The Galaxy Watch 5 temperature sensor is finally good for something

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The update is rolling out in the U.S., Korea, and throughout Europe.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 health sensors on window ledge
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Samsung has announced that the Galaxy Watch 5 can now use its skin temperature sensor.
  • The watch is able to track menstrual cycles by using the sensor to estimate basal body temperature (BBT).
  • The capability is rolling out in the U.S., Korea, and 30 European countries.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is finally gaining access to the temperature sensor that has been dormant since its launch. Samsung announced this week that an update will allow the watch to use the sensor for health-tracking purposes.

More specifically, the Galaxy Watch 5's temperature sensor will be used for enhanced cycle tracking. This new capability is a result of the partnership between Samsung and Natural Cycles that was announced in February. The watch will use the sensor to estimate the user's basal body temperature (BBT) to help manage and forecast the next menstrual cycle, replacing the calendar-based method Samsung has used until now.

Cycle tracking on the Galaxy Watch 5

(Image credit: Samsung)

Using BBT as a method of menstrual tracking usually requires readings to occur firth thing in the morning. Since it can be easy to forget to check manually, the update will allow the Galaxy Watch to automate the process so the user doesn't have to do anything except wear the watch.

"The new infrared temperature sensor on Galaxy Watch5 broadens our whole health offerings, providing more convenient ways to track and understand personal health," says Hon Pak, vice president and head of the Digital Health Team at Samsung's MX Business.

Users can activate the enhanced cycle tracking from the Samsung Health app. Once it's available on your device, ensure your most recent cycle information is included on the calendar and select "Predict period with skin temp" in settings. The app will display a graph of your cycle, including predicted ovulation and fertile window.

As one of our favorite Android smartwatches, this feature adds to Samsung's already impressive arsenal of health-tracking features, most of which are thanks to the upgraded BIA sensor. Samsung also ensures that collected data is stored securely on the user's device.

The feature will be enabled via an update to the Samsung Health app on both the Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung smartphones. It is rolling out gradually to users in the United States, Korea, and 30 European countries.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with Silver Case and White/Black Extreme Sport Band

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The Galaxy Watch 5 is the perfect smartwatch for Galaxy smartphone owners, thanks to its fantastic design, great features set, and good battery life. It's also a great smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts who like to stay on top of their health and performance.

Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • gd761
    By only having this for Menstrual is Discriminatory since it is aimed ONLY for Women.
    What about for Everyone else?
    When will Samsung make this available to check the Body Temp while Sleeping as well as being able to manually Check Your Temp?!
    Reply
  • fuzzylumpkin
    gd761 said:
    By only having this for Menstrual is Discriminatory since it is aimed ONLY for Pregnant Women.
    What about for Everyone else?
    When will Samsung make this available to check the Body Temp while Sleeping as well as being able to manually Check Your Temp?!
    Y'all a dumbass.


    First off, pregnant women don't usually menstruate. This isn't really useful to people who are pregnant.

    Secondly, The sensor isn't really for measuring absolute body temperature, but for measuring skin temperature variance.

    I know it may make you angry that samsung included a sensor that is only really useful to people who have a menstrual cycle, but you're going to have to find a way to deal with it.
    Reply
  • tismydroid
    fuzzylumpkin said:
    Y'all a dumbass.


    First off, pregnant women don't usually menstruate. This isn't really useful to people who are pregnant.

    Secondly, The sensor isn't really for measuring absolute body temperature, but for measuring skin temperature variance.

    I know it may make you angry that samsung included a sensor that is only really useful to people who have a menstrual cycle, but you're going to have to find a way to deal with it.
    No-so-much a "dumbass" given that the general premise is that it is discriminatory because it's only available to individuals that menstruate is still valid.
    Reply
  • fuzzylumpkin
    tismydroid said:
    No-so-much a "dumbass" given that the general premise is that it is discriminatory because it's only available to individuals that menstruate is still valid.
    Anyone can set up cycle tracking, I know I just checked lol. It just doesn't going to be very useful to you if you haven't got a uterus. Including a sensor that is only useful for women's health data is no more discriminatory than including a sensor that detects atrial fibrillation because I don't have atrial fibrillation... Samsung aren't discriminating against me, that sensor just is not useful to my particular body.
    Reply