The electrocardiogram feature has recently been enabled for the Fitbit Charge 5.
It is now possible to detect heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or bradycardia on the Fitbit Sense smartwatch and Fitbit Charge 5 Fitness Tracker.
The ECG app is FDA-cleared and approved in Europe as well. It is not intended to be used by people under 22 years old. It is only available in selected countries: American Samoa, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and US Virgin Islands.
For the lucky ones living in these countries, Fitbit is great at improving heart health. However, for those who unfortunately do not have access to the ECG app, we will provide you with a bit of a trick that will somehow help you enjoy the benefits of an electrocardiogram on the wrist.
Note that the Fitbit Sense or Charge 5 are not approved medical devices and that even if the app is FDA-cleared, it should not be used for self-diagnosis. Always consult your doctor and do not change your medication based on the results of the ECG.
How to enable the Fitbit ECG wherever you may live?
The little trick we provide is just for testing purposes. If you do not live in a country in which the ECG app is available, do not use the app.
If you somehow want to try the app while traveling, follow these simple three steps.
1. Change your location in your Profile
The first step is to change your location in the Profile following the below steps. This is quick and easy but is not enough. You will also need to change your location in the App Settings.
2. Change your location in your App Settings
Once the location has been modified in your Profile, do not forget to change it in the App Settings. Then, follow the steps described below. Disable the automatic location detection and manually select the one you want.
You will then be able to access the app from the Discover menu. If your residence is in the US but is currently traveling in Japan, the activation will somehow not work. You will need to install a Virtual Private Network app (VPN) on your phone to proceed with the activation and benefit from the ECG app.
3. Use a VPN when activating the app
We use Express VPN, but many other options are available.
Install the VPN and select the country in which the ECG app is available.
Click on the ECG app on the watch or fitness tracker and wait for the activation. It is now possible to benefit from the ECG from anywhere.
