How to Set Up and Use the Health App on Your iPad

Apple finally brought its Health app to iPads alongside iPadOS 17. Whether you’re new to the Health app or simply using it on iPad for the first time, here’s everything you need to know to get started with monitoring your health data.

How to Set Up Apple’s Health App on iPadOS 17

You’ll find the Health app on the Home Screen of your iPad once you update to iPadOS 17. Look for a white app icon with a red heart. Then, launch the app and follow the steps below:

1. You’ll see the welcome screen that briefly introduces you to the app when you launch it for the first time. Tap Continue to proceed.
2. When the iCloud Health Data on iPad screen appears, make sure you tap Sync to iPad, as this will ensure the Health app on your iPad syncs with one on your iPhone.
3. Wait momentarily while your health data is downloaded, and then decide whether you’d like to toggle on notifications for Trends to get alerted when there is a new trend in your Health data.

Now that you’ve set up your Health app, you’re ready to view your profile and add any further details and health data you’d like to record.

How to View Your Health Information in Apple’s Health App

The Home screen of the Health app displays information from categories you have marked as Favorites in both portrait and landscape orientation.

The default setting includes categories such as Activity, Exercise Minutes, Sleep, Resting Heart Rate, and Stand Hours. You can easily customize which metrics are displayed as your favorites. Simply tap the Edit button on the right-hand side of the display panel to access a lengthy menu from which you can select the categories you want to include.

There are two ways to access all of your health information quickly. In portrait orientation, scroll to the bottom of your favorites section to see the Show All Health Data button.

In landscape orientation, a sidebar will appear containing all this data in a menu that displays both your Health Categories and Health Records, along with Summary and Sharing options.

How to Access Detailed Health Information in the Health App

Under the comprehensive Health Categories menu, you’ll see sections for all the metrics you may be familiar with, especially if you’re accustomed to the iOS app. It starts with Activity and ends with Vitals and Other Data.

Selecting each category reveals a page where you can see all your measurements, with Highlights and Trends showing the bigger picture. The data and analysis are remarkably detailed. As you continue using your devices over time, you’ll amass a comprehensive database of every element of your health you could possibly wish to measure.

If there’s a category you’re particularly keen to monitor and access from your Favorites page, scroll to the bottom of its page and, under Options, select Add to Favorites, which will put it on the main page of the Health app.

How to Add Health Information to Your Health App

Most of your key health data will be automatically added to the Health app when your Apple device or a third-party app measures it, just like your iPhone’s Health app. The app will show the latest measurements in categories such as activity levels and heart rate when you open it.

You can ensure these metrics are as accurate as possible by wearing a fitness tracker or device like an Apple Watch throughout the day. Your Apple Watch can also help to monitor various health conditions.

Many of the health categories also have the manual Add Data button, allowing you to register information simply by tapping the button and entering the data you want. You’ll see it appear on your records when you click Done. Since Apple cannot measure the information automatically for some categories like menstrual cycles and nutrition, it’s worth entering the details yourself.

The Medications section is one of the most important categories where you would want to add your health information manually. Medications in the Health app makes it easy to log and get reminders for any medicine you need to take. You can simply add your medication, the dose required, and the frequency and time you need to take it.

Take Advantage of Your iPad’s Larger Display While Using the Health App

If you were used to the Health app on your iPhone, switching to the larger display on an iPad will be a welcome relief. Instead of scrolling through long pages, the larger screen of the iPad lets you see far more data in a single page.

The Health app contains informative articles within each health category that can shed fresh light on the metrics within that section. Reading these on the larger screen is also easier than scrolling on your iPhone.

You can also use the multitasking capability of your iPad to view or edit details in the Health app on iPadOS while you use another app in Split View or Slide Over. For example, you may want to view another health or fitness app to add information to Apple Health or to look at your metrics while making notes or designing a nutrition or training plan.

Share Your Health Data From Your Health App

All your health data is securely stored with the same privacy measures Apple uses for your other information. So, if your iPad is secured with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, your health data is similarly protected.

However, you can share your health data in the Health app with up to five friends or family members. If you’re in the US, you can also use the Health app to share data with your doctor. You can access it from the Health menu under Sharing.

Get a Full Picture of Your Health and Fitness With Apple’s Health App

If used correctly, your iPadOS Health App is like an encyclopedia of your own well-being. It gives you invaluable insights into your health and can even alert you to health issues before you notice any symptoms.

You get access to all the features included in the iOS version of the Health app, but thanks to the iPad’s larger screen, you can see even more information at a glance. It’s a brilliant tool to help you on your health and fitness journey.