If Method 3 didn’t work on your Android device, then this is possibly the next best alternative if you don’t want to spend any money.
Step 1
Download and install Instant Heart Rate on your Android device. You can get the app through the Google Play button below.
Step 2
Follow Steps 3 and 4 from Method 3 and wait for the app to calibrate.
Step 3
Wait for a couple of seconds and your heart rate should be displayed on the screen. For storing or sharing your results, tap on the STORE or SHARE button. For measuring your heart rate again, tap on the MEASURE button. That’s it!
Conclusion
Being able to monitor your heart rate isn’t only a cool way to show off your new Android device but it’s also a way to monitor your heart rate and keeping it under control while you’re working out. For most professional athletes, monitoring heart rate is crucial and being able to do it on your Android device can be quite helpful. If you can afford to spend some money and want the most accurate results, then you can use either Method 1 or 2, depending on your own personal preferences. You can even pair your heart rate monitor with cool fitness apps for Android and even medical apps. If you want a similar feature as the Galaxy S5 or if you want a casual heart rate monitor that you can show off to your friends, then you can use either Method 3 or 4. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow all the heart rate monitor for Android instructions properly and feel free to shoot any questions below!
