A calm pulse check, on your phone.
PulseCheck reads your heart rate from the rear camera of your iPhone. 100% free. No subscription. No sign-up. No Apple Watch needed — and it works after a workout.
PulseCheck is a free iPhone app that measures your heart rate using the rear camera and flash. Rest a finger on the lens, hold still for a few seconds, and photoplethysmography reads your pulse in beats per minute with a confidence label. No subscription, no sign-up, no Apple Watch needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free heart rate app for iPhone?
Yes. PulseCheck is a 100% free heart rate app for iPhone with no subscription and no sign-up. There is no paywall that hides your reading. Rest a finger on the rear camera and flash, hold still, and it shows your pulse in beats per minute. It stays free using ads.
How does PulseCheck measure my pulse?
PulseCheck uses photoplethysmography (PPG). You place a fingertip over the iPhone's rear camera and flash, and hold still for a few seconds. The camera detects tiny color changes in your fingertip caused by each heartbeat, and on-device signal processing turns them into a beats-per-minute reading with a confidence label.
Is PulseCheck a medical device?
No. PulseCheck is a fitness and wellness tool, not a medical device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or monitor any health condition, and it never labels a reading as abnormal. If you have concerns about your heart, please consult a qualified medical professional.
Do I need an Apple Watch or chest strap to use PulseCheck?
No. PulseCheck needs no smartwatch, chest strap, or extra hardware. Your iPhone's rear camera and flash are the sensor. Rest a fingertip over them, hold still for a few seconds, and the app reads your pulse. This lets any recent iPhone measure heart rate on its own.
Can PulseCheck measure my heart rate after exercise?
Yes. PulseCheck has a Post-Workout Mode that loosens motion rejection so you can measure right after a run or workout, when your hands are less steady. Standard mode is tuned for calm, resting readings, while Post-Workout Mode tolerates the extra movement that follows exercise.
Does PulseCheck store my data or sync with Apple Health?
Your pulse readings are saved locally on your iPhone using SwiftData. PulseCheck can optionally write readings to Apple Health, but that toggle is off by default. The app shows ads to stay free and, like many free apps, may ask for tracking permission, which you control in Settings.
How much does PulseCheck cost?
PulseCheck is free to download and free to use, with no subscription and no in-app purchase to unlock your reading. It is supported by ads instead of fees. You can measure your heart rate as often as you like without ever paying or creating an account.