Accuracy issue with Apple Watch Series 12 step and distance tracking

Some users reported similar issues when they started to use the new Apple Watch 12 or Ultra 4.

Apple introduced a new algorithm to estimate steps and distance during a workout in watchOS 27.

The watch will deliver better results again over time after a calibration and multiple workouts.

Calibrate your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

I walk 16,000 steps and got credit for 3.5 miles. You have got to be kidding. I’ll try and switch watch bands and I got the single strap loop which doesn’t fit tightly against my wrist. Still the steps are likely accurate, but the distance was way off.

@Ingo2711, that hasn't been my experience so far. The calibration of steps and distance in watchOS27 has been abysmal since release. Bad function doesn't get better with age; it just stays bad. And so it has. After a week of usage, my experience has remained the same. The step and distance calibration is essentially the same as in earlier OS versions for outdoor workouts. It is completely broken for indoor workouts.

I tried chat….. end result - there is an open ticket on this and also if you don’t need/use your phone while exercising leaving it behind or maybe just turning it off might help…..haven’t tried it yet (mostly because I want the distraction of an audio book and don’t feel safe going on a walk without my phone)

Recalibration hasn’t helped me. This is about a twenty - thirty percent effect for me which is large - especially with a monthly health challenge to walk a certain distance which is now beyond my reach while I am trying to gently rehab from an injury…. I have never seen an effect this big simply from switching watches

Updated WatchOS 27.0.1 This has not resolved the issue of indoor step and distance tracking. My average pace was 13/mile. The app is showing it as 25.48/mile. Calorie count is showing less half of what it normally is.

Please sort this out!

I haven’t had a chance to try outdoors due to weather around here right now - but still seeing problem after update this am and various types of incantations like turning off calibration and watch and phone in various orders…. Debating turning widdershins three times and invoking a deity. Seriously though - this is a big enough error it shouldn’t be hard to fix

So it was cool enough to walk outside today - and I logged a one mile outdoor walk that recorded as a one mile outdoor walk and credited me with a one mile in the fitness app. To early to tell if I will now get correct readings for my indoor walk or for steps I don’t count as a workout….

I agree, recalibration hasn’t helped me either