ovefromsweden

Q: How can improve accuracy of my distance?

I use my iWatch when running either together with my iPhone 6s or without. When using my iWatch without my iPhone during running the iWatch always underestimate the distance with approx. 10%. This is very annoying especially when I bought my iWatch just for the purpose not to need to bringa along my iPhone when running.

Can someone please advice how to fix this.


BR,

Ove

Apple Watch Sport 42mm

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 11:26 AM

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Q: How can improve accuracy of my distance?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Meg St._Clair,Apple recommended

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Apr 2, 2016 11:25 AM in response to ovefromsweden
    Level 9 (58,855 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 2, 2016 11:25 AM in response to ovefromsweden

    The watch is calibrated by using it with the phone while running. If you've already done that, there's not a whole lot else to do. The watch has no GPS of its own and relies solely on the accelerometer. It's always likely to be less accurate than a GPS based device.

     

    Try running a bit more with the phone.

  • by ovefromsweden,

    ovefromsweden ovefromsweden Apr 2, 2016 12:52 PM in response to Meg St._Clair
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 2, 2016 12:52 PM in response to Meg St._Clair

    Hi Meg,

     

    Thanks for your reply.

    I agree with you, iWatch miss GPS and that is the main reason for the lousy measurement when used without the phone. But I really think it is shame that the Apple engineers can't design better algoritms for one of the most vital functions of a sport watch, accurate measurements of distance.

    I run 2-3 times a week and my pace when running differs very little from time to time, 5 min/km, and I almost always run 10 km per time. I will say that I have brought with my phone with me 10-20 % of the times during running since I bought the watch in October last year.

     

    BR,

    Ove

     

    <Edited by Host>

  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 5, 2016 11:02 AM in response to ovefromsweden
    Level 7 (33,944 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 5, 2016 11:02 AM in response to ovefromsweden

    Hi Ove

     

    To improve the accuracy of estimations, it may help to reset your calibration data and start the process afresh.

     

    Calibration teaches your watch how your arm movements relate to your stride lengths at different speeds when you are running and/or walking. It does this by comparing data from the accelerometer with knowledge of actual distance and pace based on GPS (Location Services) data from your iPhone.

     

    For the best results, allow your arm to swing naturally both during calibration and afterwards, when running without your iPhone.

     

    To reset your calibration data:

     

    - On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Privacy > Motion & Fitness > tap on Reset Calibration Data.

     

    To calibrate your watch again, follow the instructions in the support article below, including:

     

    - Record Outdoor Walk and/or Outdoor Run workouts using the Workout app on your watch.

    - Do this for around 20 minutes at each of the speeds at which you normally walk or run.

    - Whilst doing so, take your iPhone with you, with Location Services turned on.

    - Hold or carry the iPhone as recommended in the instructions below.

    - Perform this activity on flat terrain with good GPS coverage.

     

    More information:

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

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by ovefromsweden,

    ovefromsweden ovefromsweden Apr 5, 2016 11:08 AM in response to ovefromsweden
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 5, 2016 11:08 AM in response to ovefromsweden

    Hi Jonathan,

     

    I have followed your instruction and received some improvement. Last Tuesday running home from work I had 9,94 km as distance when I had my phone with me Today without the phone and the same way between work and home the iWatch measured the distance to be 9,42 km. Approx. 6% difference is better than before the re-calibration.

    I assume that is more or less the best it gets without the support of GPS.

     

    Thanks,

    Ove

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 5, 2016 11:33 AM in response to ovefromsweden
    Level 7 (33,944 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 5, 2016 11:33 AM in response to ovefromsweden

    Hi Ove

     

    You are most welcome - thanks for following up!