How does the step tracking work on my Apple Watch?

As Apple Watch records my steps and elliptical workout, is it double-recording? In other words, it normally tracks steps (for example, 2,000 in 30 minutes) and then when I prompt Siri to track elliptical, is it picking up just elliptical steps or both routine steps taken as well as the workout, which would result in a double recording?


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Posted on Apr 29, 2024 8:10 AM

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1 reply

Apr 30, 2024 5:30 AM in response to Curiousity1313

On Google search I found this...


No, your Apple Watch shouldn't double-count steps when you start an elliptical workout.


Here's how it works:

  • Your Apple Watch tracks your steps throughout the day.
  • When you start an elliptical workout using Siri or the Workout app, the watch tracks the steps specifically taken during that exercise.
  • The Health app on your iPhone collects data from both sources and avoids double counting them. It will show you the total steps for the day, which will include:
    • Steps you took during regular activities
    • Steps counted during your elliptical workout


The Apple Watch is designed to intelligently track your activity and workouts to provide you with accurate data. When you initiate an elliptical workout using Siri or manually start it through the Workout app, the watch recognizes that you're engaging in a specific type of exercise and adjusts its tracking accordingly.


During an elliptical workout, the Apple Watch focuses on recording metrics relevant to that activity, such as your heart rate, distance covered, and calories burned, rather than simply counting steps. This means that it shouldn't double-count steps while you're actively engaged in an elliptical workout.


So, you can be assured that your total step count reflects your entire day's activity and not just the elliptical session.

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How does the step tracking work on my Apple Watch?

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