suzannebogo

Q: doesn't count steps correctly

My apple watch doesn't count my steps as high as my fitbit

Posted on Apr 16, 2016 12:05 PM

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Q: doesn't count steps correctly

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  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 16, 2016 12:12 PM in response to suzannebogo
    Level 7 (33,905 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 16, 2016 12:12 PM in response to suzannebogo

    Hi Suzanne

     

    Activity-related estimations depend, in part, on your personal information. To check that this has been entered accurately:

     

    - On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch tab > Health > Edit.

     

    During general daily wear, the Activity app relies on your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer) to track movement for the purpose of recognising and crediting steps. For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your watch to swing naturally as you move around.

     

    Calibrating your watch also helps to improve the accuracy of various estimations (including steps) made by the Activity app and Workout app. More information and instructions for calibrating your watch are available via the link below.

     

    More information:

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

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Apr 16, 2016 1:38 PM in response to suzannebogo
    Level 9 (58,855 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 16, 2016 1:38 PM in response to suzannebogo

    suzannebogo wrote:

     

    My apple watch doesn't count my steps as high as my fitbit

    Which doesn't mean that the Apple Watch is incorrect. Or that the FitBit is correct.

     

    I have, for testing purposes, worn multiple different trackers at once and compared the data over time. What I discovered is that they rarely agreed in absolute numbers. However, the difference between them was generally consistent. What matters, for your health, isn't any specific number of steps but that you remain active and, if you're currently not very active, that you increase your activity level. I believe that's why Apple hasn't made steps a focus of the Apple Watch.

     

    Pick a device and focus on increasing your activity metric.

     

    Best of luck.