Customize my Apple Watch

Hey there 13Mimi,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. To get started, we do want to let you know that when you use your iPhone with your Apple Watch, your iPhone GPS would be used automatically to get the best accuracy about your workout or activity details. You can find this information here: Adjust the workout settings on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Your iPhone GPS allows your Apple Watch to achieve even more distance accuracy. For example, if you carry your iPhone while using the Workout app  on a run, your Apple Watch uses the iPhone GPS to calibrate your stride. Then later, if you’re not carrying your iPhone, or if you’re working out where GPS is unavailable (for example, indoors), your Apple Watch uses the stored information about your stride to measure distance.

Apple Watch may use the built-in GPS to calibrate your movement.

Additionally, the sensors on your iPhone would be used to capture the number of flights of stairs you climb. For more details, check out this link here: Intro to Health data on iPhone - Apple Support

Steps, flights of stairs, and other walking data: Built-in sensors on your iPhone capture the number of steps you take, the number of flights of stairs you climb, your walking speed, and more. You can browse highlights, trends, and details about this data in the Activity category in Health.

We hope that's able to help.

Take care!

Hey 13Mimi,

Some Apple Watch models have a built-in barometer that can also attempt to track flights and stairs based on changes in barometric pressure, though the tracking on the iPhone may be a bit more accurate. Also, some workouts, such as an Outdoor Cycling workout, will include elevation as a statistic once completed.

Be well.

Hey 13Mimi,

You're welcome. Please let us know if we can be of any more assistance in the future.

Cheers!