Apple Watch Series 8 recording steps

Hello all,

I just got the Apple Watch Series 8. While walking around the neighborhood, I noticed it is

vastly inaccurate in tracking the distant walked which translates into recording number of steps taken inaccurately. For example, a .7-mile distance is tracking on my watch as 1.2 miles.

Is there a way to sync your steps so the app tracks accurately? This was using the Activity app.


Secondly, I read where the Fitbit app can be used with the watch. I downloaded it to my Iphone, do you also have to download it on the Apple Watch or do they sync automatically?



Posted on Dec 27, 2022 3:06 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 28, 2022 4:36 PM

Hello WatchS8,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. 


Congratulations on your new Apple Watch. We are happy to assist you.


We recommend calibrating your Apple using the steps here: Calibrate your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

"Calibrate your Apple Watch

  1. While wearing your Apple Watch, go to a flat, open outdoor area that offers good GPS reception and clear skies.
  2. If you have Apple Watch Series 2 or later, you just need your Apple Watch.* If you have Apple Watch Series 1 or earlier, bring your iPhone for GPS. Hold your iPhone in your hand, or wear it on an armband or waistband.
  3. Open the Workout app, then tap Outdoor Walk or Outdoor Run. To set a goal before starting, tap the ... icon.
  4. Walk or run at your normal pace for about 20 minutes.

If you don't have time to finish the workout, you can complete 20 minutes over multiple outdoor Workout sessions. If you work out at different speeds, you should also calibrate for 20 minutes at each of the speeds that you walk or run.

Whenever you walk or run outside using the above steps, your Apple Watch continues to calibrate the accelerometer by learning your stride length at different speeds. Calibration can also improve the accuracy of your calorie calculations in the Workout app, and the calorie, distance, Move, and Exercise calculations in the Activity app. "


We are unfamiliar with Apple Watch working with the Fitbit app. We recommend that you contact Fitbit support.


Let us know if you have further questions.


Take care.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 28, 2022 4:36 PM in response to WatchS8

Hello WatchS8,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities. 


Congratulations on your new Apple Watch. We are happy to assist you.


We recommend calibrating your Apple using the steps here: Calibrate your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

"Calibrate your Apple Watch

  1. While wearing your Apple Watch, go to a flat, open outdoor area that offers good GPS reception and clear skies.
  2. If you have Apple Watch Series 2 or later, you just need your Apple Watch.* If you have Apple Watch Series 1 or earlier, bring your iPhone for GPS. Hold your iPhone in your hand, or wear it on an armband or waistband.
  3. Open the Workout app, then tap Outdoor Walk or Outdoor Run. To set a goal before starting, tap the ... icon.
  4. Walk or run at your normal pace for about 20 minutes.

If you don't have time to finish the workout, you can complete 20 minutes over multiple outdoor Workout sessions. If you work out at different speeds, you should also calibrate for 20 minutes at each of the speeds that you walk or run.

Whenever you walk or run outside using the above steps, your Apple Watch continues to calibrate the accelerometer by learning your stride length at different speeds. Calibration can also improve the accuracy of your calorie calculations in the Workout app, and the calorie, distance, Move, and Exercise calculations in the Activity app. "


We are unfamiliar with Apple Watch working with the Fitbit app. We recommend that you contact Fitbit support.


Let us know if you have further questions.


Take care.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple Watch Series 8 recording steps

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.