Amidabrian

Q: Calibrating the watch

Please can someone explain the best way of calibrating the watch.  Tried calling Apple support but no joy.

Regards

Brian

Posted on Apr 28, 2015 12:33 PM

Close

Q: Calibrating the watch

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by 22xxxWC,

    22xxxWC 22xxxWC Apr 28, 2015 12:51 PM in response to Amidabrian
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 28, 2015 12:51 PM in response to Amidabrian

    the apple website has a breakdown of it, but it really just says use it for 20 minuters.  ive run for well over that a couple of times w no better pace tracking so far

  • by Amidabrian,

    Amidabrian Amidabrian Apr 28, 2015 1:22 PM in response to 22xxxWC
    Level 1 (28 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 28, 2015 1:22 PM in response to 22xxxWC

    Yes I found the same thing. I use RunKeeper and Wahoo Fitness and I can safely say, after running 5k,  that that the watch is out by 2 to 3 hundred meters.  Hopefully this will improve with the more times I run.  Somehow I don't think so.  If it doesn't improve I will get on to support.

    Regards

    Brian

  • by Tokyo User,

    Tokyo User Tokyo User Apr 28, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Amidabrian
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 28, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Amidabrian

    I've gotten awful results from running from Workout app, but not for cycling.  Somehow, I don't think that running is using GPS or even built in steps.

    On today's outdoor run I did the following as Apple suggested:

    1) Wore the iPhone in an armband

    2) Ran outdoors on flat, mostly open surfaces

    3) set the workout app to open

     

    I did a regular 5.6km loop that I often do.  Apple Watch gave me 8.37 km!  So far, that's the only activity that I did this morning. The Apple watch shows 5.969 steps and total distance of 8.93 km!  5,969 is around 5.6 km.

  • by Matt_H.,

    Matt_H. Matt_H. Apr 29, 2015 5:56 PM in response to Amidabrian
    Community Specialists
    Apr 29, 2015 5:56 PM in response to Amidabrian

    Amidabrian,

     

    The following article may be helpful:

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

     

    You can calibrate your Apple Watch to improve the accuracy of your distance and pace measurements during walking or running workouts when GPS isn't available (such as when you walk or run outdoors without your iPhone, or use a treadmill).

    1. Bring your iPhone and your Apple Watch.
    2. Find an open, flat area outside that offers good GPS reception and clear skies.
    3. Hold your iPhone in your hand, or attach it to your body with an armband (preferably) or waistband.
    4. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch, and choose Outdoor Walk or Outdoor Run.
    5. Choose your goal, or select Open, and tap Start.
    6. Walk or run at your normal pace for about 20 minutes.

     

    Enjoy your new Apple Watch!

     

    -Matt

  • by Amidabrian,

    Amidabrian Amidabrian May 12, 2015 10:04 PM in response to Matt_H.
    Level 1 (28 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 12, 2015 10:04 PM in response to Matt_H.

    It is still out. How would recalibrate the watch. Or am I going to have to accept that watch is not that accurate on distances.

  • by nick101,

    nick101 nick101 May 12, 2015 11:33 PM in response to Amidabrian
    Level 5 (5,113 points)
    May 12, 2015 11:33 PM in response to Amidabrian

    You could reset the watch to factory (in the Settings app of the watch, or in the Watch app on the phone) and start again.

     

    There do seem to be differences between how the watch calculates distance compared to other apps, like RK, even though they're both using the phone's GPS. My personal experience is that the variations ar very small, so I'm not bothered, but everyone has different needs.

  • by NCSTATER,

    NCSTATER NCSTATER Jun 18, 2015 11:39 AM in response to nick101
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 18, 2015 11:39 AM in response to nick101

    It would be ideal if I could just run a distance and then tell the watch - hey, that was x.xx miles.  I could do that a couple of times.  I know the distances I run very reliably.  I really don't want to carry a 6-plus phone in an urban area to calibrate it.  There is too much risk of dropping it, getting it knocked out my sweaty hands, etc.  Seems like this would be the easier way to calibrate.  Can the developers work on that?!?

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Jun 18, 2015 6:17 PM in response to NCSTATER
    Level 9 (59,537 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 18, 2015 6:17 PM in response to NCSTATER

    NCSTATER wrote:

     

    It would be ideal if I could just run a distance and then tell the watch - hey, that was x.xx miles.  I could do that a couple of times.  I know the distances I run very reliably.  I really don't want to carry a 6-plus phone in an urban area to calibrate it.  There is too much risk of dropping it, getting it knocked out my sweaty hands, etc.  Seems like this would be the easier way to calibrate.  Can the developers work on that?!?

    Submit your feedback to Apple requesting such a feature here:

    http://www.apple.com/feedback