Inaccurate tracking on Watch series 4

`I purchased an Apple Watch Series 4 approx 6 months ago. Since that time I've only used it a few times. I do a 3-4 mile walk on somewhat daily basis and I know the approx steps, miles, time etc to finish this walk. I also have a Fitbit which has calculated these stats. Whenever I used the Apple Watch it has calculated 2 of 3-4 miles, steps are inaccurate, the active time only shows 20 minutes. I have reset the watch with the same results!! Does anyone else have these issues? Or any other suggestions!?



[Edited by Moderator]

Apple Watch

Posted on Aug 12, 2019 8:37 PM

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Posted on Aug 12, 2019 8:44 PM

Have you calibrated your watch by walking on a flat surface for 20 minutes at a consistent pace?


It is a bad idea to compare different tracking devices with each other, unless you have used professional level equipment you have no idea which one is accurate. This is especially true for step counting (which Apple pretty much deprecates).


Does your Fitbit include a GPS unit? If not then your Watch, unless it is malfunctioning, is probably much more accurate regarding the distance you have traveled. As far as the Activity circle, for it to record you need to be doing the equivalent of a brisk walk, or roughly 75 - 80% of your maximum heart rate. If you drop below this it will not count as Activity time but it still will record your move calories, distance traveled, time of your walk, steps, etc. Be sure in the Health app you have entered all of your demographics.


If you are taking medication that keeps your heart rate lower it will be more difficult to move the Activity ring.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2019 8:44 PM in response to ms daisy

Have you calibrated your watch by walking on a flat surface for 20 minutes at a consistent pace?


It is a bad idea to compare different tracking devices with each other, unless you have used professional level equipment you have no idea which one is accurate. This is especially true for step counting (which Apple pretty much deprecates).


Does your Fitbit include a GPS unit? If not then your Watch, unless it is malfunctioning, is probably much more accurate regarding the distance you have traveled. As far as the Activity circle, for it to record you need to be doing the equivalent of a brisk walk, or roughly 75 - 80% of your maximum heart rate. If you drop below this it will not count as Activity time but it still will record your move calories, distance traveled, time of your walk, steps, etc. Be sure in the Health app you have entered all of your demographics.


If you are taking medication that keeps your heart rate lower it will be more difficult to move the Activity ring.

Aug 13, 2019 7:59 PM in response to deggie

I've used a fitbit for years. But being an Apple person (ie: laptop, ipad, ipod, iphone, earpods,) never had any problems using them And figured wth go all Apple with Watch...no problem!! WRONG

As I've said before I've done the same walk for over 2 years so I know how long it takes and even how many miles this walk is because it's a 3mile trail with stops along the way; otherwise I might get run over because this trail crosses major highways

Every time I stop to cross the street watch stops tracking.........the time I walk!!!!! Not a big fan of this

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Inaccurate tracking on Watch series 4

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